The Process for claiming your Tax Refund at Rome Fiumicino Airport:
There are lots of advice on the internet on the process to follow to get your VAT refund at Rome Fiumicino Airport. From our experience at Terminal 3 of Rome Fiumicino Airport, things have changed a little.
Note: The Customs offices for VAT tax reimbursements are located in the Departures Areas of Terminals T1, T3 and T5.
To claim back your VAT refund at the airport, you have to show your goods and your VAT Refund Form to the Customs officials who will then stamp your documentation if they are satisfied that the goods presented match your Refund Form. This requirement has not changed.
Two methods for getting your tax refund processed at Rome Fiumicino Airport:
Option 1:
If you are hand-carrying your purchases, it’s easier to do your airline check-in and then go straight through passport and security control first. Just after the passport control there is a Customs Desk where you can get your tax refund form stamped. Next door to the Customs office are the Global Blue and Premier Tax Free desks where you can have your VAT refund paid in cash or credited to your credit card. Not many people are aware of this option.
Option 2:
If you’ve done a lot of shopping and wish to pack your shopping into your check-in baggage, the process is as follows:
- You must first do your airline check-in and obtain your boarding pass. VAT Refund can only be processed at your final point of departure from the EU and your boarding pass provides evidence of your next destination. Advise the check-in person that you’d like your luggage back as you need to do your tax refund.
- With your tagged luggage, boarding pass, passport, goods purchased and tax refund form, go to the Customs Tax Refund Office which, at Terminal 3, is next to the Departure gate. Once you’ve satisfied Customs that you have all the goods that you’re claiming the tax refund for, your documentation will be stamped and you can then pack all your goods in your case. The case must be deposited through a dedicated baggage channel next to the customs office
- Your stamped tax refund document can then be deposited in the mail boxes provided by the respective tax refund companies, or if you have time, you can go to the Global Blue or Premier Tax Free desks to have your VAT refunded in cash or processed to your credit card. Generally, I prefer to have the cash in hand as it can take months before the claim by mail is processed and then again there’s no guarantee that it will happen. If you are dropping your claim form in the mail box, it is a good idea to take a copy of your document so that if your claim goes missing, you will have some records to follow up with – just take a snap of the forms with your camera.
Please note that the above information is updated, to the best of our knowledge, but things can change at Rome Fiumicino. We advise you to check with your airline and other sources as well.
**If you’ve been to Rome Fiumicino recently and are aware of any changes, please do drop me a line to share this information for the benefit of other travellers.**
Warning:
The number of times that we’ve used Option 2, we found the process to be excruciatingly slow and painful. If you are unlucky enough to be caught behind Asian tour groups who usually are keen shoppers, the wait-time can be lengthy. If you’re doing a lot of shopping in Rome, you should allow ample time to get your tax refund document stamped.
Please post your thoughts below...
Thanks Helen! Exactly the info that I’ve been looking for.
We made a purchase in Venice, behind St. Marco square. Nearby, there is a Vat Refund Kiosk. We presented our purchase invoice, passports, etc. He said everything was in order and gave us an instant refund. We thought, gee, that was great service.
Lo and behold, on returning to Canada, the Refund Office in Rome, had reversed the transaction and charged the VAT back on our Credit Card.
From my experience the VAT refund business is a scam. To whom can one make a complaint?
Robert W
Robert,
Sorry to hear of your bad experience. When it comes to VAT refund in Italy, I’ve learned that the surest way of getting your money back is to process your claim at the Customs office at the airport and then again to go for the cash refund. The last time, due to time pressure, I dropped my claim form in their dedicated mail box, the refund never came.
You can lodge your complaint with the Azienda di Promozione Turistica Venezia (Venice Tourist Promotion Board).
APT della Provincia di Venezia
Castello 5050, 30122 Venezia
Tel. 041.5298711 fax 041.5230399
E-mail: info@turismovenezia.it
Clause 3 (10) of their charter says that “It accepts and forwards notifications of disservices and complaints…..” .
http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&sl=it&u=http://www.turismo.provincia.venezia.it/pdf/APT-IAT/VENEZIA/Chart_Venezia.pdf&prev=/search%3Fq%3DAzienda%2Bdi%2BPromozione%2BTuristica%2BVenezia%26hl%3Den%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-au:IE-SearchBox%26prmd%3Divnsm&rurl=translate.google.com&twu=1&usg=ALkJrhjbVFYJunr9o1HcxDANDhena50yrw
You could also try writing to your local Italian Embassy and see if they can give your further advice.
Good luck with the complaint.
Kind regards,
Helen
Robert – the reason your refund was reveresed, was that you didn’t show your goods and get the Tax Refund form stamped by Italy Customs. The method you used is great for gettting the VAT back quick, but does not exempt you from showing Customs the goods as you leave the EU.
Der Helen,
I have bought for 954.90 euros – on the 22 april, and since now did not receive on my account the amount of tax refund- I gave my account number but not my credit card- was it a mistake?
what shall I do-
many thanks for answering my question-
catherine
Dear Catherine,
Firstly, tax refunds do take a long processing time – anything from 6 to 12 months is possible. That’s why my preference is always to get a cash refund at the airport, if possible.
You would have used the refund service of either Global Blue or Premier Tax Free when you lodged your tax refund claim .
Premier has Track My Refund form that you can complete. However, a compulsory field is your Voucher Number. If you deposited your forms at the airport, it is unlikely that you will have this number. However, you’ve got nothing to lose by trying.
http://www.premiertaxfree.com/en/index.php/tourist/refund-tracking-system
If you’ve used the Global Blue service, they do say that bank account payments are only for “Bank account issued in the country of purchase”, i.e. if you shopped in Italy, they will only pay to an Italian bank account. Below link takes you to their contact page. Also, they do need you to provide the Global Blue voucher number.
http://www.global-blue.com/traveller-services/tax-free-shopping/contact-us/
Catherine, getting your tax refund is a rather challenging exercise, so by all means give it a go, but don’t be surprised if nothing comes of it.
Good luck and Kind regards,
Helen
The whole procedure at Fiumicino is a typical Italian scam in order to not give you any refund. First you have to know the procedure in order to arrive early ( a real challenge considering the traffic) then you have to KNOW to pack all shopping goods in a separate carry-on, stay on a long line at check-in ( Italy has no Web check in), then stay on a second line to have the forms stamped, unpack the carry on and show item by item the purchased goods, then stay on a third line to get your refund. If you are late, if you have packed the goods into your main luggage,you will have to carry THAT luggage, unpack THAT luggage, you will never make it or your luggage will never make it to your flight as you surrender it at a different counter then the flight’s counter and with the “professionally” and “integrity” Italian touch it will more than surely be messed up. If one has gone through Paris, London, Amsterdam, Frankfort or other EU airports you will immediately see the scam at Fiumicino. BTW has anyone ever paid for table cover anywhere in Europe EXCEPT for Italy ??
Hello: I bought some jewelry in Italy and received a form called “GLobal Refund Cheque”. The merchant did not charge me the VAT tax, but explained that i had to have the form stamped at the airport or else the tax would be imposed later via my credit card. The signs at the airport indicated that the stamp could be obtained in Terminal C, my departure Terminal. I therefore checked my bags went through security and arrived in Terminal C, only to be told that the VAT Tax kiosk was closed. I would have to go to Terminal H, which I could’nt do because i would have missed my flight. I called AMEX from the airport and they made a note of it. But this seems like a total scam. Has anyone else had a similar experience that they succeeded in keeping the VAT tax off their credit card bill even without a stamp? If so, how did you do it? Thanks for any advice.
