Understanding the Pie VAT Refund Process: Quick, Easy, and Seamless
Few things are as satisfying as getting a refund on the VAT (Value Added Tax) you’ve paid. However, for many travelers, the process of reclaiming VAT has often been time-consuming and frustrating. That's where Pie VAT comes in, revolutionizing the way VAT refunds are handled. Here we’ll walk you through the Pie VAT refund process, explain the differences between duty-free shopping and tax refunds, and introduce you to why Pie VAT is the leading choice for savvy travelers.
Head to stores in your location, download the Pie VAT app (Apple / Google Play), follow these easy steps - and get your refund!
What is Pie VAT?
Pie VAT is a digital-first platform designed to simplify the VAT refund process for international travelers. Traditional methods often involve long lines, handwritten forms, and weeks of waiting for your refund to arrive. First, you spend time handwriting paper forms, listing every single purchase. Next, you stand in line for what feels like hours waiting for approval. Finally, you wait 4-8 weeks for your refund... if you're lucky. And when it does arrive, 30-50% of it is gone due to high fees.
Not with us.
Pie VAT eliminates all the hassle by offering a seamless, fully digital refund process that’s easy to navigate, faster to complete, and more rewarding for shoppers because we have the lowest fees - we only take a low fee from the VAT.
By using the Pie VAT app, tourists can:
Claim VAT refunds quickly and efficiently via their mobile devices.
Upload receipts, passport details, and purchase information in a few simple steps.
Receive refunds within 24 hours in many cases.
Enjoy competitive fees, ensuring you keep more of your hard-earned savings.
With Pie VAT, there's no need to stand in long lines at customs or wait weeks for refunds. Instead, the process is digital, streamlined, and designed to maximize your savings - it's worth the effort.
Different countries have different tax free rules - you can find some here:
Pie VAT Refund Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Using Pie VAT for your VAT refund is a straightforward and hassle-free experience. Here’s how it works:
Shop at Participating Stores: Look for retailers that support Pie VAT’s digital refund system. These stores typically display a Pie VAT logo, so you know that you can claim your VAT refund through the app.
Request Tax-Free Shopping: When making a purchase, simply inform the sales associate that you’d like to claim a VAT refund via Pie VAT. They’ll provide you with an electronic receipt or a proof of purchase, which you’ll need to upload to the app.
Submit Your Claim on the App: Use the Pie VAT app to upload your receipt, passport information, and other necessary details. The app is designed to make this process quick and easy, so it only takes a few minutes.
Get Customs Validation: Before leaving the country, head to a customs validation kiosk or desk. You’ll need to show your passport and any purchased items to verify that they are leaving the country with you.
Receive Your Refund: Once the claim is approved, your refund will be processed, and in most cases, you’ll receive your money within 24 hours. Pie VAT offers various refund methods, including bank transfer, credit card refund, or digital wallet options.
Duty-Free vs. VAT Refund: What’s the Difference?
While both duty-free shopping and VAT refunds provide savings to international travelers, they operate quite differently. Here’s a quick comparison to help you understand the distinction:
Duty-Free Shopping: Duty-free refers to specialized stores, typically located in airports, where certain goods (such as alcohol, tobacco, perfumes, and luxury items) are exempt from taxes and duties. The prices at duty-free shops already exclude the relevant taxes, so there’s no need to claim a refund afterward.
Key points:
Only available at specific locations like airports and seaports.
Focuses on items like perfumes, alcohol, tobacco, and luxury goods.
Instant savings at the point of purchase.
VAT Refund: VAT, or Value Added Tax, is applied to most goods and services you purchase while traveling. Tourists can reclaim this tax when they leave the country, provided they meet the necessary conditions, such as exporting the goods within a set timeframe.
Key points:
Available for a wide range of goods purchased in a country.
Requires you to pay the full price upfront, with the tax refunded after submission of the claim.
Refund process happens post-purchase, typically through an app like Pie VAT.
Why Choose Pie VAT?
Pie VAT is designed to simplify the VAT refund process in a way that benefits both travelers and retailers. Here's why Pie VAT is the leading solution for tax refunds:
Digital-First Experience: No more long lines, paper forms, or weeks of waiting. Pie VAT’s mobile app lets you handle everything digitally—from uploading receipts to receiving refunds quickly.
Faster Refunds: Traditional VAT refund providers can take weeks or even months to return your money. With Pie VAT, most refunds are processed within 24 hours, letting you enjoy your savings faster.
Lower Fees: Many VAT refund providers take hefty cuts of your refund—up to 50% in some cases. Pie VAT operates with transparent, lower fees, ensuring you keep more of your money.
Global Reach: Pie VAT partners with retailers across major global shopping destinations, including Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Japan, Germany, and more. Whether you’re shopping in Europe or Asia, Pie VAT has you covered.
User-Friendly App: The Pie VAT app is intuitive, easy to use, and packed with features that make tax refunds a breeze. The app guides you through each step of the refund process and even provides shopping tips, exclusive deals, and more.
In the app: Take note of these 6 steps to claim your refund
Upload a picture of your receipt showing all the details.
Upload a selfie.
Upload a photo of your passport.
Upload photos of the purchased items taken with your phone (this must be a photo, not a screenshot).
Fill in the permanent resident address field on your account.
Fill in the field asking how you are departing your location (train, plane etc.).
Once approved, you will receive your refund minus service fees which are the best of all the VAT refund companies.
Whether you’re an avid traveler or just looking to make the most of your next shopping trip abroad, Pie VAT is the perfect companion. With its fully digital platform, easy-to-use app, and fast refunds, Pie VAT takes the hassle out of VAT refunds and puts more savings back into your pocket. Don’t get stuck in lines or wait weeks for your refund—download the Pie VAT app today and enjoy a seamless shopping experience across the globe.
