I just bought an item online. I am in the UK. The seller is in the US. Payment was made through Paypal and I was charged VAT (UK Sales Tax). Is this a mistake? [more inside]
posted by Del Chimney on Jul 24, 2009 - 3 answers

I'm in Germany for the next few months. Had one of my hard drives shipped to me by a friend so I could get to some of my files. DHL have it now and won't give it to me without a fee and a receipt! What's up with that? [more inside]
posted by mooza on Nov 4, 2008 - 11 answers

My boyfriend and I are Australians living in Germany for the next 3 months and hankering for the new Macbook Pro. Help us negotiate our way around the VAT! [more inside]
posted by mooza on Oct 16, 2008 - 3 answers

Is VAT calculated based on the billing or shipping address of an EU customer? [more inside]
posted by subpixel on Mar 12, 2008 - 5 answers

Is there a simple rule that governs VAT charges for e-commerce between EU countries? [more inside]
posted by subpixel on Jul 10, 2007 - 8 answers

I'm a US Citizen, and I recently bought a sailboat that is in Spain from another American. I'm preparing to go there and sail the boat around the med for the summer. I would like to purchase some of the equipment that I need here in the states before I go so I can save some $$ and get the right stuff the first time without language barriers. My question is how to get it to Spain without taking a major hit for VAT. I can take some of the items with me in my luggage, but I would like to ship a crate full of heavier things ahead of time. I have a friend who lives in Spain (Spanish citizen) who I could sent it to and have him hold it till I get there. What is the best way to avoid VAT? I'm not looking to cheat the rules here, but I don't want to pay an extra 20% on everything if I don't have to. Also, this is for personal use, and the boat is in my name. Thanks! - Eli B
posted by elib on Feb 4, 2007 - 11 answers

What gets charged VAT and what does not when sending things from the US to the UK? [more inside]
posted by Lord_Pall on Dec 15, 2006 - 6 answers

Tax Free Shopping in NYC. I'm visiting New York for ten days starting Boxing Day (woo!), and I'm wondering if it's a good time to sell my black MacBook here (in the UK) and pick up a 15" MacBook Pro in the Big Apple. [more inside]
posted by armoured-ant on Dec 4, 2006 - 21 answers

I just returned from Europe, and looking at the hotel bill I noticed a rather large VAT figure. I know there's ways to get a refund for purchases, but does it apply to things like hotels, and if so, does anyone know how to get a refund (now that I'm back home?).
posted by jgballard on Nov 5, 2006 - 4 answers