Tax Free Shopping in Switzerland

Tax Free Shopping

The VAT rate in Switzerland is 8% and is included in the sales price. With prices in Switzerland as they are, any discount is welcome, so don’t miss out on your tax refund! All visitors living outside Switzerland are entitled to claim back the VAT if they spend more than CHF 400 in one shop in one day. The goods must be exported within 30 days after the purchase date and the export must be confirmed by an official Swiss customs stamp.

So, how do you get your tax refund? Easy-peasy…

3 easy steps to claim your refund :

1. In the store
   Shop where you see the Tax-free Shopping logo and simply ask for your Global Refund Cheque. You will receive an information leaflet with detailed explanation in different languages.

2. At Customs
   When leaving Switzerland make sure that your Tax-free Shopping Cheques are stamped by Swiss customs authorities after you show the goods to them.

3. Get your refund
   Hand in the blue original of your Global Refund Cheque. You have several choices to get your refund:

   - Immediate cash at the Cash Refund Office is the best bet, especially at the airport
   - Mail your Cheque to Global Refund. The refund will then be credited to a chosen credit card, a Swiss bank account or you will receive a bank check to your home address.

• Website: http://www.global-blue.com/
Note: Global Refund is now called Global Blue.

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