JLMoran Posted September 28, 2019 Report Share Posted September 28, 2019 I've read how you can get a refund of any VAT paid in European ports for things you buy locally / off-ship, like jewelry or other goods. Does the same apply for any VAT charged as part of the purchase price for a third-party shore excursion? Just purchased tickets for a small-group tour of the Golden Circle area south of Reykjavik, and it included 11% VAT in the price. I've checked the vendor's web site and don't see anything that indicates if VAT can be reclaimed for these purchases if I don't live in the EU. I'm guessing that if it's not mentioned there then it's probably not refundable, but figured I'd ask the experienced overseas travelers to confirm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mljstr Posted September 30, 2019 Report Share Posted September 30, 2019 My opinion is that it is refundable for goods purchased that you are taking back to the US but not for food/ beverages and I assume services like a tour that are consumed or used. But I could be wrong. It's a royal pain to try to get it back anyway. JLMoran and KristiZ 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLMoran Posted September 30, 2019 Author Report Share Posted September 30, 2019 Thanks, @Mljstr. It makes sense, and kind of what I guessed would be the case. Understood it's your opinion and not confirmed fact, but still appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChessE4 Posted September 30, 2019 Report Share Posted September 30, 2019 4 hours ago, JLMoran said: Thanks, @Mljstr. It makes sense, and kind of what I guessed would be the case. Understood it's your opinion and not confirmed fact, but still appreciated. And the last time we were in Canada, there was a $$ limit -- all of the purchases needed to be from the same store with the total at the required threshold. JLMoran 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray Posted October 2, 2019 Report Share Posted October 2, 2019 https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/individuals/travelling/travellers-leaving-eu/guide-vat-refund-visitors-eu_en Here you go joe, full rules regarding claim back VAT. JLMoran 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLMoran Posted October 3, 2019 Author Report Share Posted October 3, 2019 Thanks, @Ray! And per that document, the key statement (emphasis added): Quote Can all goods be bought VAT-free? No. There are some goods that do not qualify. The facility is intended for goods that could in principle be carried in personal luggage. Goods that have to be exported as freight, for example, and cars and yachts are excluded. Some countries may also exclude other categories of goods. So as guessed by @Mljstr, something that is immediately "consumed" while in the EU cannot have the VAT refunded. KathyC 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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