Many tourists seek to fully enjoy shopping in Turkey. In addition, this opportunity exists, and savings are facilitated by the possibility of refunding VAT, the tax included in the cost of goods. In order to use this system, you need to know the basic conditions.
Tax free is available for buyers who have permanent residence outside Turkey, but at the same time, they cannot stay in Turkey for more than six months. The minimum purchase amount must be TRY 100 including VAT.
What are the VAT rates in Turkey
- 18% - accessories, electronics, watches and glasses, cosmetics, household goods, porcelain and ceramics.
- 8% - textiles and clothing, shoes, bags, leather goods, carpets, optics, books, and food.
Refunds for purchased goods are only possible if they are exported in the tourist's personal luggage. To use tax free in Turkey, you need to fill out a standard form, it is valid for three months from the date of export of new and packaged goods from the country. After completing the form, you should obtain a stamp from the customs officers. In order for the form to be valid, it must be stamped by the Ministry of Finance, invoice number.
How to use tax free
In order for you to be able to get the VAT refund, you need to go through three stages. First, you have to make purchases, the total cost of which should be 118 Turkish Lira. In this case, shopping should be carried out in stores with the Tax free shopping or Global refung logos. Without fail, ask the employees of the trade institution for a special check, which must be drawn up in triplicate and contain all the relevant data of the seller, buyer, a list of purchased goods with a set value and the amount of VAT. Be prepared for the fact that a photocopy of your identity document may be required to process your check.
When leaving Turkey, which should take place in the next three months, you must present a check and goods at customs. As a result, you will receive a stamp on the check, which will allow you to subsequently return VAT.
After you go through the procedure at customs, you need to contact the Cash Refund Office or authorized banks, post offices in order to receive cash. In order for the funds to be transferred to a credit card, the check will need to be sent to the Global Refund address in Turkey within the next thirty days. You will be able to receive 12.5% (the total amount after all expenses have been deducted) from the value of the goods indicated in the presented receipt.
