How does VAT work?

[dera]

In Finland (I happen to have done this quite a few times now :)) there is a Rolex dealer that will sell you a watch using customs paperwork (it is NOT the "big" dealer in Helsinki though). That way you get 100% of the VAT back. Everything is done electronically - when leaving Finland you simply visit the customs desk at the airport and they process the paperwork - takes 3 minutes. No need to seal the box for this method.

The main dealer who also sell AP etc will only use Global Blue. They will seal the box and you get around 16% back instead of 24%. (note: it is not 16 or 24% of the purchase price, but it is purchase price / 1,24 or 1,16 = price you end up paying after reclaim).