All,

I am hoping to buy a bike in UK. I wondered if you can claim the vat back at the eurotunnel terminal in Dover when driving back to Switzerland?

Anyone any experience of this?

Thanks

No you can't. How would you leave the EU on the Eurotunnel? If you are departing the EU via another EU country (i.e. France or Germany en route to Switzerland), you must present the goods and the VAT refund form to the Customs authorities of that country.

Ah, but I can't stamp uk vat reciept in France though can I?

Guess will have to pay the 20%.

No you have to stamp it at the Swiss border

Yes.

Non-EU resident tourists can, in most cases, apply for a refund of the VAT paid on gifts and merchandise bought for export out of the country. The refund should be requested at the last port before departure from the EU.

source: http://www.eurovat.com/faq.htm

Yes you can. Google "HMRC VAT refund" for HMRC guidance. You also need to make sure your seller participates in the "VAT Retail Export Scheme". This is voluntary and shops do not have to operate it - ask before you buy.