As a seasoned traveler I love to share my touring hints and tips with fellow globe trotters. Having visited most corners of our beautiful planet, enjoying its extensive rich tapestry of gastronomy, history, architecture, shopping, culture, flora and fauna one tends to discover homes from home, places to revisit, locations to share with loved ones, choice destinations for friends and family and sometimes that special spot which is best kept a secret.
- Tax Free shopping in the UKDave Dugdale / Foter.com / CC BY-SA
I usually uncover the odd location specific travel tips and I make it my mission to share with as many people as possible. The world is a much smaller place than in years passed, in part due to a shared knowledge, technology and economic changes. The latest surprising best kept secret I uncovered, (although not a secret at all, perhaps poorly promoted) is how easy it is to enjoy tax free shopping in the UK.
What is tax free shopping I hear you say. Well basically, GB tax free shopping means you will get the VAT (Value Added Tax) element of your purchase price refunded. Because this tax is used for social purposes in the GB, foreign residents can claim this tax back and therefore, shop Tax Free.
How to shop tax free in the UK
You maybe surprised to know (I was) that all travelers living in a country outside the EU, are able to shop tax-free at shops outside EU airports. In short we (the traveler) purchase goods as normal including the VAT (UK TAX) in the UK shop and then request a refund when eventually leaving the country with the goods.
However, please note that there are a few general restrictions. 1 You must be a resident of a non-EU country. 2 Your stay must be a maximum of 6 months when visiting the EU. 3 Any purchases are made three months prior to export. 4 The minimum spend limit for tax free refund is £30. 5 Only goods for personal use are eligible for the refund. 6 Services are not included, nor is food or drink that you consume during your stay 7 Travelers need to keep purchase receipts and visit Customs before leaving the EU to obtain an export validation stamp. 10 Receipts can then be sent back to the retailers for a refund request.
TIP: No stamp – No Refund
Now for the best part
I’ve found several tax free “expert” service providers that have an established network of like minded retailers, spanning many industries that are really switched on to tax free shopping services for us overseas visitors. This means that tax refund service is fairly effortless to use. My favourite service is GB TaxFree; it has an impressive pedigree of established retailer in its portfolio. Retailers include world class organisation such as Rolex, Bose and Faberge. The service seems to make the whole experience of claiming the tax back a very simple process.
My latest trip to the breathtaking city of London with my wife (shopping expert) meant that I had to flex my credit card especially due to a host of new designer labels opening up in London’s West End. (A must for shoppers, just ask my good lady). Apparently, we must return later this year, so that WE can treat ourselves to a make-over at a new beauty emporium, opening its doors for the first time in June with a champagne bar, blow-dry bar, nail bar and treatment rooms (ouch sounds expensive).
The reason for the trip was to celebrate my 40th birthday and more importantly to buy my present from The Watch Gallery in Knightsbridge, located at One Hyde Park, probably one of the most expensive buildings in the world housing the largest Rolex boutique of its kind in Europe. While I won’t reveal the ticket price for the purchase, I’m sure you can imagine the surprise on my face when the 20% tax saving form was presented to us.
The claim process couldn’t have been easier. Rolex provided an intuitive form to complete with the purchase details. When I arrive at customs when leaving the UK, I handed the friendly customs officer my completed form with my watch, passport and the receipt from Rolex (and a big smile for luck). The customs office duly validated my GB TaxFree claim form with a stamp. The “best part” I obtained a refund on the day in cash at the airport refund office. There are several offices available at both Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
Another successful trip and fantastic birthday present to enjoy and pass on to my children.
Author: Mark is a self-employed Travel writer. Well traveled and well heeled Mark loves to pass on great travel tips…. So guys start enjoying your GB TaxFree shopping today
