TRAVEL TIPS

Taxes

Hotels in Holland always include the service charge and the 6% V.A.T. (BTW in Dutch) in the room rate. Tourist tax is never included and is a few euros extra. If in doubt, inquire when booking. In restaurants you pay 6% V.A.T. on food items and 21% V.A.T. on beverages, all of which are included in the quoted menu prices. V.A.T. is 21% on clothes and luxury goods, 6% on basic goods. On consumer goods, it is always included in the amount on the price tag, so you can't actually see what percentage you're paying.

When making a purchase, ask for a V.A.T. refund form and find out whether the merchant gives refunds—not all stores do, nor are they required to. Have the form stamped like any customs form by customs officials when you leave the country or, if you're visiting several EU countries, when you leave the EU. Note that you should not pack your purchases in your checked luggage as you'll typically need to show them to the customs officer. After you're through passport control, take the form to a refund-service counter for an on-the-spot refund (which is usually the quickest and easiest option), or mail it to the address on the form (or the envelope with it) after you arrive home. You receive the total refund stated on the form, but the processing time can be long, especially if you request a credit-card adjustment.

Global Blue is a worldwide service with more than 270,000 affiliated stores and refund counters at major airports and border crossings. Its refund form, called a Tax Free Form, is the most common across the European Continent. The service issues refunds in the form of cash or credit-card adjustment.

V.A.T. Refunds

Global Blue. 866/706–6090; www.globalblue.com.

BACK TO

Ready for a trip of a lifetime to ?

CONTACT US TODAY
JMC Getaways info@JMCGetaways.com 6319871023 JMCGetaways.com