We are going on holiday to France and England and will inevitably be buying stuff. I would like to be able to claim the tax back. I have read about Global Refund system but they do not operate in all shops.
Is there a way of claiming tax back from shops that don't use this system. In particular I am thinking of buying some clothes for me from a particular small shop in London and then at the end of the hols we will be finally flying out of Paris.
Any comments/help on this process are gratefully received!
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If you mean claiming VAT Back
http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageVAT_ShowContent&id=HMCE_CL_000159&propertyType=document
Everything you want to know about the scheme, I think the only way to claim VAT back is if the shop is part of the VAT Retail export scheme.
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"I think the only way to claim VAT back is if the shop is part of the VAT Retail export scheme."
The only easy and practical way is to do it in stores with the scheme.
1. At the store, make sure they fill in the form and you get it. Also, the goods have to be kept sealed but for practical reasons they're not sticklers on this one.
2. At the airport, in theory you will need to show the goods to the tax free refund desk. However a lot of the desks are inside security. Ask the airline agent before you check your bags. They can tell you what you need to do.
3. You need to be able to prove residence in a non EU country when at the refund desk.
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Another alternative - maybe the shop can send the goods to HKG by post. Since the shop delivers outside of EU the shop can directly deduct the VAT from your invoice. Clothing is not too heavy and the VAT often easily pays for posting and more. The best thing - you don't have to carry it yourself...
Check with the shop first though, whether they are willing to accomodate you.
Good luck
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Thanks for the info.
3. You need to be able to prove residence in a non EU country when at the refund desk.
What documents are required. Will HK ID do?
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Usually there is a minimum under which they won't grant you DETAX unless you are in a duty free area (inside the airport only)...
I think in France it's sth arount 200 euros, paid in one go in the same shop....
maybe you should check in big dept. store duty free services dept. They'll tell you their conditions..
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"3. You need to be able to prove residence in a non EU country when at the refund desk.
What documents are required. Will HK ID do?"
Most likely yes. My Green Card was enough when I lived in the US, even though I had an EU passport.
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