Hi, within 4 weeks i would be leaving Switzerland to India. I would like to buy few electronics worth around 1000 CHF from a prominent shop in Lausanne. But the vendor has pointed out that they do not provide the VAT refund form. I have to get it from somewhere which he will stamp it.

I would like to know if these forms are available online on the internet and is downloadable. Or can you suggest any other means to claim the VAT on those products if I do not get that form. Thanks in advance for the reply. Regards.

I think this is what you're looking for:

German: http://www.estv.admin.ch/mwst/dienst...prungmarke0_69

French: http://www.estv.admin.ch/mwst/dienst...prungmarke1_40

Italian: http://www.estv.admin.ch/mwst/dienst...prungmarke2_40

In particular you might look at the entry for India: Which basically means 'reclaim possible? No'. So it sounds like you'll need to get yourself a permanent address in one of the countries with 'ja' in that column.

Thanks to both of you for the reply. I checked the links and it says
"Indien - Voraussetzungen zurzeit nicht gegeben - nein" . So what next ? I stay in Lausanne for the last 2 years with L permit and currently I have a address . But I would de-register at the commune as my permit expires on 30 Jan. And I would be travelling on 29 Jan to India. Does that mean I cannot claim VAT if I carry to India ?

A quick fag-packet calculation says that that's "around 80 CHF VAT".

A quick read of the Basic Requirements says "A VAT refund is not possible for a total amount of less than 500 Swiss Francs"

Got it in one