The basic process: where to go and what to bring
Most airports have a VAT refund desk in the departure hall, usually near the check-in counters or in the gate area. You present your purchases, your receipts, and your passport to a staff member who verifies that you bought the goods as a non-resident and are taking them out of the country. They stamp your receipts or refund forms, and you either receive cash on the spot or the refund is credited back to your credit card within a few weeks.
The exact location and name of the desk varies by airport and country. Look for signs that say "VAT Refund", "Tax Free", "Customs Refund", or the name of the refund company operating there—common ones are Global Blue, Planet, and Innova Tax Free. Ask at the information desk if you cannot find it.
You need three things: the original receipts from the shops where you bought the goods, the goods themselves (usually unopened and in their original packaging), and your passport to prove you are a non-resident. Some countries also require the refund form that the shop gave you at the time of purchase.
Key Takeaways
- The VAT refund desk is in the departure hall before security or in the gate area after security, depending on the airport and country.
- You must present the original receipts, the unopened goods, and your passport; the staff member will stamp your paperwork and process the refund.
- Cash refunds happen when ready at the desk, but credit card refunds take two to four weeks to appear on your statement.
- If you cannot find a desk at your airport, the refund company will mail you a refund form to complete and return by post.
- Refund amounts vary by country and shop, but typically range from 10 to 25 percent of the purchase price before tax.
Timing: when to process your refund before departure
Process your refund at least 90 minutes before your flight departs, and earlier if you are checking luggage. If your refunded items are in checked baggage, you must show them to the VAT desk before you check the bag—this means arriving at the airport with extra time. If the items are in your carry-on, you can process the refund after security, but do this at least 45 minutes before boarding.
Some airports have VAT desks in both locations: one before security (for checked baggage) and one after security (for carry-on items). Check your airport's website or ask at information when you arrive.
If you miss the desk or your airport does not have one, most refund companies will mail you a refund form. You complete it, attach your receipts and a copy of your passport, and mail it back within a set time frame—usually 30 to 90 days. The refund then takes another four to eight weeks to process.
Cash versus credit card refunds
At the desk, you can choose how to receive your refund. Cash is when ready: the staff member counts it out and you leave with the money. Credit card refunds take longer—typically two to four weeks—because the refund company must contact your bank and the transaction must clear.
Cash refunds are usually slightly smaller than credit card refunds because the desk charges a small fee for handling cash. The difference is normally 2 to 5 percent of the refund amount. If you are refunding a large purchase, the fee may be worth it to get the money when ready; for smaller purchases, credit card may be the better choice.
Some desks also offer refunds in the form of a voucher or credit toward purchases at airport shops. This is rarely worth it unless you plan to spend the money anyway.
What happens if the desk asks to open your package
Staff may ask to open or inspect your goods to confirm they are unused and match the receipt. This is normal and does not disqualify you from the refund. Open the package if asked, let them inspect the item, and they will still process the refund.
If an item shows signs of use—worn soles on shoes, a scratched screen on electronics, opened cosmetics—the staff member may refuse the refund or reduce the amount. This is why keeping goods in original packaging and receipts together matters. If you have used an item, do not attempt to return it; the desk will likely refuse and you will waste time.
Refunds for items you bought in different countries
If you bought goods in multiple countries during your trip, you can process all refunds at the airport of your final departure. Bring all receipts and goods together. The VAT desk will process each country's refunds separately because the rates and rules differ by country.
Some refund companies operate across multiple countries, so you may be able to process all refunds at a single desk. Others are country-specific, meaning you would need to visit separate desks or mail forms to different addresses. Ask the staff member which company handled each receipt—it will be printed on the form or receipt.
If your airport has no VAT refund desk
Smaller airports and some regional airports do not have a physical VAT desk. In this case, the refund company will mail you a refund form and instructions. You complete the form, attach your original receipts and a photocopy of your passport, and mail it back to the address provided—usually within 30 to 90 days of purchase.
Processing by mail takes longer: four to eight weeks after the company receives your form. Some companies charge a small fee for mailing refunds, which is deducted from your refund amount. Check the refund form for any fees before you mail it back.
To speed up the process, take photos of your receipts and goods before you leave the country, in case the company requests proof. Keep the original receipts until the refund appears on your account.
What to do if your refund does not arrive
If you chose a credit card refund and it does not appear within four to six weeks, contact the refund company directly. The company name and contact details are on your receipt or refund form. Have your receipt number, purchase date, and the amount ready when you call.
If you mailed a form and have not heard back within eight weeks, contact the company by phone or email. Provide your receipt number and the date you mailed the form. The company can check whether they received it and where it is in the processing queue.
If the company cannot locate your refund and you have proof you submitted it (a mailing receipt, a photo of the form, or a confirmation email), ask them to issue a replacement refund. Keep records of all communication in case you need to dispute the charge with your credit card company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a VAT refund if I am flying out of a connecting airport?
Yes, but process the refund at the airport where you depart the country, not at your connection. If you are connecting through another country, process the refund at your final departure airport. Bring all goods and receipts with you in carry-on luggage to avoid complications with checked baggage.
What if I bought something at the airport duty-free shop?
Duty-free purchases do not may have access to for VAT refunds because the tax is already removed at the point of sale. The price you paid is the final price. Check your receipt—it will say "duty-free" or "tax-free" if this applies.
Do I need to show the goods in their original packaging?
Yes, in most cases. Goods must be unused and in original packaging to may have access to. Some countries allow minor exceptions—for example, trying on shoes—but opening a box or removing a tag usually disqualifies the item. Ask the staff member before you open anything.
Can someone else claim the refund if I give them my receipt?
No. The refund is tied to your passport and the receipt. You must be the person who purchased the goods and the person who presents them at the desk. If someone else tries to claim a refund on your receipt, the desk will refuse.
What if I bought goods online and want a VAT refund?
Online purchases from shops in the country you are visiting may may have access to, but the process is different. You would need to contact the shop directly or the refund company listed on the receipt. Airport desks typically handle only in-store purchases. Check your receipt for instructions on how to claim an online refund.