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| What is V.A.T.? Why V.A.T. refund? |
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 V.A.T. is a value added tax which is included in the purchase price. This makes up to 13.79% of the price. The tax is used for social purposes in Spain and as a foreign resident you can hence, claim this tax back and therefore, shop Tax-free.
The European community laws established this right because the residents outside the EU paid their taxes in their own country, including purchases made in their travels abroad. The refund of the V.A.T. included in the final price of the purchases has the purpose of avoiding the double tax payment.
For a non EU resident traveller, any SPAIN REFUND Tax-Free shop is an advantage because you can benefit from sales as well as special offers. No need to wait for the Duty Free shops to buy certain items in the airports.
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| Why is the net V.A.T. 13.79% in Spain? |
In Spain the majority of articles are taxed with the 16% which is included in the final price. The net V.A.T. in that case is the 13.79% of the total price of the items.
There are reduced V.A.T. percentages for essential products, 7% for books, custom made glasses and some food products. There is as well a 4% V.A.T. for basic products as vegetables, milk, poultry, fish, bread etc.
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| What are the requirements of the law in Spain to return the V.A.T.? |
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1) To be a resident outside the E.U. (including tax exempt countries like Canary Islands, Ceuta, Melilla, Andorra Gibraltar etc.). Residents in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Finland, France, Netherlands, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, United Kingdom and Sweden, all E.U. countries, don't have the right to claim the V.A.T.
2) The minimum purchases must exceed 90.15€ in each establishment.
3) The traveller must export such goods within 3 months of purchase.
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| How do I reclaim the V.A.T.? Which are the steps for a traveller to obtain his V.A.T. refund? |
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Ask for your Spain Refund Cheque where-ever you see the Spain Refund Tax-free Shopping logo. When you leave EU simply have the cheque refunded by one of Spain Refund agents.
1) Claim in "Observaciones" section of your order, the tax rebate-able invoice or Tax-Free cheque in the moment of the purchase.
2) The Tax-Free cheque must be stamped in borders, always before the check-in. The residents in the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla must stamp their cheques in the arrival customs department instead of the departure.
3) Once the Tax-Free cheque is stamped you can claim your money in the Spain Refund cash agents in airports and borders. You can also get your money refunded by credit card or bank cheque; in that case you must post us the stamped cheque in the prepaid envelope given by the shop with the Tax-Free cheque.
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| Where can a Spain Refund Tax-Free Cheque be cashed?? |
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Cash refund agents:
In Spain:
- Madrid, Barajas Airport: BBVA bank in Terminal 1 - International departures.
- Madrid, Barajas Airport: AMEX in Terminal 1 - International departures.
- Barcelona, El Prat Airport: BBVA in Terminal A - International departures.
- Málaga Airport: Quick-Change in International departures.
- Algeciras Port: BBVA bank in passengers terminal, beside customs authorities.
- La Línea de la Concepción: BBVA bank on the border with Gibraltar
- La Seu D'Urgell: BBVA bank on the border with Andorra.
- Vigo Airport: Quick-Change in Main Hall.
- Valencia Airport: Quick-Change in Main Hall.
- Asturias Airport: Quick-Change in Main Hall.
- Ceuta: BBVA bank- Plaza. de Revellin 5
- Melilla: BBVA bank - Avenida Ejército Español 16
In Portugal:
- Lisboa Airport: Cotacambios - International departures.
- Porto Airport: Cotacambios - International departures.
- Faro Airport: Cotacambios - International departures.
- Madeira Airport: Cotacambios - International departures.
In United Kingdom:
- London, Heathrow Airport: Travelex Terminal 4
In France:
- Paris, Charles de Gaulle Airport: AMEX - International departures.
- París, Orly Airport: AMEX - International departures.
In Island:
- Keflavik Airport: Landsbanki - Departure lounge
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