I purchased jewellery in Florence earlier this year. The retailer informed me that they would not charge VAT at the time of purchase but provided me with Global Blue form which I had to have stamped by Customs on leaving Italy. I followed the procedure to the letter – produced item of jewellery to Customs at Malpensa Airport had the form stamped and placed it in the marked Global Blue box. On my return home Global Blue has charged the VAT to my credit card, which I disputed, however my credit card provider has found in favour of Global Blue and the debit stands. I now have no paperwork or Customs stamp to enable me to apply for a refund of VAT. Regards Julie
Hi Julie,
I don’t know what went wrong in your case, but unfortunately if you don’t have any paperwork to followup on your dispute, the situation is quite futile. Did Global Blue provide a reason for charging you the VAT? In the future, do take a snap of your tax refund form before you deposit it into the Global Blue or Premier Tax Free box.
Regards,
Helen
Hi Helen, We too went through the queue at Fiumicino Airport at Terminal 3 but had no problems and the wait wasn’t too bad. We, however, are still waiting for our VAT refunds. Out problem has to do with overlooking getting one of our Tax Refund Cheque stamped by Customs. We simply forgot to show it. Is there anyway that you are aware of how we can now get the form stamped by Customs since we are now back in Australia? Our situation is that we didn’t pay the VAT but if we don’t get the form stamped by Customs then we will have to pay it. Any advice would be gratefully received. Kind regards, Rob
Hi Robert,
In instances where the retailer does not charge the VAT, they will be ultimately be responsible for paying the VAT to Customs if they don’t get the stamped documents back from you. Hence they will then charge the VAT paid back to you.
Yours is a difficult situation as Customs will usually want to see the goods before providing the Customs stamp, i.e. they need to be satisfied that the goods are being exported from the EU.
You could try emailing or writing to the Bureau of Customs at Leonard da Vinci International Airport and explaining your situation and perhaps attach a copy of the Tax Refund Cheque and a photo of the goods purchased. Ask their advice on what can be done.
Below link includes some contact details.
http://www.agenziadogane.it/wps/wcm/connect/Internet/ed/Agenzia/Uffici/Indirizzi+e+Organigramma+periferico/Organigramma+Direzioni+regionali+e+interregionali/Lazio+e+Abruzzo/Ufficio+delle+Dogane+di+Roma+2+-+Aeroporto+Internazionale+Leonardo+da+Vinci
Give it a try as as you have nothing to lose, but don’t get your hopes up too much given all the above comments.
Kind regards,
Helen
Still waiting on a refund. The lady that was working in the queue at the Refunds counter at Rome Flumicino, (can’t remember the name of the agency that does refunds) said it could be a couple of weeks until we see a refund as it is a busy time of year. The queue was too long to wait for a refund and it took some time to find customs and the refund office near the passport queue.
It’s been three weeks now. I’ll let you know how we get on.
Thanks for posting your experience Marcia. I hope your refund comes through.
Kind regards,
Helen
Hi..
i am travelig from bangladesh-germany-italy-bangladesh. i shopped tax free at nuremberg in germany but in nurembreg airport there is no such refund booth. Can i claim this in Fiumicino airport to my way back to bangladesh?
Your VAT can only be claimed at the final point of exiting the EU. As Italy is your final exit point of exit, Fiumicino Airport is where you should claim for your VAT refund. Please be sure to allow yourself plenty of time as the queues can be long especially during the peak trav el season.
Kind regards,
Helen Page
thanks a lot.
lets cross fingers n see wat happens…
Hi…
It went well, i got the refund, though it was too low an amount(100Eur)
But italy Govt has a new rule that only upto 1000 Eur can be refunded as cash. any amount beyond 1000Eur will be refunded by credit card.
Thanks again..
take care!
Glad you got your VAT refunded and thanks for sharing in regard to 1000 EUR cash limit. Although I would say that most visitors would be below that limit.
Kind regards,
Helen Page
hello, i was just wondering if there are helpful phrases or words in italian to help me get my VAT refund at FCO airport? The goods I have are only hand carried. Hope you guys can share. Thanks.
Jo, the important thing is to follow the process, i.e. you must show your goods, your receipt and VAT refund form to the Customs officials who will stamp your form if they are satisfied that the goods purchased and documentation match.
Unless the goods that you have are really unusual, they won’t expect you to explain anything in Italian. Of course, it is always nice to be able to say good morning or good afternoon in Italian and thank you.
Kind regards,
Helen Page
Hi Helen, just a quick check with you. Does the goods purchased need to be new and unused in order to claim back the VAT refund? For example bags and shoes. Thanks.
Hi Chong,
The merchandise must be unused to be eligible for VAT Refund, although I must admit to having worn a jacket or two during the holidays. Your goods have to be exported within three months of purchase.
Kind regards,
Helen Page
Hi Helen,
actually there is a restriciton. Goods have to be exported in new state. This means you should not use your new goods to prevent any extra hassle at Customs.
Global Blue and Premiere taxfree are not the only companies facilitating tax-free. We are new (six years) and far more informative and empowering for travellers in the EU.
Cheers,
Sacha
team vatfree.com
Hi Helen,
I will be departing FCO at Terminal 5 back to the States, is there any VAT counter there for Hand Carried and Check-in Luggage? If so, is that the same procedure as in Terminal 3?
Also, I understand that it could take up a long time to go thru the process, would 2.5 hours be sufficient for both check in and going thru all those tax refund procedure? Thanks
Lisa,
I’ve not been to Terminal 5, but I would imagine that the procedure is the same as for T3. The link below takes you to the map pages for Rome Fiumicino Airport. Select the Terminal 5 map and you’ll see where the VAT Refund desk is – just past Security Control.
People who do a lot of shopping tend to do their VAT process and then check-in their shopping as its cumbersome lugging their shopping around the airport. This first VAT processing point is where the crowd is.
There is usually a smaller number of people who hand-carry their shopping and who do their VAT process after Security Control. This is where you can get cash refund and I prefer this method wherever possible.
T5 is only for flights to the U.S. and Israel so it should be less crowded than T3. As each airline has different procedures, I suggest you ring your airline and confirm with them the check-in time for Rome and then allow some extra time for VAT Refund.
http://www.adr.it/web/aeroporti-di-roma-en-/pax-fco-airport-map
Kind regards,
Helen
Hi Helen,
As mentioned in your article, “or if you prefer cash you can claim this once you’ve passed through Immigration.”, so where exactly is it? Is it at a VAT counter or what does the sign say to get the cash refund? And is it always a long line-up there?
Thanks.
Hi Helen,
My name is Amir Iqbal Bin Ahmad Tajjudin, a Malaysian tourist who was in Italy few weeks back. I have a big problem with VAT charges. Just today it appeared on my Visa was a 243.00 EUR (double from what was refunded to me at the Global Blue booth in Firenze) charge from Global Blue “VAT NO-STAMP”. My form was stamped and dropped off at the indicated box attached to the wall of the Global Blue booth in Torino airport prior to my departure.. Prior to dropping it off I even spoke to a Global Blue employee in the booth just to be sure. She said to me all the forms are picked up at the end of each day and processed immediately.I obtained a VAT refund from Global Blue, and then followed procedures correctly. I am disappointed with this outcome because it involves a lot of money, and that their incompetence is the one that is causing it.
Any advise i can ponder on?
Thanks a lot.
Hi Amir,
I’m sorry to hear of your disappointing experience with your Global Blue VAT refund.
