VAT Free Purchases

All visitors residing outside of the European Union are entitled to claim back the Value Added Tax (VAT) on any purchases made. VAT within the UK is charged at 15%.  VAT is charged on most goods bought in shops so obtaining relief from VAT can make quite a saving.

SimplyAsus operate the Retail Export Scheme. We charge a small admin fee of £25 for processing the refund of VAT. This will be deducted from your refund.

How to claim back VAT

You must contact us first before placing your order to confirm that the process applies to you. You should then place your order over the telephone with a sales representative, and you must collect your purchases from our Birmingham collection point (details will be given to you at the time). You will be given a tax refund form when you collect your goods.

When leaving a country or the European Union, simply show your purchases, receipts and passport to Customs officials and have the form stamped (it is advisable to contact the airline/shipping company in advance in the case of purchases that cannot be taken as hand baggage).

There are several options for collecting the refund: immediate cash at a cash refund office (including airports and the Britain and London Visitor Centre, 1 Regent Street, London), the direct crediting of a chosen credit card of a UK bank account, a bank cheque sent to a chosen address or, for certain countries, a cash refund when you return home.

Note: Visitors leaving Britain for a final destination within the EU are not eligible to receive VAT refunds under the scheme. Eligible travellers buying goods under this scheme must be leaving the EU with the goods before the end of the third month following that in which the goods were purchased. For example, goods purchased on 31 March would have to be exported by 30 June.