Tax refund before leaving Switzerland
Tham is planning a trip to Switzerland next month and wants to know how to get a tax refund for purchases made in Switzerland since they will continue to Paris afterward. They are looking for specific guidance on obtaining the necessary customs stamp for the VAT refund before leaving the country.
- To receive a VAT refund, you must get a Swiss customs stamp before leaving the country.
- You can obtain customs stamps at the Geneva and Basel train stations, and also at Zurich Airport.
- Ensure your total purchases exceed CHF300 to qualify for the VAT refund.
AI-generated summary-
Dear Sir/Madam,
Our trip to Switzerland is next month. Would like to sincerely find out if we are leaving Switzerland and continuing our journey to Paris. How can we do a tax refund for items that we purchase in Switzerland? Thank you.
Best regards
tham
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Hi Tham,
To get your VAT refund, you must obtain a Swiss custom stamp before leaving the border. You can find custom offices at the Geneva and Basel train stations. Once you have this you can mail your VAT refund request form.
Regards,
Anna
Will you explain a little more about VAT? The only two places we can get a Swiss custom stamp before flying home to US are in Basel and Geneva? How much does one need to spend on items to qualify?
Hi Calygirl,
As a tourist you can claim VAT refund on purchases in Switzerland if you spend more than CHF300. You can get custom stamps from any Custom office in Switzerland. If you’re travelling to Paris by train, usually you can get your custom stamps before leaving the border, in Basel or Geneva depending which train connection you take.
Regards,
Anna
Hi Galvgirl,
In addition to Anna’s information: you can find a link to all official Swiss VAT info on https://www.myswissalps.com/aboutswitzerland/practical/websites.
We are flying in and out of Zurich and only traveling by train within Switzerland and a tiny bit of Italy. So to understand, I’d have to go to customs in Geneva or Basel? No other options in Zurich?
Hi Galygirl,
There is a custom office at Zurich Airport, from which you can obtain your custom stamp.
Regards,
Anna
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