When you say that your form was “stamped and dropped off at the indicated box….”, did you show your goods to the Italian Customs at Torino Airport and did your get your form stamped by them? It is the Customs stamp that is required and without that they can reverse the refund that they paid you in Firenze. The tax refund booths in the city make it easy for visitors to get their VAT refunded, but they do charge for the service.
1. You can try writing to Global Blue and request their assistance.
http://www.global-blue.com/traveller-services/tax-free-shopping/contact-us/
2. If you think the amount charged to you is unreasonable, try having a chat to VISA and get their advice on querying the charge.
I fully appreciate your disappointment and wish you all the best in getting a positive outcome.
Kind regards,
Helen
Hey Helen,
Thanks so much for your prompt response.
Yes, i have shown the items bought and had it stamped at the Torino Airport. Now they are charging double of what was being reimbursed to me.
Is there any way i can get it reversed?
Thanks
Hi Amir,
As mentioned above, you can ring your VISA card provider and tell them that you would like to dispute the amount. If you go to your credit card provider’s website or VISA and look up “credit card charge disputes and chargebacks”, it explains to you what the process is.
Have a chat to your credit card provider and explain to them your issue is, i.e. (1) you did have the VAT Form stamped by Italian Customs and (2) the debit by Global Blue is double what they refunded you.
Your card provider would be able to explain to you what the process is.
Amir, chasing VAT refunds can be a stressful exercise but if you’ve been wrongly charged the 243 EUROs, then you should definitely pursue the matter through your VISA card provider. It does take time for disputes to be resolved so be patient.
Good luck and whatever the outcome, please share it here as it might help others.
Kind regards,
Helen
I can say in that case don’t take cash in city if you are not on yellow form.
Yellow forms ( you find this company just in italy ) will not debit anything more than what they gave you if you don’t stamp the form if the refund is under 500 euros ( quite a lot anyway ).
You get 350 in city, you don’t stamp, you get debit for 350 eurs.
Debit fee is always put by the card company ( taking 300 euros from a card cost 300 + someting ) but under 500 euros this debit fee is paid by the TaxRefund company ( TaxRefund is the name of the yellow form company in italy ).
Hi Helen,
I will be leaving Rome for Singapore via a transit in Amsterdam and will have to get my Tax refund papers stamped at Customs in Fiumicino (Terminal 1). Would you know if I should get the papers stamped in Rome or in Amsterdam? Is there a difference to the processes if I hand-carry my purchase or if I pack them in my check-in luggage? What will your recommendation be?
Thanks in advance!
Diana
Hi Diana,
The rule is that your VAT refund should be processed at the final point before exiting the EU.
If the goods that you bought are in your carry-on luggage, you must obtain the Customs Stamp at the last European Airport you transit through (in your case Amsterdam). If however your transit time in Amsterdam is short, you can explain this to the Customs at Fiumicino Airport and request them to stamp your form.
If the goods that you bought are to be checked in your check-in luggage, you must obtain the Customs stamp in the last European Airport where you check-in and always before you actually send your luggage. If your ticket is for Rome – Singapore, your bag will be interlined to Singapore even though you are transiting in Amsterdam. However, if you’ve booked two separate tickets, for example if you booked online a budget airline ticket from Rome to Amsterdam and then a KLM ticket from Amsterdam to Singapore you will find that you won’t be able to interline your bag to Singapore. In this case you will be claiming your bag in Amsterdam and then checking in and doing Customs again in Amsterdam. In this latter scenario, your VAT Refund stamp for your checked in shopping will be at Schiphol Airport.
Generally, if I don’t have bulky goods, I prefer hand-carrying and getting a cash refund at Fiumicino airport as you’re less likely to be faced with the issue of your tax form going missing or claims that you did not have your form stamped (see previous comment). However, as you are leaving from T1, which are for Schengen flights, I don’t believe there are tax refund desks there that will pay you cash refunds. You may wish to check this with your airline. If there’s no possibility of getting a cash refund, you might as well check in your goods.
Kind regards,
Helen
Hello Helen,
Do i absolutely need a boarding pass when i approach the customs office with my purchases and tax refund forms? I am considering to get the stamps first before i check in.
Additionally, if i opt to get cash (assuming there is time), do i get it after i clear immigrations (inside the restricted zone)? or are the refund points located outside the restricted zones (i.e before going thru the immigration?)
thanks for your advice.
Hi Pauline,
Your boarding pass is evidence of two tax refund requirements:
1. that you are leaving the country and
2. that you are flying to a non-EU destination.
Without the boarding pass, Customs will not stamp your tax refund forms.
If you hand-carry your purchases and want to get cash, the refund desk is past Passport Control, i.e. inside the restricted zone as you mentioned.
Unless things have changed, I’m only aware of the cash refund point past Passport Control. There are Refund Points in the city where you can process your tax refund before leaving, however they charge for the service and more importantly, if they don’t get your Customs stamped document in the mail, they can reverse the refund and you will be out of pocket more than the refund you received. See Amir’s experience two comments up from yours.
For tax refunds you have to stick to the process as many travellers have come unstuck due to not following the rules – sometimes through no fault of theirs.
Kind regards,
Helen
hello helen,
thanks for your advice. some updates from my side, i am back in sin on wed and the tax refund procedure for me is thankfully smooth and quick.
i took your advice ; check in / get my boarding pass, went to customs / get stamped, deposit my luggage just next to customs office, went to gate H to get the cash and all i took was 1.5 hours. (i only had to mail one refund, hopefully i get it back). i arrived in the airport 3 hours before my flight took off.
i was really lucky that i did not get caught in a long line and also no question/check by the customs officer. (i did open my luggage immediately for him to do an easy check, all purchases in that luggage).
in fact the customs officer is pretty helpful and friendly.
once again thanks for sharing the good advice on this
Hi Pauline,
I’m glad to hear that your Fiumicino Airport tax refund went smoothly for you and thanks for taking the time to share your positive news.
It’s nice to hear good news for a change.
Kind regards,
Helen
Hi helen,
I am flying back from Rome to Malaysia ,I would like to hand carry my goods and get cash refund ,
places I have bought things are paris, swiss, italy -last stop flying out fco airport .
I am depart T3 . what is the best and fastest way and how many hours ahead I must be at airport .
thanks
irene
Hi Irene,
Please see previous query and feedback by Pauline. The last time I was in Rome, I was caught behind a long queue at the Customs desk and waited for 40 minutes. In the end I didn’t get my refund as I had run out of time. I advised Pauline to allow 3 hours, but she was lucky and got through in 1.5 hours. So, it’s hard to say how long you will take, but I would still play it on the safe side and get there early, especially if you have done quite a bit of shopping in different places.
Kind regards,
Helen
Hi,
I have an early 10:30 am flight which I won’t be able to arrive 3 hours earlier for… (more like 2-2.5 hours for me). I plan to hand carry everything and am leaving from Terminal 3.
I’m just wondering, to get the customs stamp, according to the map of T3, there’s a dogana around the checkin area, and another dogana on the right hand side, after security control, but before passport control. I wanted to know if I could get my form stamped at either one… I’m afraid the one in front will have a line too long for me to wait for, so I’m thinking of going to the less obvious one. Is that a good idea?
Also, to get a cash refund from Global Blue, where is there vat refund office? Is it after passport control around all the gates? (And are they or any other refund offices open in the morning between 8am-11am)
Any help with clarification would be really appreciated! Thanks!
Hi Jess,
If you see Pauline’s comment (two up from yours), she managed to get through in 1.5 hours so if you arrive 2.5 hours you should be okay. Sometimes it’s just unfortunate when there’s tour groups (and especially when it’s Asian groups who do a lot of shopping) that you can be delayed in a long queue – not helped when a Customs officer decides to go slow. Anyway, as you can see from Pauline’s experience, she had no problems at all.
