Jan 8, 2015, 10:58 am
Last edit by: Paul4Travel
COLOMBIA
Most of these posts are for purchases, but this is on your airline ticket itself.
There is about a US$70 equivalent refund if you stay less than 90 days in the country. It is for a tax that is charged when you purchase the ticket and is refunded in Colombian Pesos on the spot.
BUT, we have found sometimes the airline doesn't pay you if you do not know you are entitled to this! They have you get the form from the Customs window, have you sign the form and then they are SUPPOSED TO HAND YOU THE PESOS IN CASH.
ICELAND
You can get a tax rebate when you buy in one place for a minimum of ISK4000 (approx us$ 35-40 )
You can get the money at several location in town + at the Airport.
IRELAND
In Ireland, non EU citizens get the VAT back (sales tax) on purchases that are taken out of Europe.
You also get your VAT back if you are foreign & studying here and you buy anything in the 3 months before you leave, processed under the same system.
You get a card to make it simple.
Here's more info...
https://www.shoptaxfree.com/tourists/am-i-eligible/
There is even an iPhone app to help you claim back your Tax (up to 21%!)
TAIWAN
‧Requirements for VAT Refund
1. Foreign travelers holding passports from countries other than the R.O.C., travel documents or R.O.C. passports without personal ID numbers attached.
2. Foreign travelers who make purchases of at least NT$3,000 on the same day from the same Tax Refund Shopping (TRS)-posted store, are eligible for a refund of the 5% VAT paid on those purchased goods. To claim the refund, they must apply at the port of their departure from the R.O.C. within 30 days following the date of purchase, and they must take the purchased goods out of the country with them.
http://eng.taiwan.net.tw/m1.aspx?sNo=0002064#h8
TANZANIA
Further details here http://www.tra.go.tz/index.php/refund-to-non-citizens
THAILAND
Thailand has a VAT refund for all merchandise taken out of the country. There is a minimum purchase (don't remember the number, but it's small on any day, the value of goods purchased at each participating store shall not be less than 2,000 baht, including VAT. The total amount claimed for refund must not be less than 5,000 baht, including VAT.), you get a form from the merchant and you have to show the merchandise at the airport before you check in. After that you get the refund inside the secure area after customs and immigration. For tax refunds of under 30,000 Baht, payment can be made to you in Thai Baht, bankers draft or to your credit card account. For cash payments, a 100 Baht processing fee will be deducted from the money refunded to you. If you are claiming back an amount in excess of 30,000 Baht, payment will be made by bank draft or credit card account. For refunds made by bank draft, the fee is 100 Baht plus the appropriate fees charged by the issuing bank.
Other details:http://www.rd.go.th/vrt/
Most of these posts are for purchases, but this is on your airline ticket itself.
There is about a US$70 equivalent refund if you stay less than 90 days in the country. It is for a tax that is charged when you purchase the ticket and is refunded in Colombian Pesos on the spot.
BUT, we have found sometimes the airline doesn't pay you if you do not know you are entitled to this! They have you get the form from the Customs window, have you sign the form and then they are SUPPOSED TO HAND YOU THE PESOS IN CASH.
ICELAND
You can get a tax rebate when you buy in one place for a minimum of ISK4000 (approx us$ 35-40 )
You can get the money at several location in town + at the Airport.
IRELAND
In Ireland, non EU citizens get the VAT back (sales tax) on purchases that are taken out of Europe.
You also get your VAT back if you are foreign & studying here and you buy anything in the 3 months before you leave, processed under the same system.
You get a card to make it simple.
Here's more info...
https://www.shoptaxfree.com/tourists/am-i-eligible/
There is even an iPhone app to help you claim back your Tax (up to 21%!)
TAIWAN
‧Requirements for VAT Refund
1. Foreign travelers holding passports from countries other than the R.O.C., travel documents or R.O.C. passports without personal ID numbers attached.
