Tax back when coming back to Basel from Paris

Carpe_Diem · #1 10.10.2011, 10:48

Dear all,

I would like to get your advice on this one.

I will be doing quite a lot of shopping this weekend in Paris and I would like to get tax back when I am coming back to Basel. The problem is that I am travelling by train.

Does anyone know how and where to file for tax returns?

Thanks a lot in advance

mirfield · #2 10.10.2011, 11:32

	Quote:	Carpe_Diem
	Dear all, I would like to get your advice on this one. I will be doing quite a lot of shopping this weekend in Paris and I would like to get tax back when I am coming back to Basel. The problem is that I am travelling by train. Does anyone know how and where to file for tax returns? Thanks a lot in advance

Basel SBB has a customs point.

This page says

	Quote:
	Once the form has been stamped, you can send it off in the attached envelope to obtain your refund. If the form bears the words “Global Refund” (excluding purchases made at Galeries Lafayette), you can obtain your refund directly from the bureau de change at the following CFF train stations: Zurich HB, Basel SBB, Chur and Bern.

Carpe_Diem · #3 10.10.2011, 12:55

Thank you very much for your quick reply!

I wonder what happens if the form does not say "Global Refund"? What would be the procedure? (as I wont be getting off at one of the cities close to the French border so there wont be French customs)

Thanks in advance

adrianlondon · #4 10.10.2011, 13:15

I guess none of them say Global Refund any more as that company doesn't exist. Probably all say Global Blue now?

mirfield · #5 10.10.2011, 13:29

Global Blue have offices in Basel SBB and Bad. Bhf. too

Carpe_Diem · #6 10.10.2011, 14:00

One more question...Should I get my documents stamped at Global Blue as soon as I arrive in Basel? Chances are I will be arriving late at night so is it ok if I do it on the following day? I am sorry for many questions...

adrianlondon · #7 10.10.2011, 15:46

Theoretically you have to have it stamped when you first enter the country. A friend of mine, arriving at Basel BBF just as the German customs was closing, was told to go back the next day to get his form stamped. He didn't even need to take the item (stupud touristy huge expensive cuckoo clock) with him.

Carpe_Diem · #8 10.10.2011, 16:20

Nice! I will try to avoid this type of situation but still good to know! Thank you so much for the help! Have a nice day!

Carpe_Diem · #9 10.10.2011, 17:14

Andrew, I forgot to ask you the most important thing. Are there customs officials on the train to stamp the documents? If not, where should I get them stamped?

BR

Carpe_Diem · #10 10.10.2011, 17:15

I am sorry, I meant to write Adrian

adrianlondon · #11 10.10.2011, 17:28

Don't know. I've never stamped anything coming back from Paris by train.

There is a customs point in SBB as part of the station is owned by France. But I'm not sure if it still exists actually, or whether any trains use it!

First time I went to Paris by train I went into the French part, looked at the timetable, saw that my TVG actually arrived at a "normal" platform, so in the Swiss part of the station, and then turned around and walked back out o the French part. That involved me walking through two customs points, watched boredly by some French woman.

It seemed so odd. So, a year ago (when I did this) the French part of the station did exist, was manned, but wasn't used. Seems so French!