Travelling to Europe this Summer? Did you know that UK residents can now enjoy tax free shopping in Europe? Read on to find out how you can make some serious savings.
Tax Free Shopping in Europe for British Residents
Now that international travel is reopening, British residents visiting Europe can shop tax free in Europe. Combined with the favourable exchange rate of the pound with the euro, this should help to stretch your holiday money much further.
Among the European destinations set to be in demand with Brits this Summer are Madeira in Portugal, the Balearic Islands in Spain and Iceland which are all currently on the Green country list. Countries on the Amber country list such as Croatia, Cyprus, Greece and Portugal are also likely to experience increased footfall if quarantine restrictions eventually loosen for fully vaccinated people.
What Is Tax Free Shopping?
This Tax Free Shopping scheme allows shoppers resident in the UK to claim back VAT applied on their purchases when they shop within the EU and export those goods back home. The list of goods that you can bring back is quite extensive, with cosmetics, jewellery, food and drink, fashion and technology all qualifying.
Many high street and luxury brands offer Tax Free Shopping, including Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton, Moncler and Burberry. Post-Brexit, the new Tax Free Shopping eligibility gives savings of up to 19%.
How Does Tax Free Shopping Work?
In order to reclaim the VAT on their goods, international shoppers need to follow three simple steps:
- SHOP: Use the Global Blue app to find stores offering VAT refunds. At checkout, you will need to show your passport and ask for Tax Free.
- VALIDATE: As you return home, you must validate your Tax Free Form with the validation kiosks at departure or at Customs. In France, Italy, Portugal and Spain, digital validation of tax free forms is available at airports when leaving the EU.
- REFUND: Save time by adding your credit card to the Global Blue app. The VAT refund will then be paid automatically. Alternatively, you can find nearby Refund Offices at departure, using the Global Blue app.
Who Is Eligible for Tax Free Shopping in Europe?
Following Brexit, residents of the United Kingdom from England, Scotland and Wales are now eligible for Tax Free Shopping at stores in Europe.
Tax Free Shopping in Europe Facts
According to a survey of more than 500 UK shoppers by Global Blue, UK residents make over 70 million outbound trips to Europe each year and spend a total of €40Bn. 60% of British residents would increase their European shopping budget by around 50%, due to the VAT refund savings.
UK tourists intend to purchase accessories and clothing (71%), perfume and cosmetics (47%), together with alcohol and wine (45%) during their European trips. Affluent travellers are most willing to travel to Europe this Summer at 35% compared to an average of 25% for all UK tourists.
This research found that Spain (31%), Greece (11%), Italy (9%) and Portugal (9%) are the most popular European destinations for UK holidaymakers.
About Global Blue
Global Blue is a pioneer of Tax-Free Shopping, who has helped 13 million international shoppers to claim back VAT on goods purchased at 300,000 points of sale for over 40 years.
For further information on where and how to shop Tax Free in the EU, and to find out the different requirements in each EU country, visit globalblue.com.
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