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Are you planning to visit Istanbul and wondering how to make the most out of your shopping experience? Well, we have good news for you! Istanbul Airport offers a seamless tax-free shopping experience, allowing you to enjoy your purchases and even get a tax refund easy and fast. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of claiming your tax back at Istanbul Airport, and provide you with tips and recommendations on how to make a tax refund at Istanbul Airport.

Tax Free Shopping in Istanbul: How?

Tax-Free Shopping is a program that allows non-resident visitors to claim back the Value Added Tax (VAT) they paid on purchases made during their stay in a foreign country. The benefits of tax-free shopping include saving money and getting a refund on the taxes you paid.

In Turkey, the VAT rate is 18%. To be eligible for a tax refund, the minimum purchase amount is 100 TL (approximately 12 USD) and the refund rate is an average of 3.25% (max). At Istanbul Airport, most shops offer tax-free shopping, and you can get a tax refund on items such as sunglasses, clothing, and electronics.

Who is Eligible for Tax Free Shopping in Istanbul?

Shoppers who are permanent residents outside Turkey and have not spent more than 6 months in Turkey are eligible for tax-free shopping and tax refund services for eligible purchases.

Tax-Free Goods and Non-Refundable Goods in Turkey

Not everything is suitable for a tax return. Here are some examples of tax-free goods that are eligible for a refund:

  • Clothing and footwear
  • Sunglasses
  • Jewelry and watches
  • Electronics

However, there are also some non-refundable goods, such as:

  • Services (such as hotel stays, car rentals, and restaurant bills)
  • Food and drink items
  • Tobacco and alcohol products

Make sure to check with the store before making a purchase to confirm if the item is eligible for tax-free shopping and refund.

How Long Do I Have to Validate my Global Blue Tax-Free Form and Claim my Refund?

When you receive the Global Blue Tax Free Form, make sure to validate it within 3 months from the issuing date of the form. Additionally, the stamped form is only valid for 3 months from the date of the Customs stamp. Keep in mind these time limits to ensure you can claim your tax refund successfully.

How to Make Tax Refund at Istanbul Airport

Great, here are the simple steps to get your tax refund:

  1. When making a purchase, ask for a Global Blue Tax Free Form from the store.
  2. Fill out the form with your personal information and keep the receipts
  3. After making all your purchases and collecting all the coupons for refunds from the shops, put all the items in one suitcase (or bag) without removing the price tags.
  4. At the airport, head to the designated area for your flight and print your boarding pass. If you need any help, don’t hesitate to ask the attendant next to the machine.
  5. Move to the counter for handing over your luggage (suitcases) and let the attendant know that you need to get a tax refund, they would help you.
  6. Get Customs Validation

Tax Refund at Istanbul Airport For Passengers with Baggage

If you have Baggage, you can proceed to the customs points located at the check-in counters numbered G3-4-5 for approval procedures. Once the customs officer approves the form, you can proceed to the next steps to claim your tax refund.

Tax Refund at Istanbul Airport For Passengers with Hand Luggage

If you intend to carry your items onto the plane as hand luggage, and not have them delivered to the check-in counters as baggage, you can complete customs clearance at the customs office located on the right after the passport control point.

  1. When you’re ready to receive your refund, visit any Global Blue Refund Office or Kiosk at Istanbul Airport. Present the validated Tax Free Form and get your refund.

With these simple steps, you can easily claim your tax refund and enjoy your shopping experience at Istanbul Airport. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Have a great trip!

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Istanbul Airport Tax Free Shopping Guide

Istanbul Airport offers a wide range of shops for tax-free shopping, including luxury brands, electronics, Turkish souvenirs, and more. Some of the best shops for tax-free shopping at Istanbul Airport include:

  • Bvlgari
  • Burberry
  • Chanel
  • Dior
  • Gucci
  • Hugo Boss
  • Michael Kors
  • Rolex
  • Swarovski
  • Tiffany & Co.

Popular items to buy at Istanbul Airport duty-free shops include Turkish delight, Turkish coffee, baklava, Turkish rugs, and ceramics. For travelers looking to buy electronics, Istanbul Airport offers a variety of options such as Apple, Samsung, and Sony.

We’d love to suggest checking out our article titled “Duty-Free Shopping at Istanbul Airport: Your Ultimate Guide. It’s packed with useful information about the best shops for tax-free shopping at Istanbul Airport, along with tips and recommendations to help you get the most out of your duty-free shopping experience. We hope you find it helpful!

To find the best deals and discounts, we recommend checking the promotions and offers available at the airport. Istanbul Airport offers a loyalty program called Shop & Miles. This program allows you to earn miles for your purchases.

Istanbul Airport Tax Free Shopping Tips

To make the most out of your tax-free shopping experience at Istanbul Airport, consider these tips:

  • Before making a purchase, compare prices and check the refund rate.
  • Keep your receipts and tax-free forms organized.
  • Don’t forget that there is a time limit for validating your Global Blue Tax Free Form. The form must be validated within 3 months from the issuing date of the form.
  • Pack your tax-free purchases in your carry-on luggage to avoid damage.
  • Declare your purchases at customs if required by your country of destination.

Conclusion: Fastest and Easiest Way to Get Your Tax Free Refund

Tax-free shopping at Istanbul Airport is a great way to save money and enjoy your shopping experience to the fullest. With this guide, you have all the information you need to claim your tax back and make the most out of your tax-free shopping experience. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your tax-free shopping spree at Istanbul Airport today!

Istanbul Airport Tax Free Shopping FAQs

  • Can you claim your tax back at Istanbul Airport? Yes, Istanbul Airport offers tax-free shopping and tax refund services for eligible purchases.
  • How much is the tax-free refund in Turkey? The tax-free refund in Turkey is an average of 18% (max) of the purchase amount.
  • How long does it take to get your tax refund? The time it takes to receive your tax refund may vary, but you can expect to receive it on the same day of your departure.
  • Are there any restrictions on the amount of tax you can claim back? Yes, there are restrictions on the amount of tax you can claim back depending on the country and the type of product you purchased.

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