Tax Free Shopping

In Barcelona (and throughout Spain) a tax is levied on consumer goods – this is called IVA and amounts to 16% on the value of those goods (excluding books which attract 7%) – mostly IVA will be shown as included in the purchase price. Citizens from OUTSIDE of the European Union can reclaim this tax if they have purchased goods to a value of more than €90.15 and intend to take those goods with them when they return to their home country.

Reclamation is made as follows:

Departing By Airline.

Ensure the shop you buy the goods in is a member of the Tax Free Shopping Scheme Ask the shop to prepare you a Tax Free Cheque for the goods you have purchased At Barcelona airport present your cheques BEFORE you check in your bags and Customs will stamp the documents.

Once stamped by Customs you can cash in those Tax Free Cheques at the Bureau du Change into any currency that you choose.

Departing By Other Means of Transport.

As before ensure that the shop belongs to the Tax Free Shopping scheme and ask for the Tax Free Cheques – also ask for a Tax Free Return envelope (sobre). Before you leave Spain you have to ask Customs to stamp the Tax Free Cheques.

When you return to your home country simply send the Tax Free Cheques to the IVA refund office in Madrid as detailed on the envelope. You have the choice of receiving a refund by bank transfer (preferred method) or International cheque (more expensive as you will be charged for cashing an international cheque) The refund will take approximately 3 months to process.

Shopping in Barcelona

Shopping in Barcelona, We are the official web brand and portal for Barcelona. Shopping Line Barcelona SL the company promoting business and tourism in Barcelona. Quality and Efficiency