Travel topic · Money
VAT and sales-tax refunds for tourists
If you shop in a VAT‑refund country, keep the tax‑free form, get it stamped at the airport, and submit it within 3 months; expect a 10‑15 % processing fee and 2‑8 weeks for the refund.
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Applies to
Quick guide to who can claim, how much you might get back, fees and typical processing times for VAT and sales‑tax refunds when you shop abroad.
Key facts
- Eligibility
- Non‑resident visitors who export goods purchased for personal use
- Typical refund ratecheck
- 70‑90 % of the VAT amount after processing fee
- Common feecheck
- 10‑15 % of the refunded amount, charged by the refund operator
- Processing timecheck
- 2‑8 weeks after claim is approved
- Form validitycheck
- Must be submitted within 3 months of purchase (check country‑specific)
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Who can claim
Most EU, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and some Asian countries offer a tax‑free scheme for non‑resident tourists who take goods out of the country.
You must be a visitor (passport shows a foreign residence) and the goods must leave the country within the allowed time, usually 3 months.
Do
- Carry your passport when you shop; the retailer will need the passport number for the tax‑free form.
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How to claim
1. Ask the retailer for a tax‑free form (often called a VAT refund form) and give your passport.
2. Keep the original receipt and the completed form together with the purchased items.
3. At the airport, present the goods, receipts and form to customs for a stamp before you check your luggage.
4. After stamping, drop the form in the refund operator’s box or scan it at a self‑service kiosk.
5. The operator will credit the refund to your credit card, bank account or send a cheque within the processing window.
Do
- Arrive at the airport early; customs stamping can take 10‑20 minutes during busy periods.
- If you have a long layover, you can often claim at the departure airport of the next leg.
Watch out
- Customs may refuse the stamp if the goods are not clearly visible or if the form is incomplete.
Show 3 sectionsHideCosts, fees and timing, Questions people ask, Related
Costs, fees and timing
Refund operators (Global Blue, Premier Tax Free, etc.) usually charge a 10‑15 % fee on the amount they return to you. Some retailers offer a “no‑fee” option if you submit the form directly to the tax authority.
The net refund you receive is typically 70‑90 % of the VAT paid, depending on the fee and the country’s VAT rate (often 20‑25 %).
Processing time varies: electronic refunds to a credit card often arrive in 2‑4 weeks, while mailed cheques can take 6‑8 weeks.
Do
- If you need the money quickly, choose credit‑card refund and keep the receipt of the electronic submission.
Watch out
- Refunds may be reduced or denied if the customs stamp is missing or if the claim is submitted after the allowed period.
SeeBest travel credit cards with no foreign transaction fees (US) Best no‑fee travel cards for the UK, Canada, Australia, NZ and Ireland
Questions people ask
VAT and sales-tax refunds for tourists: what is the short answer?
Shop at participating stores, get a tax‑free form, have it stamped at departure, and expect a 10‑15 % fee with a 2‑8 week refund window.
Who does it apply to?
Non‑resident visitors who export purchased goods within the country’s allowed time (usually 3 months) and keep the required paperwork.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
Operators charge 10‑15 % of the VAT amount; the net refund is about 70‑90 % of the tax paid. Refunds arrive in 2‑4 weeks to a credit card or 6‑8 weeks by cheque.
Can I claim for services (e.g., hotel stays or restaurant meals)?
Generally no. VAT refunds are limited to tangible goods that leave the country; services consumed locally are not eligible.
What if I lose the receipt or the customs stamp?
A claim is usually rejected without the original receipt and a valid customs stamp. Some operators allow a digital copy, but the risk of denial is high.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check and were last checked Sep 2026
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