Is claiming back tax on a purchase in the EU worth it?

[jonott]

Hi, does anyone have experience of claiming back tax on a purchase whilst in the EU? My wife is eyeing up a jewellery purchase in Paris in a few weeks’ time. We know we can reclaim some of the tax, but how does that work with UK customs, given there’s a £390 limit for ‘other goods’ when coming back home? The purchase cost would be substantially more than this. Making we wonder whether it’s worth it if we then only have to pay tax and duty at the UK end? Or am I missing something obvious? Thanks

[eeLee]

The process is the following:
- you turn up with your forms when exiting the EU
- show the forms and goods, get a stamp
- that's it - of course you don't get the full amount back and usually not on the spot but at an airport you might be able to collect the money there
- UK customs will expect you to present the goods and pay VAT......

In the end you should show UK C&E your purchases if over that amount anyway. If you go green, it's unlikely you will be snagged - as long as you have an honest face.....

[Whoozit]

I claimed the tax back on some ski boots bought in France just last week. The retailer emailed me a form with all the details filled in, all I had to do was go to an automated machine at the tax refund desk and scan a code.

[Far Cough]

The jewellers in Paris are all over it. They give you a form which you can scan at the departure point be it rail or flight and you get a refund back on your card a few weeks later.

Ask me how I know !!!!! It works out a lot cheaper than an equivalent purchase in a UK store. Never had any issues with customs

[jonott]

Thanks for all the advice!