How to Get TAX FREE Refund?

What is Tax Free?

You can get a tax-free refund of the taxes collected from you for the products or services you have purchased during your stay abroad. Moreover, let’s try to briefly explain how to get Tax refund step by step.

The laws valid in the vast majority of countries in the world today guarantee that the Tax can only be collected from the citizen, but not from the citizens of other countries or tourists.

For this reason, foreigners (tourists, students or temporary residents) should receive a refund of the amount of tax they paid for their expenditures in the country they are in. Value added tax paid during shopping abroad can be fully refunded.

Each country may have its own Tax Free return policy. It can only be valid for purchases above the specified limits. In fact, some countries may not refund TaxFree for service category such as hotel, tour and transportation.

Before you go to the country you will travel to, you may need to check the VAT Tax Free conditions of that country on the official website. If you have international tax refund procedures, go to the airport at least 45 minutes before. Depending on the density, your transactions may take a long time. It is a good idea to arrive early so that your flight is not compromised.

Tips for Tax-Free Shopping Abroad

Whether you go to any country abroad for vacation or business, we enjoy shopping by purchasing products or services specific to that country. We shop from many product groups such as souvenirs, clothes, cosmetics and electronics as much as economic conditions allow.

We can easily find products of brands and models that are not sold in our country, especially in countries abroad.

– But do I have to pay taxes abroad? If you are one of those who ask, I advise you to carefully read what I am going to tell you now.

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Tax Free Shopping Abroad

Tricks of tax-free shopping known as Tax Free all over the world. We have answered your questions about tax-free shopping, which is perhaps the most fun part of traveling abroad. We explain step by step what you need to do before and after shopping about 100% effective tax free return methods.

It is worth remembering that the Tax Free system is a concept that only applies to live purchases that you make physically. In other words, Value Added Tax is not applied to your internet shopping from overseas online stores. For this reason, Tax Free refund of the non-tax is not made, as no tax is charged to you.

What to Do Before Shopping Abroad

While you are abroad, there should be a logo similar to the “Global Blue Tax Free” below on the showcase, entrance door or cashier section of the store you want to shop at. Stores or workplaces with this logo mean the place where Global Tax Free Shopping can be done.

If you can’t see this logo, ask the staff “Can I shop tax free?” ask. When you get a Yes answer from the store clerk, enjoy your tax-free shopping.

You entered the store for shopping in any country abroad, such as the Netherlands, Germany, Bulgaria, Greece, Georgia, Ukraine, America or Russia. The tax rates (VAT) will be different for each country. For example, in Spain tax rates are between 10%-16%, while in Luxembourg almost 0% tax is applied. Tax rates vary according to the welfare level of the countries.

IMPORTANT WARNING!
For Tax Free, that is, tax-free shopping abroad, you need to physically purchase from the store in that country. In other words, you cannot get Taxfree refunds for products you buy from online stores operating in a foreign country while you are in your home country. Because foreign virtual shopping stores issue your invoice tax-free and there is no refund of non-tax.

Step by Step What You Need To Do For Tax Free Refund

How to apply for Tax Refund Abroad?

1. Fill your cart according to your taste and come to the checkout section of the store for payment.
2. Before paying, indicate that you want to take advantage of the Tax Free Refund application. There are two ways to be followed at this stage;
   • The cashier can make direct tax-free sales by requesting your bank account information, passport and other identity information. This is the easiest tax-free form of shopping. This method is mostly used in our country.
   • Another method is to issue the Tax Free Return Form, which is necessary for you to receive the tax amounts on your invoice at the airport. They will then deliver this form to you in a sealed envelope. They paste a barcode or QR code on the envelope. You are requested not to open this envelope until the Customs and Tax Free Office at the airport.
3. Please keep the Return Form, Invoice and products delivered to you in an envelope without opening the package in order to be able to make a tax refund. Customs officials may want to see the product package unopened. However, I have never seen an officer checking the products one by one until today.
4. When you arrive at the airport when you leave the country you are in, go to the Customs (Finance) Office after the Check-in procedures and just before the Passport Control and have the Tax Free Return Forms for your shopping approved by the officer. The Tax Free office never accepts forms not approved by the Customs Office. For this reason, be sure to complete your transactions at the Customs Office before passport control.
5. After the approval process is completed, go through the Passport Control and apply to the Tax Free counters in the cleared area. Here from you;
   • Shopping Invoices and slips (included in envelope),
   • Tax Return forms (included in envelope),
   • Your bank information (Credit card number or IBAN number),
   • Your contact information and
   • They want your passport.
6. The final step is the tax refund. Some tax refund companies make instant payments in cash, while others make EFT payments to your account number after 30 days. Global Blue offices usually pay cash. However, other Tax Free companies pay by money order or eft after a certain period of time.

