If I purchase some new items in the UK and pay the full UK VAT (15%). and get them shipped to Switzerland. Can I claim the UK rate back and pay Swiss VAT?

Thanks

You have to pay the Swiss VAT. You have no choice whether you've paid UK VAT or not. Get the UK supplier to bill you UK VAT free. That's what I do. He can do that if the goods are being exported outside the EU.

Hey!

I am temporarily living in Switzerland (so I don't have either the nationality nor the residence permit, welcome to the Schengen area!). I want to buy:

a) bike stuff from an on-line UK shop that excludes the VAT when purchasing from Switzerland. --> If I buy that, will I have any surprise like a swiss custom tax when delivered? Is it invoiced at a latter time (I may not be here if they send it many days later)?

b) a bike in decathlon Germany, so I don't think they are going to leave the VAT. ---> can I claim the VAT back if I don't have the swiss nationality not any residency permit? (I just have the bill of my student residence that proofs that i'm living here)

please help, I have read many threads but none talking about how it works for a EU national.. although I should improve my searching abilities..