Is Terminal 5 airside Boots actually tax free now?
Dec 19, 2018, 12:10 am
#16
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: TLS/London
Programs: BA Gold, SPG Plat
Posts: 442
When you get to the counter, you hand over you boarding pass and if flying outside the EU, a discount is applied equivalent to the vat. Note some items may be zero rated or incur a different rate but for cosmetics, it's 20%.
Some more info https://www.independent.co.uk/travel...-a7628956.html
Some more info https://www.independent.co.uk/travel...-a7628956.html
Dec 19, 2018, 12:42 am
#17
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: london
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 266
It was actually one of the sales assistant that told me the first time. If you're female and hesitate at Boots for even a second, someone will approach and try and sell you the latest wonder cream from their own range. As I was flying out to the far east she pointed out i would save even more because of vat exemption. Since then I stock up on certain things as long as I'm checking in buggage on the way back.
Note there are two branches of Boots so if they are out of stock in one, it's worth trying the other.
Note there are two branches of Boots so if they are out of stock in one, it's worth trying the other.
Dec 19, 2018, 1:47 am
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Programs: CX Green, QF Platinum, BAEC Silver, Hyatt Glob
Posts: 10,780
There are some things at the airport that aren’t the same price. Specifically, electric toothbrushes. Usually they are 50% off in the store but you won’t find that discount at the airport.
Jan 2, 2019, 9:09 am
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: London
Programs: Newbie BA Gold
Posts: 570
Just to report back and confirm that airside Boots is indeed VAT free. I bought hundred odd pounds worth of vitamins (I know, I know), all scanned through at 3 for 2, then simply had VAT deducted off the final figure. They are more than triple the price in the far east so I will be buying all required vitamins at Heathrow in the future.