In the UK and a few surrounding countries, there are many tax free shops and anyone who is visiting from outside the EU is entitled to shop there. Some shops display the tax free goods logo outside to let you know that they take part in this scheme. To be eligible for this tax discount you must be a resident of a country outside the EU. And that is basically the reason why people from outside the European Union love coming to the UK to save money on shopping.

You can claim the tax you’ve paid on your purchases back only when you spend a minimum amount in a participating shop. This minimum amount varies from shop to shop and from country to country. When you’ve made your purchases and spent at least the minimum amount to qualify for your tax refund, you will have to get your tax-free cheque stamped at customs on your way out of the country. Once you have had it stamped and approved there are many ways for you to claim your tax back, many people have the refund credited to a card or directly to their bank account.

Shopping in the UK has never been so opportunistic for people from outside the EU, so if you are from outside the EU and are planning a trip to the UK, you should be sure to allow space in your luggage to keep items that you have bought in tax free shops separate from your other goods.

Claiming your tax back is very simple, when in the tax free shop in the UK, you should ask the shop assistant for a tax free cheque (after having spent the minimum amount of course) and then when you go through customs before leaving the UK, you should get the cheque stamped by the customs officer for approval, and then upon arriving at your destination airport, you should show your stamped refund cheque along with your passport and credit card to get the full amount of tax you paid credited back to your card or to your bank account.

This tax free shopping scheme was created for the benefit of tourists from countries outside the EU who visit the UK or another European participating country.

Tags: Travel Tips

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