VAT Refund

Non-resident travelers may apply for a refund of up to 16% of the general sales tax (AFA) on goods purchased in Hungary, with the exception of works of art, collections and antiques, under the following conditions:
- The single or total value of the goods on one original invoice, including AFA, must exceed 50,000 Ft.
- Not more than 90 days may elapse between the time of purchase and the time of export.
- The goods must be taken out of the country in new condition; that is, they may not be used in Hungary. More information: http://www.hungary.com
- At the time of departure the purchase must be presented to the customs officer, together with the AFA refund claim form, a detailed fiscal invoice and the Tax Free Envelope. These 3 items must be obtained from the place of purchase.

- You should also retain the receipts of your currency exchange for Ft and enclose it with your documents. If using a credit card, enclose the credit card receipt.
- Make sure to get the a customs stamp or the refund is not possible. If departing Hungary by plane, you should go to the customs office immediately after receiving your boarding pass at check-in and before you pass security control.
- You may receive your VAT refund in cash immediately at the airport (look for the VAT refund desk at the IBUSZ office) or by bank check sent to your home address or as a payment directly to your credit card. Mail refunds must be requested no more than 6 months after date of purchase.
More information: Global Refund
Phone: (800) KNOW-VAT


Tax Free Shopping in Hungary
In Hungary there are many opportunities to benefit from Tax Free Shopping, more than 1.500 retail outlets are offering the service. The affiliated stores are displaying our well-known Tax Free Shopping logo, and helpful staff will guide you through the process.

You pay 4,76%-16,67% VAT on the purchases you make, the VAT rate is depending on what kind of goods you are buying and the VAT is included in the price. All visitors residing outside of Hungary are entitled to claim back the tax, if they spend HUF 45.000 or more in one shop in one day.

The goods need to be exported within 3 months after the month of the purchase.


Example: If you make your purchases on April 10th, you must leave the country no later than July 31st.
After deduction of the handling expenses, you will receive a refund of up to 15% of the purchase price. Global Refund is offering several possibilities to receiving your refund.
How to get your refund
After deduction of the handling expense, you will receive a refund up to 15% of the purchase price. You can cash your refund cheque in Hungary or abroad at one of more than 200 international cash refund offices (Find a list on the return envelope which you receive together with the Global Refund Cheque).

Global Refund offers you several possibillities of receiving your VAT-refund:

1. Cash at a nearby Global Refund Office
1. Direct crediting of a chosen credit card or Hungarian bank account (please state your credit card/bank details)
1. Bank cheque sent to a chosen address

source: www.globalrefund.com

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