I’m not familiar with the Dogana desk on the right. You could check with the Information desk if you can go there. People who hand-carry their shopping can get their Customs stamp after passport control and security (i.e. inside the restricted zone), but one of the risks here is that sometimes the desk is not manned… and then you can’t get back out of the restricted zone. So, if it’s not crowded, it’s best to get your stamp outside.
Once you get complete passport control and pass security, you’ll see the Global Blue and Premier VAT refund desks on the inside.
If things have changed at Rome Fiumicino, could you please drop me a line.
Have a great trip.
Kind regards,
Helen
Hi
I asked the staff at the check in counter the best way to claim VAT and they advised go through Immigration. The VAT counters are well signposted in Terminal 3 and cash refund counters and the counter where you have to stamp your documents first are side by side. The officers did not inspect the goods but asked if I had them. The whole ordeal took me close to 2 hours to attend 3 counters for cash refunds as I was stuck behind a group of Asians who allowed all their friends to push in. The line at the counter where you get your documents stamped was a 5 minute wait, however the queue for the global blue cash refund took me 45 mins and the yellow forms only line took 40 mins as once again another group of Asians took 30 mins because they allowed their friends to push in. I was asked by another group of Asians if they could go before me because their flight was boarding to which I suggested the mail box as they had a huge stack of forms.
Hi Terri,
Thank you very much for taking the time to share your VAT refund experience at Rome Fiumicino airport.
Yes, if you have the misfortune of being stuck behind Asian tour groups who let their friends push in, it can be very infuriating and take a longer time as you’ve experienced. I’m glad that you were firm with the next group that was trying to push in.
Well done for getting you three separate cash refunds. Yes, it’s a big pain when you have to queue for 2 hours, but at least you’ve definitely got your money refunded. The last time I deposited my documents in the dedicated mail box, I didn’t get any refund … and others have experienced this as well.
Cheers Terri and enjoy your goodies!
Kind regards,
Helen
Hi Helen,
I made a purchase in Milan on 28th May 2012. I got the custom stamp on 29th May 2012 when I left Milan. I didn’t queue up to get my tax refund as the staff was extremely slow in processing. I didn’t use the mail box system as I don’t have much faith in the system. I am planning to go back to Milan on 28th August this year. I am wondering if I still can get back my tax refund over the Premier desk after 3 months. Thank you.
Best regards,
Ping
Hi Ping,
The rule is that you must have your refund documents stamped within 3 months. But they also advise that once you have your documents stamped (which is what you have), you should send it back to Premier Tax Free as soon as possible as refund forms can go out of date. Below is an extract from Premier’s Q&A.
“Q: How long are Tax Free forms valid for?
A: You must get your customs stamp on your VAT refund document within approximately 3 months following the month of purchase. For example, purchases made on the 25th of March must be exported in your personal luggage by the 30th of June. Once you have received your customs stamp, Premier Tax Free advise that you forward your voucher for refund immediately. In some countries, tax refund forms will go out of date if they are not immediately sent back to Premier Tax Free. Please read the conditions on your tax refund forms to be certain to respect local laws and regulations.”
It seems that to get half of chance of getting your refund money back, you should send in your forms, but before you do that I highly recommend that you make a copy of everything. You can track your refund through Premier, but you will need to provide details of your purchase so make sure your photocopies have clear details of the information that they require.
http://www.premiertaxfree.com/en/index.php/tourist/refund-tracking-system
All the best with your refund.
Kind regards,
Helen
I decided to drop my stamped forms(stamped on 29 May) at the Premier Tax Free collection box at the airport in my country(Singapore). It was around late July. Finally on 22nd Nov, the refund was credited to my credit card but the exchange rate was really bad.
Last month I did a tax refund with Global Blue in Milan. As I exceeded the cash limit of Eur1000, I did part of my tax refund through credit card. The counter staff took my tax refund forms and keyed in my credit card numbers into their system on the spot. They also issued me a receipt. Surprisingly, the tax refund was credited into my credit card on the very next day.
Well done for getting your refund from Premier Tax Free, even if the exchange rate was really bad.
You sound like a real shopper! Was it easy getting the Customs stamp at Milan, i.e. was it busy when you were there.
It is rather easy to get the Custom stamp in Milan. Immediately after the immigration clearance, you will reach the custom office. All my past experiences had been smooth. Sometimes, the queue at the custom may be long but clear rather fast. Some officers were quite relaxed with the checks. They didn’t even bother to glance at my goods though I was so eager to show them. Most of them would just take a quick look at your goods. They tend to be strict with high value items like watches. They will tally the serial number of the item with the receipt. There was once I nearly couldn’t get my refund as the retailer keyed in the wrong serial number on the receipt. The custom officer didn’t want to endorse it. Luckily, I managed to get the helpful staff at the Global Blue counter to help me to contact the retailer to fax over an amended invoice. I once saw a custom officer ‘lecturing’ a lady for claiming a used bag. The lady was carrying it at the custom. Lucky for her, the officer endorsed her refund form after warning her. So if you want to claim the tax refund, remember to pack your goods even though you have used it during your trip.I have a friend who bought a watch from other European city but he didn’t have time to get the custom stamp. Within the 3 months’ time frame, he tried to get custom stamp in Milan but was rejected by the custom officer. The officer said the watch was not brand new as there were scratches on the watch.
I strongly recommend cash refund. If you have both Global Blue and Premier Tax Refund to claim, you should queue at the Global Blue counter first. The queue at the Global Blue counters are usually long but not to worry, it clear rather fast unlike Premier Tax Free. Their queue might look short but it takes them forever to clear it.
Ping, thanks very much for sharing your Milan tax-refund experience and your tips about Global Blue and Premier Tax Free. The information is really useful for shoppers who are leaving from Milan.
If you are doing tax-free shopping elsewhere in Europe, I would love to hear from you.
Kind regards,
Helen
Hi Helen and Ping,
It’s great to read one pleasant experience in the midst of the unpleasant ones. Our flight is 9pm MXP terminal one and we intend to reach by 4pm(bcoz of the horror stories!) we have already done online check in but still have to check in luggage. I read all the threads here, and got a few questions and was hoping you can help with it.
1. If I intend to hand carry the luggage, it’s easier to do after passport control? But we will run into a risk of unmanned counter?
2. I read about needing boarding pass before I can get tax refund at either before immigration or after immigration. If I turn up at airport at 4pm, 5 hours before my flight, there’s no way I can get my boarding pass right?
3. If I have tax refunds to do at both global blue and premier, the correct procedure is to be at counter with properly filled up forms, unused new items for inspection, get a stamp from officer, get cash and then mail it( is it safer to mail it from back home Singapore or can we mail it in MXP, again risk of disappearing mail?) . Then we repeat whole procedure again at premier?
Thank you very much for sharing your experiences!
Sharon
Hi Sharon,
I have been to Milan a fewl times and so far have not encountered any unmanned custom office problem. According to the below website, it stated the operating hours of the various tax refund companies but not the custom office.
http://www.airportmalpensa.com/tax-refund.html
I have never tried getting the VAT refund forms stamped at the check in area. I think it is at the other end of Terminal 1 which can be quite a distance away from the check in counters. I suggest you hand carry your goods. It is rather easy and straightforward. After getting your boarding pass, quickly clear the immigration. A short distance away from the immigration counters, you can find the tax refund counters. The customs office is just opposite the counters. Queue up at the customs office to get the VAT forms stamped first. I have seen many cases whereby the travelers happily queue up at the tax refund counters without getting the customs stamp. The most important thing of this whole VAT refund is getting the VAT REFUND FORMS STAMPED BY THE CUSTOMS.
