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My wife and I just returned from Ireland in January. We were there
for three weeks. Our shopping was very limited due to the horrible
exchange rates. We were there right at the peak of the worst US$
IRE� exch. rates. It's slightly better now.
First of all, always ask whenever you're getting close to a purchase
decision. The VAT percentage is different with different products.
For example, it was 20% on my Claddagh ring (jewelry). Insist
upon getting a VAT form from the salesperson and having them fill
it out.
Secondly, note there are different companies that handle the paperwork
for the government. One might give you a refund right at the airport.
Another might give you an envelope (free if you mail in Eire so
do it at the airport before you leave!). Also, at the airport,
there is a government agency which stamps the form before you walk
a few steps where the "VAT company" gives you the refund.
I don't believe we have received our refund yet from the one that
you mail it in. Just imagine the interest the Irish Gov't. is making
on the VAT refunds still unpaid! :-)
Also, see my note #308 in which I asked some of the same questions
you're askin'.
Best of luck! Your heart will never leave the isle; so be prepared
to be haunted with the desire to return.
JO'R
P.S. There are plenty of notes that discuss just about every aspect
of travelling in Ireland so take the time to brouse through and
print 'em out!
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I went to Ireland for the first time in November, and the poor
exchange rate (.1) was not enough to discourage me from shopping.
It just made it a greater challenge!
There are a few things to keep in mind:
Always check prices carefully to determine what they include---
1. Product price, 2. V.A.T. and 3. SHIPPING!!! Believe it or not,
the shipping cost can "make or break" the deal. For example, I
bought some Waterford at the Blarney Woolen Mill in Dublin even
though it was slightly cheaper elsewhere. Blarney only charged
half what the other stores did for shipping and I still received
the packages in time for Christmas.
If you buy something and have the store ship it to the U.S., no
VAT will be charged. This is probably why you heard no VAT is paid
on credit cards---because most people charge the cost & Freight.
Be careful. I'm almost positive you will pay VAT if you charge
and take the item with you. Another plus to shipping items home
is that they will not be included in your $400 customs allowance
upon returning home. Also, with items like crystal, who wants to
take the risk of breakage by hand carrying.
In most of the stores where I shopped, the sales clerk filled out
a VAT form for me. If they don't, ask them to. When you get to
the Airport in Ireland, you take the VAT form to customs. They
will ask if you have the items with you, but rarely ask to see them.
They validate the form which you take to the VAT refund desk. At
this point, I was offered a choice of my refund in dollars, punt,
or pounds. I think there is a small fee for the service, but I
had my cash in hand and didn't have to worry about it anymore.
In England, the stores were much less willing to fill out VAT forms
for you. You still had customs verify the items at the airport,
but you place your validated forms in a 'mailbox' near customs.
(There was no such thing as a cash-back desk.)
I believe that you have to mail the VAT form while still in the
country---so don't bring it back to the States figuring you can
worry about it later. I my case I travelled in early November and
got my British VAT refund in February.
You can complain about how long they hold onto your VAT refund money,
but I think you do o.k. if you charge your purchases. It took about
two months for my Irish purchases to show up on my VISA bill and,
believe it or not, several of my British purchases haven't shown
up yet. I've been "using their money" for five months now!
Maybe they'll never bill me and I'll have enough money to go back
soon. Tis true what they say --- once bitten....
jen
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