When you shop Tax Free, it means you will get the VAT (Value Added Tax) element of the purchase price refunded. The tax is used for social purposes in the UK and as a foreign resident you can claim this tax back and therefore, shop Tax Free.

Can everyone shop tax free in the UK?

NOT everyone can claim VAT refund in the UK.

Residents of the following countries are not eligible for Tax Free

Austria Belgium Bulgaria Cyprus Czech Rep. Denmark Estonia

Finland France (inc. Monaco) Germany Greece Hungary Ireland Italy

Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Netherlands Poland Portugal

Romania Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden United Kingdom (inc. Isle of Man)

It is 17,5% on all goods. It means that all prices include a VAT rate which hence corresponds to 14,89% of the total selling price.

Is there a minimum amount when shopping Tax-Free in the UK?

In the UK the minimum amount is £30.

Can I use the Tax Free system for all my expenses?

No, you can only use it for goods which you export out of the country. Services are not included, nor is food or drink which you consume during your stay.

The 3 Golden rules concerning Tax Free shopping

-The correct form must be completed at the point of sale
-The customer must leave the EU within 3 months after the month of purchase
-The customer must spend the minimum amount set by the store