Claiming back VAT

[HavocXphere]

Does anyone know if tourists claiming back VAT at the airport need to present the items purchased? Or is the invoice sufficient?

Update for future googlers:

You have to show the actual item at the SARS counter before you checkin your luggage. They will stamp the invoices. After you have completed immigration and security checks you can then go to SARS counter where you present them the stamped invoices and ID. You will then receive the VAT refund.

This info is 100%.

The check of actual items was pretty chilled. Dude took one look at me, decided I look trustworthy and didn't bother to check half the actual goods (was reasonably low value...think like total claim is like a grand).

After you go through the gate there is a counter for the claim (OR tambo - walk right after heading through the gates, then stairs up right at the end). They refused my claim for not having proof of residence (foreign) on my...but you can mail the invoices in later. Whether that works remains to be seen...

 

[kooldude]

You have to show the actual item at the SARS counter before you checkin your luggage. They will stamp the invoices. After you have completed immigration and security checks you can then go to SARS counter where you present them the stamped invoices and ID. You will then receive the VAT refund.

 

[HavocXphere]

You have to show the actual item at the SARS counter before you checkin your luggage. They will stamp the invoices. After you have completed immigration and security checks you can then go to SARS counter where you present them the stamped invoices and ID. You will then receive the VAT refund.

Thanks.

Didn't realise it's split into two counters. Good to know.

 

[DJ...]

From the UK you require a very specific VAT claim form from the vendor themselves. The invoice itself will not qualify. This was the case about 9 years ago where I got nailed for about GBP10,000 they refused to allow me to claim back. And I had no time to argue before boarding...

 

[HavocXphere]

From the UK you require a very specific VAT claim form from the vendor themselves. The invoice itself will not qualify. This was the case about 9 years ago where I got nailed for about GBP10,000 they refused to allow me to claim back. And I had no time to argue before boarding...

Ouch that's rough.

Probably only getting back a couple hundred bucks but hey why not

 

[HavocXphere]

*thread update*

These guys are full of sht.

They refused to accept my proof of foreign residency because it doesn't say "resident" on the card. (Says licenced instead).

That's the second legit attempt to claim VAT that failed. Saw some mighty sketch stuff being claimed by the people around me though...