Previously, a tax refund point for non-European Union tourists was located at a tourist spot on Areos Street #1. However, nowadays, a tax refund can be obtained at the airport. Nevertheless, it may still be worth getting a VAT refund for shoppers.
Greece's Value Added Tax (VAT) rate is currently 24% for most goods and services. However, some goods and services, such as food, medicine, books, and hotel accommodation, are subject to a reduced VAT rate of 13% or 6%. In addition, the VAT rate for certain goods and services may change over time, so checking the current rates before making any purchases is good.
In Greece, tourists who are residents of countries outside the European Union are eligible for a VAT refund on purchases made during their stay. To qualify for a refund, the total value of the investments made in a single transaction from a merchant must be at least €50, including VAT.
To get a VAT refund, the tourist must obtain a Tax-Free Shopping Form from the merchant at the time of purchase, including the purchase details and the VAT amount. When leaving Greece, the tourist must present the Tax-Free Shopping Forms and the purchased items to customs officials at the airport or port of departure for validation.
Once the forms have been validated, the tourist can claim the refund from one of the VAT refund service providers at the airport or port. The refund is usually paid by credit card or in cash, with a deduction of a small handling fee by the refund service provider.
It's important to note that not all merchants participate in the VAT refund scheme, so it's a good idea to look for the Tax-Free Shopping sign in stores or to ask the merchant if they offer VAT refunds to tourists. Additionally, it's recommended to allow enough time before departure to complete the VAT refund process, as customs and refund processing times can vary.
As a seasoned shopper, I recommend starting at Omonia Square and going down the bustling Eleutheriou Benizelou Avenue. Stop by the Attica department store to check out the latest designer trends before exploring the luxury shops near Syntagma Square. Next, continue your journey along Ermou Street, where you'll find stores like Bershka, Zara, Mango, H&M, and local brands. Don't forget to pop into United Colors of Benetton for vibrant, colourful pieces. When hunger strikes, take a break at the popular taverna Bairaktaris before learning about the VAT refund policy. Finally, head to the Psiri neighbourhood to browse the food and flea markets for unique finds. Happy shopping!
