Hi,

I am going shopping at the Metzingen outlet at the weekend. Assuming I purchase quite a few things I would like to claim the German MWST (VAT) back and, of course, need the stamps from both sides of the border for my 'green form'.

Can anyone recommend a border crossing roughly on the way between Metzingen and Zurich that will definately be manned on both sides on Saturday evening after the shops close - guess I'll be at the border around 6-7pm so I can get aforementioned stamps?

My guess would be Schaffhausen or Basle would be the best chance?

Would appreciate any recommendations !

If you are living in Zurich (city), your quickest and most logical route would be over Thayngen. This is a fairly large and busy crossing and I would bet that it is manned 24/7.

Are you sure you need stamps from both sides? I've gone to Grenzach a couple of times to shop for groceries and have gotten the green form with the receipt stamped on the German side. I understand that I only must deal with the Swiss authorities if I have goods to declare (extra meat or such).
Have fun shopping

Or if you are importing more than 300 CHFs of goods. And a trip to Metzingen (the home of "Hugo Boss") sounds very much like that...

I'm assuming I will buy more than my allowance of CHF 300 worth of tax free goods. If I understand correctly, I have to pay Swiss VAT on anything above that level (or indeed above the customs allowance for meat etc.) ? Please correct me if I'm wrong...

Sure : If you are over 300, you will not pay tax on the goods above, but if I remember correctly on the entire amount including the first 300.

I think I will just declare everything because I want to claim all the MWST back from the German Zoll anyways. As long as there is someone there on both sides, I can just ask them exactly what they need...

If I take a load of the Green Forms to Metzingen I guess the various shops (Hugo Boss included!) will sign them, right? I don't really fancy giving one of these agencies a huge cut of my VAT rebate!