Brussels Travel Guide

Tax Free Calculator

How is tax refund calculated for your purchases abroad?

Based on the term “Tax Free Calculation“, which is frequently searched in internet search engines, I felt the need to make an explanation here. There are many applications and tools that make Tax Free accounts in the application markets and on the internet.

However, since the tax rates of countries change frequently, the margin of error is high. Tax rates vary even by category.

That’s why you shouldn’t rely too much on tax calculation tools. Instead, the invoice given to you at the time of purchase abroad clearly shows how much tax each product has. The most accurate and precise information is the rates written on the product invoice.

Tax Free calculation tools can only give you a prediction. It is not possible to get a clear result.

Where and How to Do Tax Free Shopping in Turkey?

In fact, Tax Free transactions are much easier in Turkey compared to many foreign countries. Tax-free shopping can be done in all stores with the Tax Free logo on the showcase glass. Companies called Global Blue Tax Free (Blue Logo) and Tax Free Zone (Red Logo) provide services in Turkey.

Tax Free Shopping Conditions in Turkey

1. Foreign nationals coming to Turkey, dual citizens and Turkish citizens with a valid residence abroad. citizens can benefit.
2. Not staying in Turkey for more than 6 months in the last 1 year.
3. To shop worth at least 100TL + 18% VAT, i.e. 118 ₺, or 100TL + 8% VAT, that is, 108 ₺. You cannot get a tax refund for your spending below this limit.
4. Only physical product-based shopping. In other words, you cannot get a tax refund for expenses in the service category (accommodation, flight tickets, transportation, etc.).
5. Keeping the products you purchased while leaving Turkey in an intact (unused) condition.
6. You must have the Tax Free invoiced products you purchased approved by the Customs Enforcement Office within 3 months.

Steps to Get Tax Free Tax Refund in Turkey

1. Purchase a product/products with a minimum amount of 100 ₺ + VAT at a shop with the Tax Free logo.
2. Request an Invoice in Tax Free format from the cashier before paying.
3. Keep the original packaging of the product you purchased until the day of your flight.
4. Have it approved by the officer in charge at the Customs Enforcement Office after the check-in process at the airport on the day of departure from Turkey.
5. After passing through passport control, collect the tax refund fee from the Tax Free Office.

Tax Free Return Policies by Country

There is a common Customs Union agreement between European Union countries. For this reason, you can get your tax refund back in the country of origin for your purchases from member countries. For example, you went to Lisbon, Portugal, and you will exit from an airport in Spain, France, the Netherlands and Germany. Here, you have to complete the refund process of the taxes you have paid in all these countries in Germany.

How to Make Tax Free Transactions in Spain? (Very Difficult to Take)

I remember that I struggled for tax free during my trip to Spain about 2 years ago. In the cities of Barcelona and Seville, I made shopping mainly for Zara and electronics, amounting to 5.000 ₺. After about 1 month for this shopping, approximately 600 ₺ tax refund was deposited into my account. However, they give you all kinds of difficulties in order not to receive this refund. If you are patient and follow what I say, you can easily get your tax refund.

Things To Do During Shopping:

I shopped at shopping centers called “El-Corte Ingles” in almost every city in Spain. Did I have all the invoices approved at the tax office of the shopping mall in Barcelona?

Things to do at the Airport:

I came to Barcelona El-Prat Airport to return to Istanbul. Here I did the Check-in process first. Immediately after, I came to the office with the “Custom Tax Office” sign.

