VAT Refund at Schiphol
Nov 24, 2016, 7:52 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2007
Location: MCI/ORD/CDG
Programs: AA Exec Plat, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 771
VAT Refund at Schiphol
I will be in Amsterdam for a day (Dec 10, 2016). While there, I will be ordering some custom made suits. I'll be picking up the completed suits on January 29, 2017 when I'm back again in Amsterdam. Do you think I can get my VAT refund when I leave Amsterdam (for the US) on Dec 11? Or should I get the VAT refund on Jan 30 when I leave Amsterdam after picking up the suits?
Nov 24, 2016, 9:24 am
#2
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Heraklion, Greece
Posts: 7,565
I will be in Amsterdam for a day (Dec 10, 2016). While there, I will be ordering some custom made suits. I'll be picking up the completed suits on January 29, 2017 when I'm back again in Amsterdam. Do you think I can get my VAT refund when I leave Amsterdam (for the US) on Dec 11? Or should I get the VAT refund on Jan 30 when I leave Amsterdam after picking up the suits?
Nov 24, 2016, 2:14 pm
#4
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: CPT,AMS
Posts: 4,412
Officially you can only get a VAT refund when you take the items with you outside the EU, to enforce that the customs officer may ask you to show the items (along with your passport and ticket/boarding pass), so there is no point in trying before you actually have them with you. (though there is always a chance you will not be asked to show them)
For the same reason, make sure you go to get the customs stamp before you drop your luggage
For the same reason, make sure you go to get the customs stamp before you drop your luggage