When given the chance, I do go shopping, especially whenever I find myself in countries known for specific products. Two years ago, I found myself in Milan. It was the perfect excuse to get myself a leather bag from a particular store. Had I purchased the exact same product in the US, it would have cost me 110USD more than the price the Milan store was offering.
Imagine my surprise when my personal shopper for the day (as she called herself) told me that I could save even more if I apply for a tax refund, considering that I was a non-EU resident, at that time.
See, travellers are given VAT refund for goods which are bought for personal use, provided you are not a resident of the said continent or country. It's an advantage that we, foreign travellers, should not overlook as this could mean savings up to 20% of the selling price of goods purchased.
How can you apply for refund?
Some stores can give you "tax-free shopping" checks or VAT refund form which you could present to customs (at the airport) before you leave the country. You can get the refund there or you can mail your form to the refund center when you get home and they will credit the funds to the credit card account you specified.
Get your money back the next time you go shopping abroad.
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