Here, the staff told me to have the kiosk scan the barcode on the sealed envelope containing the Tax Free form. I also read. Are you sure on the screen? There were questions such as: I approved all of them and saw the green OK text. Officer:

After going through the Passport Control, he told me to go to the counter of the Tax Free company and deliver the envelope. I said okay.

After going through passport control, I found the counter that the officer said. However, they asked me to go to the Customs office again just to avoid a tax refund. They said it was a mistake and I had to fix it.

-Well, I passed the passport control, how do I get back to the Customs Office?

That’s when the tour guide helped. He stated that they told him the same thing. He said that he would cancel the passport exit and go back to the Customs office and have the error corrected. Thank you, he took my documents and had them re-approved.

I returned to Istanbul and exactly 30 days later they deposited 560 TL into my Credit Card account. Here is the victory!

How to Get a Dutch Tax Free Refund?

I had the chance to get Tax Free refund at Amsterdam Schipol airport 3 years ago. I can say that it is easier than Spain. I visited cities such as Paris, Luxembourg, Brussels and Cologne during the tour, which covers 5 countries (Benelux Tour), which starts in Amsterdam and ends in Amsterdam.

In the meantime, I had the invoices of the products I purchased in Tax Free format. When I arrived at Schipol airport, I first got my tax refund back from the Customs Office and then the “Global Blue Tax Free” counter. Moreover, they paid cash. They even paid 6 € worth of tax deduction for the metal Eiffel Tower model I bought.

How to Get Germany Tax Free Refund?

I have traveled to Germany many times, but I have never had the chance to exit Germany. I have always departed from different EU countries.

My friend, whom I was traveling with, was talking about the fact that electronic products are more affordable in Germany than in other countries. He bought an Iphone X phone from a tax-free MediaMarkt store in Germany and easily got his tax refund back at the airport. When he returned to Istanbul, he told it to ballads 🙂

Tax Free for Airport Duty Free Shopping

There are Duty Free shops at airports around the world as well as at Turkish airports. In Duty Free stores with a rich product range, products from perfume to electronics, from electronics to clothing are sold. Moreover, shopping in Duty Free Stores is done completely tax-free. So you don’t have to deal with a mess like Tax Free refund.

It is very fun to shop at the many Duty Free shops only after passport control in the international terminal. Even if you don’t shop in these stores while waiting for your flight, it is quite fun to spend time just walking around.

In Duty Free Stores, the cosmetics and perfume categories, as well as the cigarette and alcohol categories, come to the fore. The reason for this is that the products are 100% original and economical prices.

Tax Free Shopping Limit and Tax Rates by Country

The taxation policy of each country is different from the other. Even the value added tax collected from foreigners varies from country to country. However, regardless of the rates, there is a lower limit for Tax Free purchases.

For example, you cannot get a tax refund for a product you bought for 3 € in a single invoice. There was a tax free limit of 80 € for Spain. They declared that they cannot process invoices below this value at the Tax Free office. This price has been determined as 100₺+VAT for Turkey.

Germany Tax Free Tax Rates and Limit

Two types of Value Added rates apply in Germany.
Luxury Goods: 19%
Vital Consumables: 7%
Duration: 3 months

Tax Free Lower Limit on a single invoice for Germany: 50.01 €

Tax Free Tax Rates and Limit for Austria

Two different Value Added rates are applied for Austria.
Luxury Goods: 20%
Vital Consumables: 10%
Time limit: 3 months
Tax Free Lower Limit for Austria: 75.01€

Belgium Tax Free Tax Rates and Limits

There are 3 different Value Added rates valid in Belgium.
Standard Tax Rate: 21%
Vital Consumables: 12%
Time limit: 3 months
Low Tax Free Limit on a single purchase for Belgium: 125.01€

United Arab Emirates Tax Free Tax Rates and Limits

The tax rates in the United Arab Emirates are as follows:
Standard Tax Rate: 17.5%
Vital Consumables: 12.5%
Time limit: 3 months
Lower Tax Free Limit on one purchase for Dubai and United Arab Emirates: 375.001 (UAE) UAE Dirham
You can receive the tax refund for your shopping from Global Tax Free member stores in Dubai-based United Arab Emirates in your own country. All you have to do is have the products and invoices approved by the Customs officer when leaving the United Arab Emirates.