2. Foreign travelers who make purchases of at least NT$3,000 on the same day from the same Tax Refund Shopping (TRS)-posted store, are eligible for a refund of the 5% VAT paid on those purchased goods. To claim the refund, they must apply at the port of their departure from the R.O.C. within 30 days following the date of purchase, and they must take the purchased goods out of the country with them.
http://eng.taiwan.net.tw/m1.aspx?sNo=0002064#h8
TANZANIA
Further details here http://www.tra.go.tz/index.php/refund-to-non-citizens
THAILAND
Thailand has a VAT refund for all merchandise taken out of the country. There is a minimum purchase (
Other details:http://www.rd.go.th/vrt/
List Countries Here in Which Visitors May Be Eligible to Receive a Rebate
Dec 30, 2004, 9:26 pm
#1
Moderator: Hilton Honors forums
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Marietta, Georgia, United States
Posts: 24,996
List Countries Here in Which Visitors May Be Eligible to Receive a Rebate
I do not know of a centralized resource (FlyerTalk or otherwise) where one can access a list of countries that offer a rebate (cash, tax or otherwise) to visitors.
For example, I was in Italy twice and did not know that that country had a program.
The purpose of this thread is to give visitors of foreign nations, territories and other autonomous governments and regions a list of countries that offer a rebate of any sort, as well as a list of qualifications to apply for that rebate.
With the help of other FlyerTalk members, this thread will become quite a comprehensive list of resourceful information that may be quite useful to FlyerTalk members who could gain valuable knowledge and legally profit from it.
For example, I was in Italy twice and did not know that that country had a program.
The purpose of this thread is to give visitors of foreign nations, territories and other autonomous governments and regions a list of countries that offer a rebate of any sort, as well as a list of qualifications to apply for that rebate.
With the help of other FlyerTalk members, this thread will become quite a comprehensive list of resourceful information that may be quite useful to FlyerTalk members who could gain valuable knowledge and legally profit from it.
Last edited by Canarsie; Nov 30, 2007 at 8:39 pm Reason: The original information posted here now seems to be outdated and obsolete.
Dec 31, 2004, 7:25 am
#2
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: DCA
Posts: 1,413
Dec 31, 2004, 8:17 am
#3
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: MSY
Programs: NW Gold and now Delta Gold
Posts: 3,072
Louisiana, in the United States
As our sales tax is very high, it is well for the international visitors to avail themselves of our tax rebate program for international visitors.
http://www.louisianataxfree.com/
Enjoy your shopping! Royal Street (French Quarter) is too overpriced but Magazine Street (uptown) is lots of fun and I would not pass by the Riverwalk which, OK, the usual mall stuff, but in a pretty setting overlooking the Mississippi River and a fun place to gather. Very convenient to Harrah's and the Aquarium, so after you win a big jackpot at Harrah's you can stroll over and do some shopping.
The website claims we are the only one of the 50 states to offer a tax rebate to international visitors. I have no idea if this is true, but since sales taxes are high, and prices fairly low, in Louisiana, then you should be getting a very good deal if you like to shop.
http://www.louisianataxfree.com/
Enjoy your shopping! Royal Street (French Quarter) is too overpriced but Magazine Street (uptown) is lots of fun and I would not pass by the Riverwalk which, OK, the usual mall stuff, but in a pretty setting overlooking the Mississippi River and a fun place to gather. Very convenient to Harrah's and the Aquarium, so after you win a big jackpot at Harrah's you can stroll over and do some shopping.
The website claims we are the only one of the 50 states to offer a tax rebate to international visitors. I have no idea if this is true, but since sales taxes are high, and prices fairly low, in Louisiana, then you should be getting a very good deal if you like to shop.
