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Can I shop tax‑free as a visitor?

Non‑EU residents can shop tax‑free in Brown Thomas stores when spending over €75 in a single transaction. This article outlines how tax‑free shopping works in Ireland, how to claim a refund, and what visitors from Great Britain should know before purchasing.

Who is eligible for tax‑free shopping?

You may be eligible for tax‑free shopping if you meet one of the following:

  • You are visiting from a country outside the European Union.

  • You are an Irish national permanently residing in a non‑EU country.

  • You are a resident of England, Scotland or Wales.*

*Please note: Northern Ireland residents are not eligible under current legislation.

Minimum spend for tax‑free shopping

  • The minimum qualifying spend is €75 in a single transaction.

How to claim a VAT refund (4 simple steps)

  1. Complete the Tax‑Free Form
    At the till, request a Planet Tax Free form and fill in the following details in English:

    • Full name and permanent home address

    • Passport number

    • Date of arrival in the EU

    • Departure date from the EU

    • Credit card or Alipay account for refund

    • Signature

    The completed form must be returned to Planet within 3 months.

  2. Get Customs Approval

    • If your total is between €75 and €1,999.99: No stamp is required. Drop the completed form at the airport Planet desk, and Planet will handle customs approval.

    • If your total is €2,000 or more: EU Customs must stamp your form. In Irish airports, use the customs courtesy phone beside the Planet desk to request a visit from a customs official. Present your item, receipt, payment method, and completed form.

  3. Return the Form

    • Drop off the completed form at a Planet Tax Free desk (Dublin or Shannon Airports) or a Planet drop‑off point at Cork, Ireland West, or other regional airports.

  4. Receive Your Refund

    • Refunds are issued directly to your credit card or Alipay account. For more information, visit planetpayment.com or call Planet support at +353 1 513 3800.

Important information for British residents

  • Eligibility: Residents of England, Scotland and Wales are eligible. Northern Ireland residents are not.

  • Spend limits: You can claim a tax refund on purchases between €75 and £390 (or Euro equivalent).

  • Above the limit:

    • If your purchase exceeds £390 (or Euro equivalent), UK VAT and import duties must be paid before submitting your form. These costs may outweigh the refund.

  • Customs approval:

    • Under €2,000: Planet can handle customs processing.

    • Above €2,000: You must get an EU customs stamp and pay UK VAT and duties before submitting your form.

UK duties can be paid online at:
gov.uk/bringing-goods-into-uk-personal-use/declaring-goods

FAQs

Can I shop tax‑free without a passport?
No. A valid passport must be presented at the time of purchase to complete the tax‑free form.

Can I shop tax‑free online?
No. The Tourist Refund Scheme only applies to in‑store purchases that are physically exported in your luggage.

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