Czech Republic Tax Free Tax Rates and Limits

3 rates are applied as Value Added Tax valid in the Czech Republic.
Standard Tax Rate: 21%
1.Category Consumer Goods: 15%
2.Category Consumer Goods: 10%
Time limit: –
Czech Republic Tax Free Lower Limit: 2.01 (CZK)Czech Koruna

Tax Free Tax Rates and Limits in China

In the People’s Republic of China, 2 rates are applied as Value Added.
Standard Tax Rate: 13%
Vital Consumables: 19%
Time limit: –
Tax Free Lower Limit on a single invoice in China: 500.01 (RMB)Yuan

Denmark Tax Free Tax Rates and Limits

Denmark applies a single rate as the tax rate.
Standard Tax Rate: 25%
Time limit: 3 months /1 year
Denmark Tax Free Lower Limit: 300.01 SEK

Estonian Tax Free Tax Rates and Limits

Estonia applies a single rate as the tax rate.
Standard Tax Rate: 20%
Time limit: 3 months /1 year
Estonian Tax Free Lower Limit: 38.01 €

Tax Free Tax Rates and Limits for Morocco

The applicable tax rates in Morocco apply as follows.
Standard Tax Rate: 20%
Time limit: 30 days / –
Tax Free Limit for Morocco: 2000 MAD
Excluded Products: Food, gems, cigarettes, transportation, health, cultural goods.

France Tax Free Tax Rates and Limits

In France, tax rates apply under different categories.
Standard Tax Rate: 20%
Medicine & Health: 10%
Books & Food: 5.5%
Other Product Groups: 2.1%
Term limit: 6 months /5 years
France Tax Free Limit: 100.01 €
Excluded Items: Cigarettes, Weapons, Health Expenses, Car and its spare parts, Postage Stamp and cultural items over 50 years old.

Finland Tax Free Tax Rates and Limits

Finland applies tax rates in 3 categories.
Standard Tax Rate: 24%
Food: 14%
Books & Health Products (Medicine etc.): 10%
Time limit: 3 months /2 years
Finland Tax Free Limit: 40.01 €

Tax Free Tax Rates and Limits for South Korea

The tax rates in Korea apply as follows.
Standard Tax Rate: 10%
Term limit: 3 months / 2 years
South Korea’s minimum Tax Free Limit: 30,000 (KRW) South Korean Won
Excluded Products: Firearms, swords, explosives, Cultural heritage products, addictive products, Tobacco and cigarettes, prohibited products, books, stamps and raw food products.

Croatia Tax Free Tax Rates and Limits

3 rates are applied as Croatian Value Added Tax.
Standard Tax Rate: 25%
1.Category Consumer Goods: 13%
2.Category Consumer Goods: 5%
Time limit: –
Tax Free Lower Limit on a single invoice for your shopping in Croatia: 740.01 (HRK)Kuna

Tax Free Tax Rates and Limits for the Netherlands

The Dutch tax rates apply as follows.
Standard Tax Rate: 21%
Food Tax: 9%
Time limit: 3 months / –
Tax Free Limit for Netherlands: 50.01 €
Excluded Products: Gift shop products, cultural and artistic products.

Tax Free Tax Rates and Limits for Japan

Japan’s tax rates apply as follows.
Standard Tax Rate: 10%
Value Added-2 Tax: 8%
Time limit: 30 days /
Tax Free Limit for Japan: 5000 (JPY) Yen
Excluded Products: –

UK Tax Free Tax Rates and Limits

As of January 1, 2021, the UK left the EU Customs Union within the framework of Brexit. For this, you must have it approved by the Customs Office before you leave the country in order to get a tax refund for a product you bought in the UK. Otherwise you cannot get a refund in any EU country.

