# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Travel Paperwork

How to Reclaim VAT at the Airport

Value Added Tax, or VAT, is a tax that countries in the European Union levy on most goods and services purchased there. Residents and travelers alike will pay this VAT any time they purchase an item that carries a VAT. However, travelers living outside the European Union are eligible to receive a refund of the VAT. Most airports have a counter where travelers can receive a VAT refund -- sometimes, even in their local currency -- before leaving the country. To receive a refund, you need to save all your receipts with the VAT amount listed and hold on to the items you have purchased for verification.

VAT refund form
Receipts
Passport
Items purchased

Instructions

- 1
  Obtain a VAT refund form from a retailer where you purchased your goods. Duty-free shops often have these forms available as well.
- 2
  Complete the refund claim form. You will need to include your name, address and your country of origin, description of the items purchased, the dates purchased, cost of the items and VAT amount paid.
- 3
  Go to customs at the airport you are departing from and present the refund form, receipts, passport and items purchased. You should not pack your items in luggage you intend to check until after you have gone through customs. Customs will review your form, receipts and goods, stamp your form and return it to you.
- 4
  Present your certified form at a refund counter at the airport to receive the cash back on the spot. Alternatively, you can mail the form back to the retailer to receive the refund by check.