How to shop tax free?

How to claim tax back when leaving Germany?

The same procedure as at the customs service applies:

1. original receipt.
2. export papers or Tax Free Shopping Check.
3. purchased goods (unused/unworn in its original packaging and with price tag)
4. and your passport together with proof of residency.

Who pays 42% tax in Germany?

The tax percentage varies depending on income and the type of tax being considered. For 2024, the tax brackets for income tax are: income up to €11,604 per annum = 0% (no tax) €11,605 to €66,760 = 14% to 42% (progressive rate)

Can I open my tax-free bags?

If you open the bag and use the item(s), you will be required pay taxes at customs. ・Prior to departure, please show the customs officer the tax free item(s) purchased as well as the "Record of Purchase of Consumption Tax-Exempt for Export Slip" attached to your passport.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for flying?

Each passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols.

What items must be declared at customs?

You must declare items like food (especially meat, plants, fresh produce), alcohol, tobacco, large amounts of currency (over $10,000 USD/€10,000 EUR), commercial goods, weapons, prohibited items, and anything you acquired abroad that isn't for personal use or exceeds duty-free limits, using the designated Red Channel or form at your destination. Always declare if in doubt to avoid fines. 

How much VAT refund in Germany?

The standard VAT rate in Germany is 19%. Germany will reimburse between 11.4% and 13.6% of the amount you spend during your trip on products subject to standard VAT rates. The minimum purchase threshold is 25 EUR.

What purchases qualify for a VAT refund?

So it's usually high-ticket items, like jewelry or fine clothing, that qualify for a VAT refund, not a paperback novel or suntan lotion. There are also a number of goods and services that are not eligible for refunds, including hotel rooms and meals.

How much is tax free?

Everyone, including students, has something called a Personal Allowance. This is the amount of money you're allowed to earn each tax year before you start paying Income Tax. For the 2025/26 tax year, the Personal Allowance is £12,570. If you earn less than this, you usually won't have to pay any Income Tax.

Do you need a boarding pass for VAT refund?

Requirements to get a VAT refund

Only the holder of the Tax-Free electronic invoice. Must be a resident or domiciled outside the EU. Must present a passport and e-ticket (digital format also accepted) or boarding pass.

How do I get my VAT back at the airport?

After you are done with the shopping and have collected the receipt for all the products, ask the shopkeeper for the VAT refund form. This is the form that you have to show at the customs and VAT refund desk at the airport to get your refund. Make sure that you fill in the details carefully without error.

What is the tax-free limit in Germany?

There is no income tax liability if your taxable income does not exceed the basic tax-free allowance. The basic tax-free allowance for single taxpayers is €10,908 in 2023 (2024: €11,784). For jointly assessed spouses/partners, the basic tax-free allowance doubles to €21,816 (2024: €23,568).

How to prepare for a 3am flight?

6 tips to prepare for an early morning flight

1. 1 – Double check your timings. ...
2. 2 – Get all your tickets and paperwork ready. ...
3. 3 – Stay in a hotel in the airport. ...
4. 4 – Check your weight allowance (and weigh your bag accordingly) ...
5. 5 – Go to bed early. ...
6. 6 – Take a pillow.

Can I take 200ml cream on a plane?

Liquids can now be brought through security in containers of up to two litres and these can stay in your bag when passing through security. These toiletries include creams, gels, pastes, sprays and aerosols.

Can I carry a 1 litre bottle in flight?

Each LAG must be in containers of 100 ml or less, or its equivalent in other volumetric measurements. Please note, LAGs in containers larger than 100 ml will not be accepted even if they are partially filled. All containers must be carried in a 1 litre transparent re-sealable bag.

Is Don Quijote just for tourists?

Don Quijote (commonly known as Donki) is a Japanese discount megastore chain. Famed for its wide range of products, eccentric atmosphere, and low prices, the chain is popular among locals and tourists alike.

Do duty-free items need to be declared?

Merchandise and Gifts: All goods you bought overseas (souvenirs, clothing, electronics, artwork, etc.), whether for yourself or as gifts, must be declared. Even if you won't owe duty (because you're within the duty-free allowance), you still need to list these items on your customs declaration.

Can you claim suitcases on tax?

Bags used only for work travel

If you purchase bags or suitcases for your work related travel, don't forget to claim them as travel expenses on your tax return.

Is 3000 euro a good salary in Germany?

Yes, €3,000 is generally a decent salary in Germany, especially as net income (after tax) for a single person, allowing for a comfortable life outside of extremely expensive cities like Munich, but it's tight for families or in major hubs, while €3,000 gross (before tax) is lower and means less disposable income. The key factors are whether it's brutto (gross) or netto (net), your city, and if you're single or have dependents. 

Is 70,000 euros a good salary in Germany?

What's considered a good salary in Germany? A good salary in Germany depends on your field, experience, and lifestyle aspirations. Generally, a salary between €64,000 and €70,000 gross annually is considered very good.

Is $50,000 euro a good salary in Germany?

Yes, €50,000 gross is a good, solid salary in Germany for a single person, often considered middle-class, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle and savings, especially outside of extremely high-cost areas, though it's average or slightly below average for highly specialized roles or major tech hubs, and less for supporting a family. It's above minimum wage, close to the national average (~€49k-€52k), and provides decent net income (around €2,600/month net for a single) for rent, bills, and extras.