Barcelona is a city that always has something to see and do. Travelers from all over the world dream of visiting the Catalan capital for its unique architecture, sandy beaches and Mediterranean cuisine. This desire can only be strengthened by the season of sales, which happens here in the middle of summer or immediately after the New Year holidays.
Shopping lovers know that returning to their country from vacation they can get VAT refunds from purchases made in Europe, let’s check the options for TAX FREE return when leaving Spain.
In the middle of the sales season, prices in stores can be reduced by up to 80%. VAT (value added tax or IVA – Impuesto de Valor Añadido) in Spain is 21% and this is exactly how much you can get back from the remaining purchase price through the TAX FREE program.
It doesn’t matter if you buy clothes on sale or not, you can request a tax refund anyway if your purchase is over € 90.15. As a rule, most shops provide tax free services.
The largest and most reliable companies providing VAT refunds to tourists are Premier Tax Free and Global Blue. The offices of which are located in the city center, near Plaza Catalunya, as well as at Barcelona airport (El Prat de Llobregat).
While in the store, you will need to inform the seller that you need a Tax Free, the seller will ask for your passport and give you an envelope with a check and a form to fill out. To avoid paperwork, you can use an online SHOP TAX FREE card from Global Blue. Many shops support the Tax Refund system, just tell them the card number and they will enter all the data in the database automatically. Do not forget to visit the Global Blue office prior to departure to request a refund from your e-card.
Now imagine you are at the airport and about to leave Spain. At the customs office, you will need to present tickets, your boarding pass and your passport. Be prepared for the customs officer to ask you to show each of your purchases, especially if they are expensive (for example: a Chanel bag or a Rolex watch), make sure you have everything close at hand beforehand. At customs all tickets must be stamped. Once you’re done, go to the Global Blue office or to the Caixa Bank branch at the airport (if you decide to use Premier Tax Free).
You can find Global Blue office right after passing the departure area. The money can be returned either to your bank account or in cash.
When receiving money to the card, you will avoid queues at the Tax Free office, however, it may take about a month for the funds to be received on the card. To use this option, simply indicate the return method “to a bank card” and indicate the account number.
If you prefer to do everything in advance, you can use the Global Blue and Premier Tax Free offices in center of Barcelona.
When you get your cashback, do not forget to show your stamped tickets when going through customs, then put them in the mailbox at the airport. If you forget to do this, you can be fined. Make sure you do everything correctly.
Hope you enjoy shopping in Barcelona! If you have any questions, please send us an email and we will be happy to answer your questions!