TAX-VAT Free shopping in Germany and
How to Claim TAX/VAT refund at Stuttgart Airport
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Country
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:Germany
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City
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:Stuttgart
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Tax refund claiming has been frequently asked question by those who are visiting Germany or Europe for short term (<3months)
There are instances that people claimed Tax free even when they are staying more than 3months but only for purchase done in last 3months of departure date. This depends on case to case basis and individual capability to convince customs officer. Irrespective of above below you can see how to claim your TAX/VAT on your shopping
Non EU residents who are leaving the EU zone can claim TAX refund for their purchases, provided if they meet following conditions
· Identity proof of Non –EU resident (Ex.: Passport with Visa)
Note In this context, it is not your nationality, but only your country of residence is relevant. For example, a Swiss national living in Germany cannot make tax-free purchases here.
· You do not have a residence permit showing did you are Entitled to stay in Germany for a period exceeding three months, and
· You take the goods out of Germany in your personal luggage within three months (that is, before the end of the third month Following the purchase). i.e., Purchased items carried in Personal Baggage only (Not in DHL or Cargo)
Please note:
· For purchase made in Germany, customs stamping to be done in Germany. Refund amount can be Claimed in other country
· You cannot claim Tax free for service tax
More Details : German Official Customs Website(Click Here)
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How it Works
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5 Simple steps to get the Tax refund
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Step1:
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Before purchasing check for shops who support tax free shopping.
Eg.; Check for Global Blue Symbol near the entrance.
In Stuttgart many leading stores will support Tax free shopping, Namely Mediamarkt, Saturn, C&A, H&M, Marktkauf, Shops in Metzingen etc...
Electronics and other items will have VAT of 19% and Food items like chocolate will have VAT of 7 %
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Step2:
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Before Payment, tell the cashier you need tax free certificate.
You may receive printed certificate (looks similar to bill) or empty form to be hand filled and sealed by store.
Eg: In Saturn you may get certificate at the cashier printed along with the bill.
In Marktkauf you have to go to customer support team with bill to get tax certificate.
Just ask at the cashier they will guide you.
You should have Original Bill and Tax free certificate (Along with Post cover) at the end
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Step3:
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Fill your name, passport details, nationality and other details in the tax certificate.
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Step4:
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Reach early to Airport; remember to keep the purchased items handy.
Go to customs office “Zoll” Submit Passport + original bills + tax free certificate + Purchased items.
Once checked by Customs officer they put official seals on all the bills/certificates
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Step5:
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Go to bank “Reisebank” and submit bill and certificate and collect the cash.
If you are in hurry just fill your credit card details in tax free certificate and put original bills and tax free certificate in envelope provided by shop and drop it in mailbox.
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Practical Tips and information:
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· Once you reach airport go for check in counter and tell the airlines, you need to claim tax/VAT refund. DO NOT drop the check in baggage at this counter
· At Stuttgart airport Customs office: “zoll” is near the departures (Adjacent to Security checking Terminal 1) Click here for more details
At odd hours of flight departures, you may have to call the customs officer over an intercom just near to Zoll Office (number will be displayed near to intercom). You may be called to office near Arrivals
Custom officer will be available 24hrs, but you need to search them either in Departures office or at Arrivals Office
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· Once the purchased items are checked, you need to keep it in the check in baggage. Then the baggage will be sealed and taken by customs and will be routed to your respective flight.
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· Take the stamped bills/tax free certificates to Reisebank near Terminal 1 Arrivals or at Terminal 3 and collect cash. Please see the opening hours of this bank: Click here for Timings
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· If bank is closed or you are in hurry to board the flight, just claim in next transit or during next visit.
Eg,: If you have transit at Paris you can go to tax refund bank or travel banks, they will refund the money with nominal service charge. (Note: No service charges in Reisebank)
Alternatively you can also claim to your credit card as explained above
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Videos
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These videos will show you the entire process. I hope this definitely solves all your queries
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Video From Global Blue (Stuttgart)
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Video From Tax Free Germany
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More Links
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Global Blue :
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Tax Free Germany:
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German Customs:
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Europe for Visitors
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Source: Personal Experience & Youtube
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TAX-VAT Free shopping in Germany and How to Claim TAX/VAT refund at Stuttgart Airport
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awesome...thanks so much and do all goods necessarily have to be sealed ?
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It works well with Global blue. But did not get refund for Marktkaupf purchases. I have been asked to collect from shop.
ReplyDeleteAm I supposed to skip my flight and go back to shop for refund? lost so much money due to this last minute surprise.
What has to be done if you make a purchase from amazon.de? How to claim tax refund for it?
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