I purchased several items in Italy which qualified for the VAT tax refund. All the paperwork was properly filled out. The only problem I had was that when I tried to get a customs stamp at ZRH (travelled by train from Italy to ZRH before returning home), I learned the hard way that Switzerland is not an EU member and they refused to stamp the paperwork. There are prominent signs on the paperwork and envelope that says NO STAMP=NO REFUND. The travelex rep at the ZRH airport suggested that I go to the Italian Consulate in NY to get the form stamped. Has anyone else had any luck with this? It would be a hassle to bring all my purchases there if this will not work but will do so if it will.

Also, if I do return to an EU country within the next 3 months and bring my purchases, will they stamp the forms?