Originally Posted by chtiet
Dec 31, 2004, 8:52 am
#4
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: The People's Republik of MSN
Programs: After years of status, back to Peon levels. Anti-Apostheid Platinum, PWP CentCom
Posts: 4,767
Australia
Australia
Tourist Refund Scheme
Typically, you'll make your claim at the TRS office, which is generally located just past the immigration/customs/security checkpoint. According to the website, claims will be paid out in the following ways:
Many stores (jewelers in particular) offer tax-free shopping (ie, subtract 10% off the prices you see). Typically, this will entail you filling out a form at the time of purchase. Your merchandise will be placed in a sealed bag. It must stay in that sealed bag until you've reached the customs/immigration departure point prior to security screening. At that point, they'll collect the tax invoice, and you can move the item(s) into your normal carry-on baggage.
For all the details, visit http://www.customs.gov.au/ - check out the "quick guide to customs for travellers" section.
Tourist Refund Scheme
- Spend at least A$300 in a single store and get a single tax invoice (receipt). If you've made multiple purchaes at a single store which combined would exceed $A300, you must request that the store consolidate those purchaes into a single tax invoice.
- You can collect the refund from multiple stores; however, each store's purchase(s) must exceed A$300.
- Buy goods within 30 days of departure
- Wear or carry the goods as you're clearing customs/immigration at departure (ie, no checked baggage)
- Make the claim >30 minutes before your departure
- Some items are specifically excluded, including beer and spirits (but not wine), so just buy them at the duty-free shop. Check the site using the link above for details.
Typically, you'll make your claim at the TRS office, which is generally located just past the immigration/customs/security checkpoint. According to the website, claims will be paid out in the following ways:
- Check
- Credit to an Australian bank account
- Payment to a credit card (they don't specify which, but I assume MC/V, possibly AmEx)
Many stores (jewelers in particular) offer tax-free shopping (ie, subtract 10% off the prices you see). Typically, this will entail you filling out a form at the time of purchase. Your merchandise will be placed in a sealed bag. It must stay in that sealed bag until you've reached the customs/immigration departure point prior to security screening. At that point, they'll collect the tax invoice, and you can move the item(s) into your normal carry-on baggage.
For all the details, visit http://www.customs.gov.au/ - check out the "quick guide to customs for travellers" section.
Jan 3, 2005, 1:32 pm
#7
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,419
New Zealand
GST on purchases
GST is 12.5% for all goods (except those exported by the supplier). In addition, alcohol and tobacco products have further levies.
GST on purchases
Unlike other Customs administrations, there is no provision for travellers to obtain a refund of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on their purchases when they leave the country.
In order to purchase goods without payment of GST, travellers are required to purchase from a duty free shop or arrange for the retailer/supplier to export the goods.
In order to purchase goods without payment of GST, travellers are required to purchase from a duty free shop or arrange for the retailer/supplier to export the goods.
Jan 3, 2005, 4:36 pm
#8
Senior Moderator; Moderator, Eco-Conscious Travel, United and Flyertalk Cares
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: Fulltime travel/mostly Europe
Programs: UA 1.7 MM;; Accor & Marriott Pt; Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 17,831
I've gotten VAT refunds throughout Europe - Norway, Sweden, Germany, Italy, France, Ireland, England, Spain. There are a lot more I'm not thinking of. In some countries - Italy especially - small shops tend to offer you a discount when you ask about the VAT refund because they'd just as soon avoid the paperwork (and often reporting the income). This has happened to me in other countries as well. It's always worth asking about.
While it's certainly good to make people aware of the VAT refund programs, I would suggest looking up the minimums and rules for where you're going just prior to your trip (Google's a big help). The minimum amounts you must spend in one shop to qualify tend to increase periodically. I suspect any specifics posted here will be out of date soon, unless someone wants to do some constant upkeep. ...
While it's certainly good to make people aware of the VAT refund programs, I would suggest looking up the minimums and rules for where you're going just prior to your trip (Google's a big help). The minimum amounts you must spend in one shop to qualify tend to increase periodically. I suspect any specifics posted here will be out of date soon, unless someone wants to do some constant upkeep. ...
