VAT back - UK purchase, advice

[Rsdecker971]

Originally Posted by In-Cog-Neeto

Problem with this is then there are the fees charged by the agent which, apparently, can be horrible

Which is why I am trying to avoid them!

You can avoid them completely if you take the VAT back on a credit card and return the forms via mail. The processing time on the VAT return is something like 4-6 weeks. After passing through security, you would need to go directly to the UK custom’s agent at HMRC desk. The desk is located near the Travelex location in most of the Heathrow terminals - just follow the signs.

Once the Officer stamps your forms, take a picture of them just in case the refund doesn’t hit your account, seal the envelop and place it in the mailbox near the Travelex.

In regards to carrying the box, I have been asked by the custom’s officer to present the box when I left with my last watch purchase. Prehaps the officer was just having a bad day, but I was fortunate to be carrying it.