With the stamped VAT refund forms, if you still have time, you can queue up at the respective tax refund counters to get your VAT refund in 2 options, cash or credit card. I prefer the cash option which is straightforward and hassle-free. You submit your forms and they give you the cash. Case closed. However the maximum cash transaction limit in Italy is 1000Euro. If your VAT refund amount is more than 1K, you may opt to receive 999.50Euro in cash and the balance has to be credited to your card.
For credit card option, the staff at the counter will also take back your stamped VAT forms. They will key in your credit card numbers into their system on the spot. Global Blue is rather efficient. They credited my VAT refund amount into my card on the very next day. But I strongly recommend you take snap shot of the stamped forms for any dispute.
If you don’t have enough time after getting the customs stamp, you can fill up your card details on the VAT refund forms and drop them into the respective collection boxes. Again I strongly recommend you to take a snap shot of the stamped VAT forms.
There is another method which you can claim back your tax refund first before getting the VAT refund forms stamped. There are various offices in town area which you get immediate cash refund. Please refer to the attachments. They will still ask for your credit card. In any case you don’t return the original VAT refund form with the customs stamp before their stipulated date, they will charge the VAT amount plus some commission to your card. For this method, you still need to show your goods to the customs in the airport and get your VAT refund forms stamped. Drop the forms into the respective collection boxes in the airport. In this way you can save time queuing up at the tax refund counters in the airport. Remember to take a snap shot of your stamped VAT refund forms.
http://www.premiertaxfree.com/en/index.php/tourist/refund_search_results/24
http://www.global-blue.com/destinations/italy/milano-city/
Sharon, it is not necessary for you to mail the forms from Singapore. The collection boxes are available and located near the customs office in the departure area. By the way, I usually reach the airport 2.5 hours before departure.
Enjoy your trip!
Ping
Hi Sharon,
I’ve not flown out of Milan Malpensa, so it’s great that Ping is able to share her expert advice with you. Most of the comments in this post are to do with Tax Refund from Rome Fiumicino Airport and it seems from Ping’s comments the tax refund process is much easier at Malpensa. Rome is a much busier airport.
- There is no point in turning up 5 hours before your flight as the check-in desks won’t be open. Most airline check-in desks open from 2-3 hours before flight time.
- From the Malpensa Airport map, it appears that there are tax refund desks on the Ground Floor, First and Second Floors. If you decide to go to the airport early, you can look out for these.
http://www.milanomalpensa1.eu/en/useful-information/maps
- All of Ping’s recommendations, such as getting cash refund and taking a snap shot of your VAT refund forms, etc. are all good advice. One additional advice I would add is that if you do decide to get your tax refund in the city, be very sure to have your VAT form stamped at the airport and make sure you return it to the tax-free company. As you can see from this post, some people have suffered large penalties because the VAT forms have not been received.
Enjoy your shopping and have a great trip. Do post a comment when you get back and we hope to hear of a positive experience from you.
Kind regards,
Helen
Hi Helen and Ping
I’m finally back home, Spore! It’s a stressful experience
As I read a lot of from online forums. We arrived more than 3 hours before flight and you are right, the counters weren’t opened yet. At the same time I went to check out the customs office at the end of terminal one, saw the customs officer telling the person in front with shopping bags to get the refund after check in as those shopping bags were hand carry.
After check in, we went to check in, which is one level below. So happy to see the Global blue and Premier, but were told to go customs first which is directly opposite. To our shock, the office is closed. Then we asked around, and we entered into a corridor beside the police office. There are signs that says “No tax refund”, “tax refund beside newspaper store”, which was the office which was closed. Blood pressure getting higher! Then we asked and found out that the room which says “tax refund beside newspaper store” is the right one, so we knocked and enter. The officer was talking on phone and signal for me to take out all the forms and let him see, and he picked the most expensive item for me to show him. And that’s it, he stamped on every form, while still talking on the phone. Then we proceed to global blue to get cash, then premier. There were no queue at all and the process is less than an hour.
Now i understand the agony everyone went through. With the horror stories at the back of your mind, it kinda added on the stress level that we have to go to different offices just to get the money back.
In all, I’m glad to have found this page(special thanks to Helen and ping) before my departure and that the process is generally smooth (customs office get stamp then go tax house to get refund) and should not take longer than 1.5 hours. Arriving too early at airport is useless as check in counters would not be opened. Three hours should be sufficient.
Hi Sharon,
I’m so pleased that you’ve got tax refund and that you got cash! I particularly liked that you went and knocked on the door of the customs office, even when the office seemed closed. These days, with all the budget cuts happening, I don’t expect government services such as tax refund to stay open any longer than necessary.
Anyway, for your stressful effort, you at least got your money back .. some people have not been so lucky.
Thanks for posting. When you next go shopping in Europe and have tax refund experiences in other countries, I’d love to hear about it.
Kind regards,
Helen
If i can add some detail, if you got your forms stamped, following the described procedures and you are in hurry to get away from the line, you can give the forms, with your credit card number written on ( no exp date, no ccv code of course ) to the people in the refund office asking for credit card refund.
In that case you don’t have to wait for the post shipping because they are collecting them.
And refund on credit card requires up to 40 days.
You will see that refund not like a plus on your credit card but like a discount on your bill list, a lot of people don’t notice it.
And be carefull to don’t wear sunglasses or jewelery you just bought or the custom office will not stamp it.
For yellow form you can always ask for euros on the direct office, this i can tell for sure.
And you can even use direct cash in the city with no commission, very handy too. ( just remember to stamp the form to the custom and send it back anyway ).
Thank you Andrea for sharing your information.
Regards,
Helen
Do you know how early the customs and VAT desk open at the Fumicino airport? My flight is at 9:15 am going to Californa and from everything I’ve read above, it looks like I need to get to the airport 3 hours ahead, but I’m concerned they won’t be open.
Karina,
If you are flying directly to California on an American airline, your flight will depart from T5. I don’t have information on what time the VAT desk opens as I’ve not flown from T5. However, as T5 is for US and Israeli flights only, I imagine it will be less crowded than T3 and there may not be big queues for VAT refund. I suggest you check with your airline or the flight crew on your way over.
The below link takes you to the T5 map which shows you where the VAT refund desk is.
http://www.adr.it/web/aeroporti-di-roma-en-/pax-fco-airport-map
Kind regards,
Helen
Just be aware- when I was there, the VAT desk in my terminal was closed, and had been for a long time, despite being on the airport map. Good luck! Checking upon your way into Italy is a great idea.
Thanks for sharing Jill. When were you at T5?
I was at Terminal C Aug 2010. The VAT desk there was closed even though it appeared on the airport map. My only choice was to go to Terminal H, and re-enter security. I did not leave time for all that, and so lost the tax.
I think most of us have experienced lost VAT refund opportunities because of poor information/processes at FCO. It’s such a shame because Italy benefits from visitors who go there to shop.
Thanks once again for your input.
Kind regards,
Helen
Hi Helen,
I am planning on going to Italy in September and will be flying out of Naples at 7am and arriving in Rome at 7:55am and then leaving for L.A. at 9:15am. How would I be able to get the Customs Stamp for VAT? Do I do it in Naples? is Customs even open that early? If I cannot get the stamp in Naples, would the time I land in Rome give me enough time since I will have what I purchased as a carry on?
