Tax Refund For Things Brought Into Thailand

[crabstix]

I am a British Citizen who works in Thailand. If i buy say a Gucci bag from the UK and bring it into Thailand, can i claim VAT back at the airport?

[stoneyboy]

Try this link may be of use.

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/vat/sectors/consumers/overseas-visitors.htm

[RAZZELL]

If you live in the EU

If you live in the EU, you may be able to obtain a VAT refund if you are planning to leave the EU for at least 12 months.

You must:

• leave the UK for a destination outside the EU - with the goods you have bought - by the end of the third month after the month when you bought them (for example, goods purchased on 3 February would have to be exported by 31 May)
  
• stay outside the EU for at least 12 months
  
• show customs officials the goods, your receipts for them and a completed VAT refund document when you leave the EU
  

How do you prove you are living in Thailand? And how do you prove you are going leave for "12 months"? Does that mean you can't travel back to the EU??? Bit confused about the practicalities of this...

RAZZ

Edited March 6, 2012 by RAZZELL