>If you do make purchases in the UK (or other countries), most allow you to
>reclaim the Value Added Tax with a form. Keep your non-food receipts. Ask
>customs when coming in what the rules are.
>
>I think UK VAT is about 18%?
>
>Tom
It's not quite so easy. Vat is, I think, 17%. You can get Some of your VAT
back only from participating stores (probably about 100r so, after all
commissions, etc..). Most of them charge you a small fee. There are two
types of forms - one gives you cash on departure, the other by mail. Either
way, you have to be sure and show the items to customs BEFORE you check in
your luggage. Depending on the UK airport, you might only be able to show
the items to customs AFTER passing the check in - almost a catch 22. If you
have something big that you plan to send in your luggage, they'll let you
take it around, but it's a hassle. Don't forget to ask on CHECK IN to do
this! The easiest way it to just have something to show them in your carry
on. They're not that particular - they don't check to see that every part
is there, or even that the item matches - and sometimes they don't even ask
to see it - just the receipt. It's important to know that not all stores
will give you VAT back(the ones that do have a sticker in the window) and
that you will need your passport when you buy the item, and they have to
fill out a special form and give it to you to take to customs. Also,
remember that you only get the VAT back on your last flight out of Europe -
so if you're going from UK to France, for example, you have to show
everything to the French when you leave the EU. Despite the trouble, I've
saved a lot of money buying even used camera gear in Europe and getting the
VAT back - it amounts to a nice discount.
Benson
*********************************************
Benson Honig Ph.D.
University of Haifa
Graduate School of Business
Tel: 972-4-8249582
Fax: 972-4-8249194
Cellphone 053-748972
E-mail: benson@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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