If traveling internationally or across borders, VAT tax is unavoidable as it automatically added to almost everything that you buy.
The tax consists of a percentage of the purchase price displayed for the items that you are buying and is often included in the item price on your receipt.
If you are worried about over-taxing because of a section on your receipt which names the VAT total, then relax.
The total is shown for your information only, and you are wont be taxed multiple times for the same goods.
Ordering things from other countries within the EU or UK, whether online, through a catalogue, or through another method, will still incur the international VAT tax.
This tax goes to the country from which the item is purchased, rather than to your home country.
Further taxes on importation may be imposed to incline you toward buying domestic products; however this is not VAT, but another different import tax.
If you are buying in a country in which you do not live, however maybe when you are visiting someone abroad on business, then you may be eligible for a refund of the VAT taxes that you have paid.
Keeping your receipts from all purchases is vital to reclaiming the money that you have spent while in foreign countries.
Your receipts show how much tax you have paid, and to which international government it was paid.
The proper forms will help you use these receipts to get your money back in the form of refunds.
Filing the proper refund forms to the proper authorities can be a difficult and confusing process, however services are offered by many institutions which are meant to make this process easier on you.
These services will cost you a portion of your reclaimed VAT tax; however this is paying them a portion of money that you have already spent.
You can only gain from using one of these companies as long as they only charge for successful recovery of your international VAT payments.