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Hi Eric,
I hope that when you check-in in Naples, you will have your luggage interlined to LA as you don’t have a lot of time between landing in Rome and departing for LA.
Your domestic flight from Naples to Rome will land at T1 or T2 or T3 (check this). And if you are flying direct to LA on a US carrier, you will be departing from T5. The link below takes you to FCO airport maps. Click on T5 and you’ll see where the VAT Refund desk is.
http://www.adr.it/web/aeroporti-di-roma-en-/pax-fco-airport-map
If you can get your Customs Stamp for VAT in Naples I suggest that you do this as when you arrive in Rome you will need to make track for T5. I’ve never flown out of T5 but I believe the security checks for U.S. flights are more stringent and you need to allow time for immigration and security check .
Tip: If you are mailing your VAT forms in Rome, I suggest you take note of your VAT cheque number. If your refund claim goes missing and you want to track it, this information is required. Below link is an example of the kind of information that the Premier Tax Free company requires when you are following up on your refund. In fact, it would be a good idea to print the form and take it with you so that you are aware of the information you may be asked for if your claim goes missing.
http://www.premiertaxfree.com/en/index.php/tourist/refund-tracking-system
I hope the above helps.
Kind regards,
Helen Page
Hi Amir Iqbal,
Just wondering, did you managed to talk/communicate with Global Blue on your vat refund issue? The reason for asking is because I had a shocked of my life yesterday seeing a charged of EUR1234.27 on my credit for “ITALY VAT-NO STAMP”! I have done the necessary process of filling in the vat refund form right, get it stamped and checked at the customs in Rome airport and another round of checked and stamp at CDG Airport in Paris on the same day and mail the form in their blue envelope given by the officer into the blue box located next to the counter, and yet I was still charged for it!
Please help me out!
I just refunded tax yesterday at Fiumicino.
Here’s what I did, and some important reminders:
FYI I made two types of refund, checked in and hand carry, options 2 and 1 respectively in this blog and credit card and cash.
1. Before even buying anything in EU make sure you read up on global blue policies. Most of the stores uses global blue btw. So you know if you want refund on credit card, cheque or cash. They have different refund rates per country so read up and choose. But bottom line you have to line up and be hassled in the airport to get any kind of refund. I also suggest cash, as you get the refund on hand before you fly, option of usd or euro. 1 to 2 percent is marginal for me, so the risk of not getting your refund back from credit card or cheque as reported here. I will find out in a few weeks if I will get the refund from the credit card.
2. Useless to be in airport before your flight’s check in counter opens, despite checking in online. I was there in the airport early in hopes to make sure i get my refund because of reading horror stories in this blog. Was there five hours from flight departure. YOU cannot get your customs stamp without literally checking in at the airline check in counters for both options. Check in time depends on your plane company, Qatar opened 3.5 hours before flight departure. Check with your airline. Important is you show your boarding pass and luggage tag that came from the check in counter or customs won’t bother to accommodate you.
2. Read the posted instructions outside the entry door of customs, it’s very CLEAR on what you need to do and where to go.
3. My advice is you choose only one mode of refund, either go all the way cash, or go all the way credit card. You inform the store when you purchase what you like. Do this because despite as per global blue’s website you can’t change from credit card to cash and vice versa on the global blue counters at the airport. I tried, but they simply would not allow. I even said its written in their website.
4. Pack all bought items in one check in luggage or hand carry all NOT both. I suggest in luggage if you bought a lot. otherwise hand carry. Lines do get long for both counters since all passengers have some refund to collect, as we were first in line at the check in, we rushed to the terminal 3 customs to have my luggage shown for refund. As the luggage itself was for refund and cannot be hand carried. As my wife had all our other bought stuff already packed in our hand carry luggage, customs would not stamp on the forms for it since they were hand carried. They would if it was inside the luggage tagged by check in. Despite pleading that I will put them inside, they did not allow and instead let me go thru the hand carried customs check at gate H1 as posted in their instructions. In fairness to them it was written and clear at the door so I did not complain. We just hoped we would be allowed. Total of 3 officers at 720pm
5. After customs we saw the line and there were about 10 lined already, mostly from our flight also. Global blue counter beside t3 main area customs is just for credit card, so if there’s no line do it here if you want the global blue rep to personally receive and enter in the computer, or simply drop in mail. On your right is a conveyor belt for you to drop your luggage. That’s why they need you to check in first and have your luggage tagged, so when you drop it off, the airport will know where the luggage is going.
6. Clear immigration and security check
7. As we were in gate g, it is listed in the instructions from the customs counter to go to H1. Gates g and h to h1, gates c and d I believe, (pls correct if I’m mistaken) to another counter. We hurried and no one was in line so I went to have them stamped my other refunds. Only 1/3 officer counters were open btw. All they checked from me was two of the most expensive items.
8. For credit card refund, Take pictures of your stamped forms before you drop them off in mailboxes or giving them to the global blue counters. So you have a copy. They stamped on only the form to be given to global blue. If cash refund no need to take pictures, as you will give the forms and in return get the money and receipt summary of the refund.
9. After customs go directly to global blue beside it, 2 attendants, no line, they asked if I wanted euro or usd. Paid me. Done.
10. I look back and again people were already queued, but less than 10.
Good luck to you guys
Balong, thank you for your comprehensive report on your experience in getting VAT refund at Rome Fiumicino. I’m glad that after all your efforts that you got VAT refunded.
Kind regards,
Helen
Just an update:
I was able to get my refund via credit card. I just received my statement and it was refunded 11/9/12.
To help people out further, they refunded me on my local currency and not in US $ or Euros unlike over the counter cash refund at the airport. A marginal loss further due to their/bank’s exchange rate.
Congratulations on getting your tax refund. It shows that the system can work if people follow the process as you did.
By the way, your tax refund would have been in Euros of USD (whichever you selected). All foreign currency transactions are converted into your local currency by your credit card company. If you look at your credit card statement you will see the foreign currency amount of your VAT refund and the local currency equivalent.
Thanks again for sharing your successful experience.
Kind regards,
Helen
Hi Helen,
After reading the posts on this sites as well as multiple sites on the tax refund process in Rome airport, I think I am more confused that ever on what to do (amid getting really stressed out at the same time). I am getting to the airport 3 hrs early for a flight at 7pm connecting via London to Australia. As we have only 2 hrs transit in London (and also refund counter will be closed in Heathrow by the time we get there),my only real option is to get the tax refund in Rome. We have some on Global Blue and some on Premier Tax Free… We have asked for credit card refunds on all of our purchases. Questions:
1. Can I clarify the steps for hand carry option – check in for flights, collect boarding passes, move to custom inspection, get forms stamped, line up at refund office, get refunds there and then on credit card and then mail in the forms? I was confused about Balong’s post about them refusing to stamp hand carry goods.. Please clarify.
2. Do you have to do the check in options if transiting via another EU country?
Please help as I am extremely confused on the process. Especially when you have received refund on credit card, do you still need to mail in the forms? If the line is too long… Can you just mail I the forms?? Thanks.
Hi Christine,
The VAT refund procedure at Rome Fiumicino Airport is quite straightforward as long as you follow exactly what is instructed by Customs. As you can imagine, Italy is a very popular shopping destination and the Customs at Rome are kept very busy by people like us wanting VAT refunds. As such, they are not in the mood of making exceptions for people who don’t follow the process.
There are two locations where you can get your Customs stamp:
1. Before you go through passport control and security check
2. After going through passport control and security check (only for hand carry option)
If you have a lot of purchases and intend to pack your shopping into your checked in baggage, then you follow the steps as described in my Option 2.
