Can I claim a VAT refund on shopping when I leave Ireland?
Yes, if you live outside the EU, Great Britain included, and take the goods home with you. Under Revenue's Retail Export Scheme, a shop that operates the scheme gives you an export voucher for each purchase of 75 euro or more. You must export the goods in your own luggage by the last day of the third month after the month you bought them, and prove it: most vouchers are certified through the Customs drop box at your departure airport, while any single item of 2,000 euro or more must be shown to a Customs officer in person. The refund comes from the shop or its refund agent, not from Revenue, and agents take a fee, so you get most of the VAT back rather than all of it. Hotels, meals and car hire never qualify. Goods only.
Useful pages: Money and tipping in Ireland · Shopping in Ireland · Packing checklist · Travel notices · Healthcare and emergencies · Irish weather · Festivals and events · Dublin · Ireland dos and don'ts · Solo travel in Ireland · First time visitor tips
Sources
- Revenue: Retail Export Scheme guidance, revenue.ie
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