VAT Tax - Can someone please explain

[Bobkat26]

Hi there. So I booked our cruise today on the Serenade for August. Its a Barcelona to Rome trip. I keep reading different things and I am no completley confused. What is VAT tax? I am trying to do my budget and people say don't forget the VAT tax. Is this something extra above the prices of things I am paying. I am pre-purchasing tickets to different excursion ahead of time, will I have to pay an additional tax when I am there.

 

Help me please I am confused.:confused: Thanks in advance :)

 

Kathy

[mom says]

VAT is a sales tax. When I lived in Europe the VAT was included in the advertised (sticker) price. Has this changed in the last couple of years??

[brunello22]

VAT stands for "Value Added Tax" and is basically a sales tax. Most prices are already inclusive of VAT taxes, but it is common for many independent retail or department stores to add VAT to the bill. However, you can claim a VAT refund. You will just need to ask the merchant at the point of sale for a form so that you can fill it out and present it to the refund center at the airport (forgive me, but I am not sure if it is customs or a special VAT refund center you go to - I forgot what it is called. If you shop in a mall, there is usually a refund center there too).

 

I am also not sure if there is a minimum spend requirement to be eligible for the refund. I trust you can find more information online if you do a Google search.

 

Now, if you are shopping locally (street vendors), no need to worry as this does not apply, since purchases are normally very low in value and are paid in cash.

Edited December 4, 2013 by brunello22

[Bobkat26]

Ok so its like a sales tax. I get it now. Thanks so much!:p

 

Kathy

[Frankmac]

10% will be added to your drinks prices not refundable I believe, could be as high as 20% in the shops I think. I also think there is a minimum spend before you can claim back.

[emerald444]

10% will be added to your drinks prices not refundable I believe, could be as high as 20% in the shops I think. I also think there is a minimum spend before you can claim back.

 

We just experienced this last June The crew on ship explained its not really the VAT TAX

They referred to it as the SPANISH TAX it was 10 percent more on drinks you purchase and 22 percent at all shops on the ship.

So not very good to shop on board 💃

[uksimonusa]

Cruises departing from Spain, that do not visit a non EU port, will have VAT charged at the Spanish rate on all onboard purchases. If the ship calls on a non EU port then no VAT is charged.