Europe is a shopping paradise for luxury brands! But do you understand the tax refund policies of each country? This time, we'll tell you about the tax refund percentages and amount thresholds of various European countries, as well as the basic steps for applying for a tax refund, so you can easily protect your wallet!
Tax refund rate and threshold
Arrived in Europe, look for the Tax Free sign at the store entrance, as long as you purchase a designated amount, show your passport, you will receive a tax refund proof and receipt from the store, and finally remember to process the tax refund at the airport. However, before tax refund, don't open the goods in advance! Below are the tax refund thresholds and rates for each European country:
Tax calculation can be quite complicated. Many people are puzzled why the actual amount of tax refund differs from the advertised tax refund rate. This is because the calculation method is not as straightforward as one might think. However, these matters are usually handled by a tax refund company, but this incurs an additional processing fee.
For example:
A Louis Vuitton bag worth 2000 Euros purchased in Finland has a maximum tax refund rate of 24%. Theoretically, the amount you could receive as a tax refund is:
2000 * 24% / (1 + 24%) = 387
According to your imagined tax refund calculation method, the actual tax refund rate would be:
387 / 2000 = 19.35%
However, there is also the issue of processing fees, so in the end, you might receive only 17% or even lower.
Tax refund method selection
**Cash Refund:**
Cash is the most secure way to receive a tax refund, you are guaranteed to receive the full amount, but the processing fee is higher. The amount is calculated according to the airport counter exchange rate.
**Credit Card Refund:**
Using a credit card for a tax refund allows you to receive almost the entire refund amount. Only certain regions or airports may charge a processing fee. After getting your customs stamp at the airport, you can send out the refund form. It's recommended to take a picture before sending it out to facilitate tracking later!
**On-Site Refund at Stores:**
Getting a cash refund directly at stores in the city is convenient, but you need to use a credit card as collateral and get your customs stamp at the airport within two weeks of departure. If you don't complete all the steps, the refund amount will be deducted from your credit card.
Tax return form filling
The tax return form will require the following information: passport number, passport English name, English residential address, city and country, email, and signature. Be sure to double-check all the information entered before submitting!
Tax refund required documents
When applying for a tax refund, you must present a valid passport and shopping receipts, fill out the tax refund form correctly, and bring the goods you want to refund. It is recommended that you collect receipts and fill out the forms carefully during your trip to avoid any omissions.
European VAT refund process
**Store:**
Tell the cashier you need a tax refund when checking out and take the tax refund form to fill out correctly.
**Airport:**
Submit your tax refund documents, make sure the customs stamp is on the tax refund form, and submit the tax refund form to the tax refund company. If you don't want to handle it at the airport, you can mail it later.
Europe travel credit card recommendations
That's the complete tax refund procedure. By now, you should have discovered that credit cards can get back almost the entire tax refund amount, and with longer travel days in Europe, shopping becomes much more convenient. So which card is best for shopping in Europe? Here are a few recommendations:
* Sinopec Motion Credit Card
* HSBC Visa Signature
* Hang Seng MMPOWER
For detailed information, check out our European Travel Credit Card Recommendations, up to 10% foreign currency rebates!
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