Last edited by l etoile; Jan 3, 2005 at 4:41 pm
Jan 8, 2005, 10:56 am
#9
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,095
While things might change, I think this is a good thread & am glad it's a sticky.
I didn't know (until someone mentioned it verbally to me in passing a while back) that you can get rebate on hotel costs in Canada. While not huge, every $$ back is a $$ that can be used for future travel
I still haven't been able to find out if you can get VAT back on hotels in UK, so if anyone knows that answer please let me know as their VAT is pretty high. PS - I tried reading through a multiple-page legalese form on the internet & still couldn't figure it out.
Cheers. Sharon
I didn't know (until someone mentioned it verbally to me in passing a while back) that you can get rebate on hotel costs in Canada. While not huge, every $$ back is a $$ that can be used for future travel
I still haven't been able to find out if you can get VAT back on hotels in UK, so if anyone knows that answer please let me know as their VAT is pretty high. PS - I tried reading through a multiple-page legalese form on the internet & still couldn't figure it out.
Cheers. Sharon
Jan 9, 2005, 4:52 am
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Soon to be LEGT
Posts: 10,928
Originally Posted by SkiAdcock
I still haven't been able to find out if you can get VAT back on hotels in UK, so if anyone knows that answer please let me know as their VAT is pretty high.
And a general point about refunds that needs to be noted:
The EEA (EU+ Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and probably another country that I can't remember) is considered a single entity for tax rebate purposes. Therefore EEA residents are not eligible for tax rebates for goods/services purchased in another EEA country.
Jan 10, 2005, 2:12 am
#11
In Memoriam
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Switzerland/Atlanta,GA
Programs: Executive Club Gold/Frequence Plus Red
Posts: 1,756
Sorry, I am hopeless with formats and so on. Please have a look at those three pages, they might be of help.
http://www.vrc-vatrefund.com/chart_en.pdf
http://www.retourtax.com/faq.htm
http://usa.myswitzerland.com/en/navp...asure&id=28161
http://www.vrc-vatrefund.com/chart_en.pdf
http://www.retourtax.com/faq.htm
http://usa.myswitzerland.com/en/navp...asure&id=28161
Jan 11, 2005, 7:36 am
#12
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: DCA
Posts: 1,413
Originally Posted by SkiAdcock
I didn't know (until someone mentioned it verbally to me in passing a while back) that you can get rebate on hotel costs in Canada. While not huge, every $$ back is a $$ that can be used for future travel
Jan 17, 2005, 12:05 pm
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 1999
Programs: FB Silver going for Gold
Posts: 21,792
Thailand
Spend THB 2,000+ in the same (participating) store on the same day
Store has to fill out the rebate form
Minimum total purchase of THB 5,000 from all forms
If the goods are checked-in, have to present them to customs for inspection. If carry on, there's a rebate desk after immigration.
Tax is 7%.
Store has to fill out the rebate form
Minimum total purchase of THB 5,000 from all forms
If the goods are checked-in, have to present them to customs for inspection. If carry on, there's a rebate desk after immigration.
Tax is 7%.
Jan 19, 2005, 10:08 pm
#14
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: US expat somewhere south of Valpo, Chilezuela
Programs: On the way to lowly LATAM Gold, AA, MiClub Lider
Posts: 853
I've been waiting and waiting and no one has mentioned Argentina. I am not the expert on this so you might want to check out relevant posts on Gaucho100K's Buenos Aires thread in the South America forum.
Jan 19, 2005, 10:31 pm
#15
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: CVG
Programs: SQ PPS, DL Gold Medallion
Posts: 2,508
This site has information on tax-free shopping in 35 countries (Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Korea, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland/Liechtenstein, Turkey, UK):
http://www.globalrefund.com/
http://www.globalrefund.com/
Last edited by MovieMan; Feb 17, 2005 at 11:38 pm Reason: Added country list
