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Claiming tax refund on purchases when I leave Switzerland
Jan 13, 2014 @ 15:08

I'm going to head home to Australia for three weeks. As I've been thinking about buying a new camera, it seems to make sense to try and work it into the rules about refund of taxes/duty-free when I travel.


I know and understand the rules for Australia, but I'm wondering how I would go about claiming the tax back if I buy the camera here in Geneva and effectively export it.


At the moment, the prices between Switzerland and Australia are roughly comparable when I allow for the current exchange rate (maybe $20-30 in it) so the deciding factor might come down to the tax issue - how much I can claim back and how easy the process is.


In Australia, there are customs desks at the international airport which will process your tax refund on the spot - they can even credit it back to a credit card used to make the purchase. You just have to have the goods and invoices with you when you leave.


What is the system here?

The text you are quoting:

I'm going to head home to Australia for three weeks. As I've been thinking about buying a new camera, it seems to make sense to try and work it into the rules about refund of taxes/duty-free when I travel.


I know and understand the rules for Australia, but I'm wondering how I would go about claiming the tax back if I buy the camera here in Geneva and effectively export it.


At the moment, the prices between Switzerland and Australia are roughly comparable when I allow for the current exchange rate (maybe $20-30 in it) so the deciding factor might come down to the tax issue - how much I can claim back and how easy the process is.


In Australia, there are customs desks at the international airport which will process your tax refund on the spot - they can even credit it back to a credit card used to make the purchase. You just have to have the goods and invoices with you when you leave.


What is the system here?


Anura SJan 13, 2014 @ 15:08
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Re: Claiming tax refund on purchases when I leave Switzerland
Post 1
Jan 13, 2014 @ 16:07

Hi,


I think that the scheme you are looking for is called "Tax free for tourists"


http://www.estv.admin.ch/mwst/themen/00160/00635/index.html?lang=en


I used it in finland


Usually the shop has to officially wrap the product. Then you have to prove that you have exported it, and you should pay the tax in the country you're going to. Unless of course you walk through "Nothing to declare" by mistake and don't get stopped.


Sometimes you get charged the tax on your credit card and have a form to post back from abroad to waive the transaction.


In the worst case you save Swiss VAT, which is low but pay AUS VAT which you should check, plus any fines they decide to throw at you.


It might be more profitable to buy in France where VAT is higher and prices lower.


If the system works, you will pay VAT somewhere, but often it doesn't.


also, it is highly recommended not to lie to customs officials, and bear in mind that lying twice to Swiss customs officials can procure a double fine!


 


 


 


 

The text you are quoting:

Hi,


I think that the scheme you are looking for is called "Tax free for tourists"


http://www.estv.admin.ch/mwst/themen/00160/00635/index.html?lang=en


I used it in finland


Usually the shop has to officially wrap the product. Then you have to prove that you have exported it, and you should pay the tax in the country you're going to. Unless of course you walk through "Nothing to declare" by mistake and don't get stopped.


Sometimes you get charged the tax on your credit card and have a form to post back from abroad to waive the transaction.


In the worst case you save Swiss VAT, which is low but pay AUS VAT which you should check, plus any fines they decide to throw at you.


It might be more profitable to buy in France where VAT is higher and prices lower.


If the system works, you will pay VAT somewhere, but often it doesn't.


also, it is highly recommended not to lie to customs officials, and bear in mind that lying twice to Swiss customs officials can procure a double fine!


 


 


 


 


Richard H, Jan 13, 2014 @ 16:07
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Re: Claiming tax refund on purchases when I leave Switzerland
Post 2
Jan 13, 2014 @ 16:18

Thanks for this. It sounds like it will be easier to just buy it in Australia and see what happens when I come back in. I mean, I will be leaving Switzerland with a camera for personal use and returning with another camera for personal use - it's just that they will be slightly different models.

The text you are quoting:

Thanks for this. It sounds like it will be easier to just buy it in Australia and see what happens when I come back in. I mean, I will be leaving Switzerland with a camera for personal use and returning with another camera for personal use - it's just that they will be slightly different models.


Anura S, Jan 13, 2014 @ 16:18
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Re: Claiming tax refund on purchases when I leave Switzerland
Post 3
Jan 14, 2014 @ 10:08

once you know the exact brand and model and have seen it in the shops, buy it online. it will be cheaper and have it sent directly to your address in australia. then you will only pay the vat in your country. or, buy it online and ship it here. the swiss vat is about 8% ( it went up from 7% i think this year ) 


if vat in australia is more than in CH, just walk passed the custems as it will be personal goods and used.

The text you are quoting:

once you know the exact brand and model and have seen it in the shops, buy it online. it will be cheaper and have it sent directly to your address in australia. then you will only pay the vat in your country. or, buy it online and ship it here. the swiss vat is about 8% ( it went up from 7% i think this year ) 


if vat in australia is more than in CH, just walk passed the custems as it will be personal goods and used.


epicure, Jan 14, 2014 @ 10:08
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Re: Claiming tax refund on purchases when I leave Switzerland
Post 4
Jan 14, 2014 @ 16:30

I think this is what I'm hoping will happen. The equivalent tax in Australia is called the GST and is set at 10%.


As I know from past experience, claiming it at the airport is really easy and the credit goes straight back to your credit card (I found that remembering to pick up your passport and boarding pass from the refund desk was much harder!).


I just have to hope that customs in Geneva won't know the difference even if they stop me (yes, I have been picked out for a check once).

The text you are quoting:

I think this is what I'm hoping will happen. The equivalent tax in Australia is called the GST and is set at 10%.


As I know from past experience, claiming it at the airport is really easy and the credit goes straight back to your credit card (I found that remembering to pick up your passport and boarding pass from the refund desk was much harder!).


I just have to hope that customs in Geneva won't know the difference even if they stop me (yes, I have been picked out for a check once).


Anura S, Jan 14, 2014 @ 16:30
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