If however you are hand carrying your shopping, you check in for your flight, collect your boarding pass and go through passport control and security check as you would do normally. Once you’ve cleared passport control and security, there is a Customs desk on the inside. You get your VAT form stamped there and the Global Blue and Premier Tax Free desks are just next to the Customs Desk. As you have both Global Blue and Premier, you’ll have to visit both desks to get your VAT processed. If you find that there is a queue and you don’t have time to wait in the queue, you can place your stamped documents in the Global Blue or Premier envelopes that you’ve been given and just hand them in or mail them back once you are back home. Note: The VAT form MUST be returned to the tax-free company or else any advance credits that you may have received from the shops can be charged back to your credit card, as a few people on this forum have experienced
I recommend to people to get the cash option as you will have your refund on the spot and that’s the end of the process for you. With credit card refunds, you will have to wait for the credit to take place and some suggested that it takes up to 40 days. It’s also possible for your paperwork to get lost in the millions of VAT claims and it’s difficult to do anything once you get home. I suggest that since you’ve selected the credit card option, take a copy of your VAT forms (use your camera), so at least you’ll have details of your claim to follow up with Global Blue or Premier.
In regard to your question 2, as London (and not Rome) is your final point of exit from the EU, the Italian customs may insist that you get your VAT form stamped in London. They can stamp it for passengers with short transit times, e.g. 1 hour, and I’m not sure if they will do it for you as you have 2 hours.
I would give Rome a try, but bear in mind that they can refuse you.
As you’ve already done a fair bit of research, just take it easy and follow the instructions when you are there.
All the best,
Helen
I wish I saw this site before I went to Italy. I highly recommend taking a picture of your forms after they receive the customs stamp – Just In Case. I used credit card for purchases. At the airport, after waiting a stressful 40 minutes I presented my purchases and received a stamp on all forms (after security, near Gate H1). Next went to the nearby Global Blue desk and was given refund on the credit card. I dropped off the forms in the Tax Free Mailbox next to the GB desk, as instructed by the GB representative. She said it would take 3-5 days to show on account, but according to my statement the refund appeared the next day. A month later, “Tax Refund Roma” charged me twice the refund amount on the credit card. Enough to pay for last minute cross country Thanksgiving plane ticket during peak travel days. I googled and found others with similar issues. Some recommended canceling the credit card you used once you returned home, so Italy wouldn’t charge back to it.
Hi Julie,
Thanks for sharing your tax refund experience and I’m sorry that yours was a negative one. Can I suggest that in future, you go for cash refund. With cash refund, you are not providing your credit card details so there’s no possibility of your credit card being charged by Italian Customs.
You could try disputing the charge through your credit card company, but this requires some energy on your part.
Kind regards,
Helen
Oh gosh! Hopefully Global Blue don’t charge me twice the refund amount on the credit card. As I exceeded the cash limit, I did part of the tax refund through credit card. But I handed the refund forms personally to the GB staff at the counter and she keyed in my credit card numbers into their system on the spot. She also issued me a receipt.The tax refund was credited into my credit card on the very next day. In future if I need to use the credit card option, I will definitely take a snap shot of the stamped forms for any dispute purpose.
Hi Helen,
I was hoping you could help me with my query. I will be travelling with KLM to Melbourne from Rome. How do I go about claiming the VAT back from customs in terminal 1 in FCO? I only have 1hr 5m transit in Amsterdam before my flight to Melbourne. So I would assume that I am able to do so in FCO. I read on some forums that there are no customs in T1, is that true? If so, do I have to go to T3 to claim my VAT back?
Thanks for your help
Claire
Hi Claire,
T1 services Alitalia domestic flights as well as flights to European destinations for which the VAT refund scheme does not apply. Although the Fiumicino Airport website says there is a customs office for VAT reimbursement at T1, I’ve not seen it myself. I would suggest that you contact KLM and ask them the same question.
As you only have 1 hr transit in Amsterdam, they may allow you to process your VAT claim in Rome. You will need to show your boarding pass for your Amsterdam to Melbourne flight, i.e. they need proof that you are leaving the Eurozone.
If you can’t get any clear direction from KLM, I would try T3.
Good luck and do drop me a line to share your experience.
Kind regards,
Helen
Hi Helen,
I will be departing from Rome FCO T1 on a Sunday 5pm flight.
I will be Transiting at Amsterdam Schipol Airport.
The transit time is about 1 hr 30 mins.
Question :
1a. Do I do my claim processing at Rome Airport OR
1b. Do I do my claim processing at Amsterdam Airport.
2. If it is a transit flight – does it mean I will do my claim in Rome ?
3. If its two different flight, does it mean I will do my claim in Amsterdam; after I have claimed my luggage ?
4. If my luggage goes all the way from Rome via Amsterdam to Singapore (where I don’t have to collect my check-in luggage at Amsterdam) – does it mean that I will still get the VAT forms stamped at Rome before checking in the luggage. Then at Amsterdam Airport, I proceed to the VAT offices to claim cash ?
5. I highly doubt the VAT offices will still be opened on a Sunday evening at Amsterdam Airport right ? Do you happen to know the working hours ?
6. Assuming that I could do my claim in Rome and assuming that I have them in my carry on board mini-luggage – can I still claim cash after going thru immigration clearance ? Is the VAT offices immediately after clearance ?
7. Lastly, will the VAT offices be opened on a Sunday evening ? Again I doubt it.
** Kinda makes me feel I should just focus on touring instead of shopping this time round. Just “not” worth the hassle. And to feel all stressed up on the ending leg of a good holiday seems so pointless…
Neverheless, I look forward to your kind advise.
Hi Cheryl,
If your luggage is checked all the way to Singapore and your transit time in Amsterdam is short, the Customs office for VAT refund in Rome may well stamp your VAT form for you. Your baggage tag will show Singapore as your final destination and you will have proof of a boarding pass for Singapore.
However, if you are claiming your bag in Amsterdam and then checking in on a different flight, they will most probably ask you to claim your VAT in Amsterdam because that is the last port of exit from the EU.
Although the Rome Airport site says that there is a Customs office for VAT refund at T1, I’m not aware of where it is. Also, the refund companies like Global Blue and Premier Tax-Free are at T3 at Gate H01-H02 after Security. They are not at T1.
At T3 you can get your Customs stamp before Immigration or after Immigration (you must hand-carry your goods in this case).
As regards opening hours of the VAT office, I do not have this information. I have requested it, but their response time is 30 days and I’ll be very lucky to receive it.
Yes, I think you are creating too many hypotheticals. You can give it a go in Rome, but don’t be upset if they reject you. Then you’ll know that you next step is to process your claim in Amsterdam. They are very efficient in Amsterdam, as long as you don’t get caught in a queue.
My concern is if you have to claim your bag in Amsterdam, check in for your flight and go through security check, you’ll be pressed for time for claiming VAT. You can try and get your Customs stamp and if you run out of time, then mail back the forms for your VAT refund to be processed.
Good luck,
Helen
As you say, best to enjoy your holiday and if you do manage to get your VAT refund, that’s a bonus.
Hi Cheryl,
Would you mind sharing your experiences after your trip regarding the VAT? I am in the same situation as you are where my flight will depart from T1 at FCO.
Thanks!
I came back from Rome last week and departed from Rome Fiumicino T3. The tax refund process is rather easy and smooth. My departure time was 11.15am and I reached the airport at about 9.45am. I hand carried my purchases. I spotted the customs office for check-in luggage at T3. It is not like Milan where it is located at one end of the terminal. The customs desk in T3 is centrally located and can be spotted easily. The queue was rather short and moving quite fast as there were 3 counters in operation then.
