VAT, Customs, what can we bring home

We are traveling later this month to Bangkok and Phuket. Just started thinking about VAT and customs, what should we expect, when do we pay the taxes and what do we have to claim, any advice would be helpful! Thanks!

VAT, Customs, what can we bring home

You have to request the VAT decleration form when you make a purchase make sure it is the proper form and not just a scribbled receipt though, some shops will require you to have spent a minimum amount, I think at Carrfour it is 3000Bht , when you go to the Airport you have to go to the VAT refund counter where you will be reinbursed and have to show that you are taking the item out of the country,

VAT, Customs, what can we bring home

You pay the taxes at the time of purchase just like anywhere. As the previous poster said you%26#39;ll need to get VAT slip and get refund at the airport VAT office.

As far as what to claim - it is when you get back to the US you%26#39;ll have to claim what you%26#39;re bringing back.

Here%26#39;s some info from a few days ago that should be useful -

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g293916-i3687-k136鈥?/a>

After you take care of your Vat you still have to deal with U.S. customs when you arrive in the U.S.

You are allowed so much value duty free, I think it is $400, anything over that amount you may have to pay customs tax on the stuff. Even worse if you fail to claim something of value and they find out!

Link:

www.everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=1278575

Good luck.

This link

www.thaiwaysmagazine.com/tips/vat_refund.html

Gives a very good guide to how to proceed

Minimum 2000 Baht per purchase at store to get form

Minimum of 5000 Baht to claim refund at airport

REMEMBER

Goods purchased must be shown to the customs officer BEFORE you check in and proceed through immigration.

Not all stores/shops ill be able to provide the form

Ask before you part with your money