VAT on a TA

[joiedevivre]

If you make purchases ashore where do you claim your refund? Is there an office in Ponta Delagada????

[wasiii]

If you make purchases ashore where do you claim your refund? Is there an office in Ponta Delagada????

 

What do you mean by "VAT on a TA"?

 

wasiii

[Single Cruiser]

Spanish VAT charged onboard Epic for med cruises is not applicable on a TA once we have left Spanish waters.

 

Items purchased in Europe ( not ON the ship ) pre cruise then yes Azores is your exit from Europe to claim back assuming you have all the relevant forms filled in.

[kylenyc]

What do you mean by "VAT on a TA"?

TA = Transatlantic (cruise) or Travel Agent depending on the context (in this case the former)

VAT is Value Added Tax and it's an alternative to sales tax that is collected in many countries. Apparently it's possible to get a refund of VAT tax for purchases made in foreign countries from participating merchants.

 

Has anyone tried getting a VAT refund and it is worth the paperwork? Is there a minimum you need spend before it's allowed or worth the effort?

 

Edit: Found some info.

[kylenyc]

The info in the link pertains to cruises that do not leave the EU and TA's will be a little different. However, either way it seems that residents of countries outside of the EU can get a VAT refund for merchandise (not services) purchased from a single retail location totaling more than €90.16 EU (approx $120 US).

[Herb44]

We've been consistently told the minimum expenditure in a single store in a single day must be $100. The amount of VAT will differ per country. Its value to you in terms of the cash back vs. the paperwork and hassle is different for every person. Usually, you have a choice on how you wish to get your money back: cash now (in the currency of your choice); credit card refund; or a check. While it costs a bit to get the cash immediately, you are likely to find that is best if you are an infrequent international traveler. Good luck!!