I was lucky. When I reached the customs desk after the immigration (passport controlled), there was nobody in the queue. Got the forms stamped and quickly moved to the Global Blue counter which is just next to the customs. The queue was short. As usual, a few tourists in the queue were rejected as they didn’t get the customs stamp. The only unpleasant thing I encountered is that I was given all in Eur10 notes for my Eur600 tax refund. The GB staff claimed that she didn’t have big notes when I saw stacks of big notes just right behind her. I didn’t want to argue with her so I just took my time to count the notes in front of her.
This is my first experience in claiming the VAT refund in Rome. Just follow the steps as stated in Helen’s posts and it is definitely not scary as many have described.
Hey Ping, you sure are keeping the Italian Customs busy with all your shopping and tax refunds! Well done for getting your tax refund at Rome Fiumicino. I’m so pleased that you and a few others who have posted on this page recently have all had successes. Based on the number of trips that you take to Italy, the Euro 10 notes will come in handy.
May I take this opportunity to wish you all the best for the festive season and I hope to hear lots more from you about you shopping trips to Europe in 2013.
Thanks again for keeping me updated .
Kindest regards,
Helen
Hi Helen,
I’m still in Rome and will be returning in 2 days time. About 10days ago, I made a purchase in Chanel Florence and was directed by the salesperson to claim tax refund from nearby changer but realised that they can only refundin usd and I suffered a fx loss almost 15%of the tax refund. When I made further purchases in The Mall ( florence), I was happy to know that the refund was in Euros and happily did that…just today, I made some purchases in Rome and wanted to claim tax from the Premier tax city counter, I was explained the high risk of the ‘stamped forms’ not being received by the custom office ( normally within 21 days of purchase) which will eventually lead to heavy debits to my credit card. This was never explained or advised by the money changer and tax counters in Florence.
I will be taking snapshots of the ‘ stamped invoices’ before mailing them, can you advise if there is anything I can do to ensure that the ‘stamped’ invoice gets to the custom office? What other precaution or action should I take?
Thanks,
Elim
Hi Elim,
Many shops in Italy offer tax-free shopping services through Global Blue or Premier Tax Free. When you bought goods at Chanel and the Mall in Florence, the merchants should have given you a Tax Free Refund Form or Voucher together with a self-addressed prepaid envelope from either of these two companies.
You need to get the Tax Free Refund Forms stamped by Customs at the airport. Customs will want to see your goods and invoices before providing the stamp.
You can claim your refund from Global Blue and Premier Tax Free in the city or at the airport. If you’ve already got your cash refund in the city, make sure you still get your Customs stamps and you can drop off the tax free forms (in the self-addressed envelopes) at the respective Global Blue or Premier Tax Free counters at the airport. If you have forms from both companies, they need to drop them in the two separate boxes.
As you’ve mentioned claiming tax from Premier Tax Free, I’ve included a link to their website which shows you the kinds of information needed if you have to track your refund. Make sure your snapshots of your refund forms covers important information like the Document/Voucher Number.
http://www.premiertaxfree.com/en/index.php/tourist/refund-tracking-system
Good luck with your VAT refund.
Regards,
Helen
Hi Helen,
Thanks for your prompt and clear advices, I will do that and hopefully everything goes on well. One more question, for a particular merchant, I was given 2 copies, tourist copy and original copy, which is the one to be stamped by custom and to be mailed back. Also, do we need to mail the invoices together with the stamped forms or can we keep the invoices? Thanks again….
Best regards
Elim
Hand both copies to Customs and you’ll find that they’ll probably only stamp the original which is the one to mail back. You don’t have to mail your invoices, but if you want to reassure yourself, you can check with the Global Blue or Premier Tax Free people before you drop off your forms. Once you clear Immigration and security, there are Global Blue and Premier Tax Free counters inside the secure area. There’s also a Customs desk inside, for those who are handcarrying their shopping.
Kind regards,
Helen
Hi Helen, once again thanks for your advice… Grazie..
Here’s wishing a great 2013 ahead!
Elim
Hi Helen,
I arrived back in Singapore a couple of hours ago..experience at custom was smooth as we arrived at the airport 3.5 hours before the flight. There were already queues at tax refund counters – both premier and global blue and there was this Chinese family alternating between these 2 booths, with individuals of the family signing documents between the 2 booths. That actually held up the queue for at least 15 – 20 mins, thus imagine 10 such families. As mentioned, I actually did some tax refund at the Mall and city money changer but was able to hand over the ‘ stamped’ documents to the tax refund counters, maybe, it is advisable to do that if you have a fair bit of tax refunds and time in the city, firstly, u can claim the euros earlier for spending in Italy and secondly, need not spend too much time at the tax refund, just get the custom stamps and pass on the forms to the refund counter ( still need to queue) but if the queue is too long, just mail them at the mailbox next to the refund counters, well, at least you can be assured of a chance to get refund, rather than forego totally if there is a risk of missing your flight..
One more observation, global blue pays in Euros while premier tax is in USD, JPY & GBP.
Glad this is over…. Thanks, Helen!
And wish all a great 2013 ahead!
Elim
Hi Elim,
I’m glad to see that you’ve survived the tax refund process at Fiumicino. Your comment about the Chinese family hogging the tax refund booths is one that others have complained about previously. I believe in Singapore you have a term to describe such behaviour!
Your suggestion about claiming your tax refund in the city is a good suggestion if you don’t mind paying the extra handling commission. I remember checking in Rome once and noted that what they would refund is considerably less than what’s indicated in the tax refund form.
Thanks for your feedback and now that you’ve experienced tax refund in Rome, it’ll be less stressful the next time around.
Kind regards and have a Great 2013. Hope you’ll have many more shopping adventures.
Helen
Hi,
I’ve heard from friends you can’t get any refund if say, you bought the items in Paris and you are leaving from Italy. But read some of the comments, it doesn’t seem like it.
Can anyone confirm on this?
many thanks!!
Hi Ben,
If you buy things in Paris and leave the EU from Rome, your tax refund claim must be done in Rome, i.e. your final point of exit from the EU. You will not be able to claim it in Paris.
Kind regards,
Helen
Hi Helen,
Its great to see that you are helping so many travellers around the world with their VAT refund. I had couple of questions to ask, would appreciate if you could help me out.
I will be travelling to Rome and Nice, France in April 2013 since I have enough time I though I should check with you as to how to go about the VAT refund procedure. I plan to buy some high end luxury brand bags in Rome after which I am travelling to Nice, France. I would be travelling to Nice, France by Easyjet, could you please tell me if I should get my VAT refund in Rome or in Nice, France ? My exit will be from France to my country (India).
Thanks in advance!
Happyshopper
Hi Happyshopper,
VAT refund is claimed from your last port of exit from the EU, so in your case it is Nice. If you have any advice to share from your Nice refund experience, please feel free to share here.
Happy shopping and mind your luggage allowance with Easyjet. Budget airlines take the allowances very seriously.
Kind regards,
Helen
Thanks so much Helen! yes I will be careful on luggage part
Hi, Thought of sharing my VAT refund experience at Nice Airport, well it was really a simple easy process, just go towards Departure side of the airport and get your VAT form Stamped and then after checking in and security check you can claim your money at American Express Kiosk. Though I went pretty early there were hardly any people claiming the refund hence it was a smooth affair.
Thanks Helen for giving me the tips!
Cheers!
Hi Happyshopper,
I’m glad that everything went well for you and thanks for sharing your Nice VAT refund experience. Enjoy your goodies!
Cheers,
Helen