Standard Tax Rate: 42.5% – 7.5%
Time limit: – / –
Tax Free Limit for the UK: £100.0
Excluded Products: –

Tax Free Tax Rates and Limits in Ireland

Ireland’s tax rates apply as follows.
Standard Tax Rate: 23%
Term limit: 3 months / 3 years
Tax Free Limit for Ireland: 75.01 €
Excluded Products: Children’s clothing, food, health, fuel and service industry.

Tax Free Tax Rates and Limits in Spain

Spain’s tax rates apply as follows.
Standard Tax Rate: 21%
Food and optical products: 10%
Health, medicine, books, magazines and some foods: 4%
Term limit: 3 months / 4 years
Tax Free Limit for Spain: 80.01 €
Excluded Products: Products whose import is prohibited.

Tax Free Tax Rates and Limits in Sweden

Sweden’s tax rates apply as follows.
Standard Tax Rate: 25%
Food tax rates: 12%
Book, magazine tax rates: 6%
Term limit: 3 months / 1 year
Tax Free Limit for Spain: 200.01 (SEK) Swedish Krona
Excluded Products: Products whose import is prohibited.

Tax Free Tax Rates and Limits in Switzerland

Switzerland’s tax rates apply as follows.
Standard Tax Rate: 7.7%
Tax rates on Food, Medicines, Books and Fruits and Vegetables: 2.5% (No Taxfree refunds)
Term limit: 3 months / 4 years
Tax Free Limit for Switzerland: 300.01 (CHF) Swiss Francs
Excluded Products: Fuel, all products with a 2.5% tax rate and products whose importation is prohibited.

Tax Free Tax Rates and Limits in Italy

Italy’s tax rates apply as follows.
Standard Tax Rate: 22%
Fashion, leather, jewelry, glassware, sunglasses and alcohol: 22%
Food: 10%
Herbal products: 5%
Milk and Dairy Products, Vegan and fruit: 2%
Time limit: 3 months / 3 months
Tax Free Limit for Italy: 154.95 €
Excluded Products: Fuel, auto and auto spare parts.

Tax Free Tax Rates and Limits in Iceland

Iceland’s tax rates apply as follows.
Standard Tax Rate: 24%
Simple Foods and Books Tax Rate: 11%
Time limit: 3 months / unlimited
Tax Free Limit for Iceland: 6,000 ISK
Excluded Products: Service industry.

Tax Free Tax Rates and Limits for Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan’s tax rates apply as follows.
Standard Tax Rate: 12%
Time limit: 3 months / 3 months
Tax Free Limit for Kazakhstan: 53.020 KZT
Excluded Products: Alcohol, coffee, cigarettes, fuel, power unit, transportation and special services sector.

Tax Free Tax Rates and Limits for Latvia

Latvia’s tax rates apply as follows.
Standard Tax Rate: 21%
Medicines, books and medical products: 12%
Term limit: 3 months / 1 year
Tax Free Limit for Latvia: 44.01 €
Excluded Products:

Tax Free Tax Rates and Limits for Libya

Libya’s tax rates apply as follows.
Standard Tax Rate: 11%
Time limit: 3 months / –
Tax Free Limit for Libya: 150,000 LBP
Excluded Products: Food, beverages, gems, jewellery.

Tax Free Tax Rates and Limits for Lithuania

The tax rates in Lithuania are as follows.
Standard Tax Rate: 21%
Time limit: 3 months / –
Tax Free Limit for Lithuania: 40.01 €
Excluded Products: Service sector, discounted products.

Tax Free Tax Rates and Limits for Luxembourg

The tax rates in Luxembourg apply as follows.
Standard Tax Rate: 17%
Term limit: 3 months / 3 years
Tax Free Limit for Luxembourg: 74.01 €
Excluded Products: Service sector, transportation expenditures.

Hungary’s Tax Free Tax Rates and Limits

Hungary’s tax rates apply as follows.
Standard Tax Rate: 27%
Tax Rate for Simple Foods: 18%
Health and Stationery: 5%
Time limit: 3 months /1 year
Tax Free Limit for Hungary: 63.01 HUF
Excluded Products: Fuel, Service industry, Transportation, Sea and Air Freight.

