Prices in the UK are significantly lower than in China. Clients planning to immigrate to the UK often purchase various goods during their site visits. Many shopping malls and bank terminals in the UK now accept China UnionPay cards. Currently, over 99% of ATMs across the UK, totaling 64,000 units, accept UnionPay cards for withdrawing British Pounds. In addition to cash withdrawals, Citibank ATMs also allow balance inquiries. Specifically, any ATM displaying the UK LINK network logo on the right can process UnionPay cards. For tourists visiting the UK for travel and shopping, it is possible to claim a refund on the Value Added Tax (VAT) paid on purchases when departing the country.
Non-EU tourists: Overseas visitors must meet the following conditions to apply for a tax refund:
* Must be a resident of a non-EU country
* Must leave the EU within 3 months of purchase
* Must present the tax-free goods to customs officials upon departure, along with the corresponding shopping receipts and complete tax refund documentation.
1. How to receive your tax refund
When shopping, you must first choose a store that offers tax refunds. Participation is voluntary for retailers, and not all stores offer this service.
Next, you will need one of the following documents, which the retailer will generally provide:
* A VAT 407 form
* A store or tax refund company's own version of the VAT 407 form
* A sales invoice under the Retail Export Scheme
You must fill out the application form at the store during your purchase. The retailer will require proof of eligibility for the tax refund, such as your passport.
You also need to agree with the retailer on the method of refund. Some retailers will refund the tax directly, some use specialized tax refund companies, and others process refunds through tax refund points you will pass on your way out of the UK.
The tax is generally not refunded in full; the retailer or the tax refund company will charge a processing fee, which will be deducted from your refund amount.
2. When you leave the UK:
If you are leaving the EU, customs officials will inspect the goods for which you are claiming a refund, and you must submit your tax refund application form. It is best to arrive at the airport early to complete the tax refund procedures before departure.
If you are traveling to another EU country, submit your tax refund application form to customs officials in the final EU country you depart from, and cooperate with the inspection of your tax-free goods.
If your flight stops in other EU countries before leaving the EU, you have two options:
If you are carrying your tax-free goods in your hand luggage, you must submit the tax refund application form and present the goods for inspection by customs officials at the final stopover country.
If your tax-free goods are to be checked in, you must present them for inspection and submit the tax refund form before checking your luggage.
3. If there are no customs officials at the port or airport of your departure, there will be a telephone available to contact official tax refund services, or you may place your tax refund form in a clearly marked mailbox. Customs officials will review your application and contact the relevant retailer to arrange the refund.
4. Once your application is approved by customs officials, you can receive your refund according to the method agreed upon with the retailer at the time of purchase. Common methods include:
1) Mailing the tax refund form back to the retailer to arrange payment of the refund.
2) Mailing the tax refund form to a commercial tax refund company to arrange payment.
3) Submitting the form and receiving the refund directly at a tax refund kiosk.
Any processing fees required for the refund will be specified in the tax refund application form.
