If you’ve ever come home from a holiday and wondered whether you could claw back some of the money you spent abroad, the answer is often yes, provided you know the rules. Claiming VAT back on holiday purchases can feel like one of those insider travel tricks that isn’t explained particularly well. But once you understand how it works, it’s a straightforward way to save money, especially if you’ve spent a fair bit while you were away.
Here’s everything you need to know; which countries offer refunds, what you can claim for, and how to actually get your money back.
Why you can reclaim the tax
VAT (Value Added Tax) is a sales tax added to goods and services in most countries, and as a UK resident travelling abroad, you’re often eligible to reclaim this tax on certain purchases because you’re taking those goods out of the country.
So, if you buy something abroad and export it home, you may not need to pay the local sales tax on it. However, this only applies in countries that offer tourist refund schemes and only for specific types of purchases.
Which countries let you claim VAT back?
Many popular holiday destinations operate VAT refund schemes for non-residents.
You can usually claim VAT back in:
- EU countries (France, Spain, Italy, Germany, etc.)
- Norway and Switzerland
- Turkey
- Japan
- South Korea
- Thailand
- UAE (including Dubai and Abu Dhabi)
Since Brexit, UK travellers are treated as non-EU visitors in Europe, which means you’re once again eligible for VAT refunds in EU countries.
But take care as each country sets its own rules, including:
- Minimum spend thresholds
- Eligible goods
- How refunds are processed
So while the general idea is the same, the details can vary.
What purchases are eligible?
You can’t claim VAT back on everything, but it’s worth checking as a lot of items do qualify.
Typically including:
- Clothing and fashion items
- Electronics (phones, laptops, cameras)
- Jewellery and watches
- Cosmetics and beauty products
- Souvenirs and gifts
Usually not eligible:
- Accommodation (hotels, car rentals)
- Food and drink (restaurants, cafes)
- Transport (taxis, trains, car hire)
- Services (spa treatments, tours, experiences)
- Items you’ve already used before leaving
The key rule is that the goods must be exported unused. If you buy something and start using it during your trip, it may no longer qualify.
How much can you get back?
VAT rates differ depending on the country, but they typically range from 10% to 25%.
You won’t usually receive the full amount back as some fees and charges are deducted:
- Refund providers take a commission
- Currency exchange can reduce the total
- Some retailers charge admin fees
In reality, you’re likely to get back around 5% to 15% of the purchase price, but the higher the value of your purchase, the more worthwhile the refund becomes.
How to claim VAT back
The process is fairly consistent across most countries. The key is knowing what to do when.
1. Ask for a VAT refund form in the shop
When you make a purchase, tell the retailer you’d like a VAT refund form (often called a “tax-free form”).
You’ll need to show:
- Your passport
- Proof that you live outside the country
The retailer should give you the necessary paperwork – keep it safe as you will need it at your departure airport
2. Keep all receipts and documents
You’ll need:
- The VAT refund form
- The original purchase receipt
- The goods themselves
Everything must match up, so it’s worth keeping everything together.
3. Get a customs stamp at the airport
Before leaving the country (or the EU, if travelling within it), you must visit a customs desk at the airport.
You’ll need to:
- Present your purchases
- Show your receipts and the forms
- Have the paperwork stamped
This stamp is essential as it proves the goods are being exported. Without it, your claim won’t be processed.
4. Submit your claim
Once your forms are stamped, you can:
- Drop them in a refund box at the airport
- Or take them to a refund desk (such as Global Blue or Planet)
You’ll usually be given a choice between:
- Cash at the airport – quicker, but often lower value
- Card refund later – slower, but potentially higher payout
Common mistakes to avoid
It’s easy to miss out on a refund if you don’t follow the process carefully. Watch out for these common issues:
- Not asking for the VAT form at the time of purchase – Remember this as you usually can’t request one later.
- Running out of time at the airport – Customs queues can be long, especially during peak travel periods.
- Packing items in checked luggage – You may need to show them before checking in, keep them with your carry-on luggage.
- Using the items before leaving – This can invalidate your claim.
- Not meeting the minimum spend – Many countries require a minimum purchase amount to qualify.
Is it worth your while?
That depends on how much you’ve spent.
- Smaller purchases (under £100) may not be worth the effort
- Mid-range spending (£300–£500) can make it worthwhile
- High-value purchases (£1,000+) are where you’ll see the biggest benefit
If you’ve bought luxury items, electronics or designer goods, claiming VAT back can make a noticeable difference.
A final tip: plan ahead
If you’re heading somewhere known for shopping, Paris, Milan,then it’s worth factoring VAT refunds into your plans.
Before you go:
- Check the country’s VAT refund rules
- Find out the minimum spend
- Allow that extra time at the airport
A bit of preparation can make the process much smoother and ensure you don’t leave money behind.
If you’re travelling abroad, there’s a good chance you can reclaim VAT on goods you bring home, you just need to follow the correct steps. It’s not automatic, and it does take a bit of effort. But for larger purchases, it can be well worth it and a useful way to offset the cost of your trip!
If you have any thoughts on this topic, or any other consumer issues you would like us to cover, feel free to get in touch with us at support@resolver.co.uk