Tax Free Tax Rates and Limits for Norway

The tax rates in Norway apply as follows.
Standard Tax Rate: 25%
Food Tax: 15%
Time limit: 1 month / 1 year
Tax Free Limit for Norway: 290 – 315 (NOK) Norwegian Krone
Excluded Products: Books & Stationery, fuel and vehicles.

Tax Free Tax Rates and Limits for Poland

The tax rates in Poland apply as follows.
Standard Tax Rate: 23%
Food and Health Tax: 8%
Handmade and Agricultural Product Tax: 5%
Time limit: 3 months / 8 months
Minimum Tax Free Limit for Poland: 200 (PLN) Zloty
Excluded Products: –

Tax Free Tax Rates and Limits for Portugal

Portuguese tax rates are as follows;
Mainland Tax Rates:
Standard Tax Rate: 23%
Food and Agricultural Product Tax: 13%
Book, Drug, Medical and Magazine Tax: 6%
Mainland Portugal minimum Tax Free Limit: €61.50
Time limit: 3 months / 8 months

Applicable Tax Rates in Madeira:
Standard Tax Rate: 22%
Minimum Tax Free Limit for Madeira: 61.01 €

Azores Island Tax Rates:
Standard Tax Rate: 16%
Minimum Tax Free Limit for Azores: 58.01 €
Excluded Products: Precious products, car and spare parts products.

Tax Free Tax Rates and Limits for Russia

The tax rates in Russia are applied as follows.
Standard Tax Rate: 20%
Food, Children’s products, Medicines, Books and Water Tax: 10%
Term limit: 3 months / 1 year
Minimum Tax Free Limit for Russia: Rubles 10,000 (RUB) per day
Excluded Products: Alcohol, cigarettes, car & spare parts, fuel and petroleum products.

Tax Free Tax Rates and Limits for Serbia

The tax rates in Serbia are applied as follows.
Standard Tax Rate: 20%
Tax on Food, Agricultural Products, Books and Educational Materials: 10%
Term limit: 3 months / 1 year
Minimum Tax Free Limit for Serbia: 6,000 (RSD) Serbian Dinar
Excluded Products: Alcohol, cigarettes, coffee, fuel and petroleum products.

Tax Free Tax Rates and Limits for Singapore

The tax rates in Singapore are as follows.
Standard Tax Rate: 7%
Time limit: 2 months / –
Minimum Tax Free Limit for Singapore: 100.01 (SGD) Singapore Dollars
Excluded Products: –

Tax Free Tax Rates and Limits for Slovakia

The tax rates in Slovakia apply as follows.
Standard Tax Rate: 20%
Time limit: 2 months / 5 months
Slovakia’s minimum Tax Free Limit: 100.01 €
Excluded Products: Fuel.

Tax Free Tax Rates and Limits for Slovenia

The tax rates in Slovenia apply as follows.
Standard Tax Rate: 22%
Food, health and books Tax Rate: 9.5%
Time limit: 2 months / 6 months
Slovenia’s minimum Tax Free Limit: 50.01 €
Excluded Products: Fuel, Mineral oils, Alcoholic beverages, Cigarettes.

Tax Free Tax Rates and Limits for Turkey

The tax rates in Turkey are applied as follows.
Standard Tax Rate: 18%
Standard Tax-2 Rate: 8%
Book, Tax Rate on vital products: 1%
Time limit: 3 months / 3 months
Turkey’s minimum Tax Free Limit: 108 TL – 118 TL
Excluded Products: Products whose import is prohibited.

Tax Free Tax Rates and Limits for Ukraine

Due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, all tax collection and refund transactions are temporarily suspended, so Tax Free refunds are not made.
Standard Tax Rate: 0%
Time limit: – month / – month
Ukraine’s minimum Tax Free Limit: –
Excluded Products: –

Greece’s Tax Free Tax Rates and Limits

Greek tax rates apply separately on the mainland and on the Greek islands.
Standard Tax Rate (on Mainland): 24%
Standard Tax Rate (on the islands of Lesvos, Chios, Kos, Leros and Samos): 17%
Time limit: 3 months /3 months
Greece Tax Free Limit: 50.01 €
Excludes: Alcol and food.

All Questions About Tax Free