claiming your VAT back - is it possible ?

[krissteyn]

We are a foreign registered/flagged boat (S.Africa) cruising the med , specifically Cyprus,Greece,Albania and Croatia.

Given the huge VAT rates - has anybody found a way to avoid / claim back the VAT.
I am asking because I may want to re-vamp my electronics - and a large proportion of the cost appears to be VAT and if possible - will be nice to get it back.

Kris

[atoll]

yes for good as long as they are exported,but no for services.
pick up a form that is available at most eu airports,you will need to get the customs to verify it is leavin the country when you check out,keep your reciepts.

there was a thread about this recently will see if i can find it and post back

[krissteyn]

In Cyprus , we just gave up...

But I thought it may be worth it in Greece - however , as we are leaving by boat , I wonder as to the complexities of it all , will i have to visit the nearest airport (by taxi at huge expense) to make it work ?

kris

[atoll]

here is the thread,well worth it if having a new engine fitted etc

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...vat-99939.html

[Charlie]

I started the other thread that Atoll refers to. I found that there are two problems: (1) the law clearly states that the items are not to be used in the country where you buy it (for an engine this is difficult) and (2) a customs agent needs to verify that it has left the country. This is hard to do in Italy. I don't know about other countries. I would guess if you were in an area which services foreign yachts you could find out how to do it.