Vat Refund?

[phabric]

We will be staying 5 days in London/Southampton. Will we be able to get a VAT refund since we are visitors? What can we get a refund on? How do we go about getting a refund?

[handfordr]

We will be staying 5 days in London/Southampton. Will we be able to get a VAT refund since we are visitors? What can we get a refund on? How do we go about getting a refund?

 

In general you cannot get a refund on VAT on things you use in the UK, like hotels, food, theatre, travel or any services etc.

 

You can get a refund on some physical goods that you physically take out of the country and have purchased and don't 'consume' in the UK. You also have to purchase from a shop that supports the scheme and will provide you with the correct documentation to claim back the VAT.

[Globaliser]

And to claim back the VAT, most visitors will take the goods with them to the airport so that the documentation can be certified by Customs before they are either checked-in (if packed in checked baggage), or carried on board the aircraft. Thereafter, the actual refund process depends partly on choice; many people opt for getting the cash back straight away although it's a fair rule of thumb that the faster and more immediate (eg cash) the payment, the more the middlemen will each want their cut of the refund.

[lord of the seas]

You do have to spend a minimum of £100 to qualify in some stores

[Globaliser]

FWIW, I've had a chance to dig up some official references to this:-VAT refunds for travellers departing from the European Community (EC) (PDF, 45KB)VAT Retail Exports (PDF, 280KB)

The second of these is more comprehensive because it's directed at retailers rather than travellers (the intended target of the first).

[phabric]

Thank you for the helpful information.

[skisteamboat]

With the purchase minimum and the need to process it at the airport, I have never taken advantage of this. The major department stores, Harrod's Selfridge's etc. have specific departments that will help with VAT if you make some major purchases.

 

Cheers