Everything you wanted to know about buying Apple technology in the USA. Everything you wanted to know about buying Apple technology in the US Is there a tax free in America

Since the pricing policy of resellers for Apple equipment in Russia, many are forced to travel to other countries for the coveted devices or ask friends and acquaintances about it. Not so long ago, readers asked us to find out what difficulties you can face when buying products from Cupertino in its immediate homeland - in the United States of America.

Fortunately, the other day I was personally lucky enough to visit this wonderful country and, of course, I could not help but look into one of the local Apple Stores. Think, appearance Many of you have long remembered the store from a huge number of photos, so let's go straight to the procedure for buying and exporting the device from the country.

I will say right away - there is nothing complicated about it. If you yourself were able to collect documents for a visa to the United States, pass an interview and get to this very Apple Store, the purchase will not be difficult. But still, in this case, there are certain pitfalls that you need to know about.

IN retail stores Apple is always a lot of people. Perhaps it is here that their largest concentration is observed, so finding an Apple Store in a huge shopping center is not difficult at all. Also on the territory of the store there are friendly consultants who will answer any of your questions about this technique, even the simplest one. All devices, of course, you can touch with your own hands, feel their weight, thickness, ease of use. In general, everything is done for the consumer.

You never need to look for an Apple Store employee - he will come up to you with their usual friendly smile. They are very patient with foreigners and easily understand the terrible accent with which some of our compatriots speak. Most importantly, the consultant will spend as much time with you as necessary.

To find desired store even easier: even Apple maps can help you with that. They can quickly find the nearest Apple Store and even get the shortest route. True, some roads, unfortunately, are displayed incorrectly by the standard application.

Let's say you've decided to purchase one of Apple's wonderful gadgets. In my case, it was a junior iPad mini 16 GB without a cellular network module. I use my tablet mainly for reading news and books, and I prefer to access the Web from a laptop.

All prices in the American Apple Store are fully consistent with the prices in the corporation's online store. Logically, the iPad should have cost me the same $ 329 that is listed on the site. But that was not the case: in the United States there is a special sales tax, which is not included in the initial cost of purchases. For example, if you collect $ 30 worth of groceries in a store, you pay a little more with that tax included.

But back to the iPad. I lived for a while in Florida in the southern United States, where sales tax is seven percent. Therefore, the long-awaited tablet had to pay $ 352. Add Smart Cover or another cover to this, and this amount will reach $ 400, which is equivalent to 12 thousand rubles.

A little later, I learned that the amount of sales tax directly depends on the state in which you are located - for some it is the same, while for others it can reach as much as 11%. So I would not recommend going to Arizona for an iPhone, for example.

Since there is no shortage for Apple devices at the moment, there is no restriction on sales. You can buy a dozen iPhones, seven iPads, and then add a couple of Macs to that. They will gladly serve you, however, all this stuff will cost several thousand dollars. But it will definitely be enough for the whole family.

As cash registers workers use an iPhone in a special case that even allows their smartphone to print a check or read your credit card. Everything happens very quickly.

Note that the above procedure applies to all devices - from the iPhone to the end. Buying from the Apple Store is almost the same as buying from any other American store: you choose a product, pay its cost plus tax, and so on. However, the technical equipment of the Apple Store does not compare with any other electronics store, and the atmosphere in the company's retail stores is unique.

Let's move on to customs. In total, I bought three iPads, two of which are mini. Before that, I was told that it is best to transport them without a box, so as not to arouse suspicion among the inspectors. As it turned out, customs in the United States are much more adequate than in our airports, and no one asked unnecessary questions. Although two iPads lay quietly in boxes in a suitcase, and I carried one without a box in a small bag.

The same situation with computers - on the plane I saw many people with boxes of new iMacs, which, of course, cannot be checked in luggage. Judging by what happened to many of my things after arriving in Moscow, the iPad would not feel very comfortable in a suitcase. Of course, for this there is a special section for fragile luggage, but no one is insured against accidents.

And so, after many hours of flight, I again found myself in my home country. Fortunately, there were no luggage problems upon arrival at the airport and everything went very smoothly. As I said - nothing complicated. Only a direct flight can take up to 13 hours.

I believe that not only me, but also many of our readers had a similar experience. Therefore, if you still have questions about the purchase Apple technology in the United States, feel free to ask, we will try to answer everything.

What Tax Free?

Tax Free - This is the exemption of foreigners from tax, which is included in the price of the goods. VAT is returned to the buyer in the same country in cash or transferred to his account. Rules receiving Tax Free are almost the same everywhere.

When paying for the purchase, show your passport, ask the seller to issue a receipt describing the goods and indicate the amount to be returned. In some stores, it is enough to give your credit card number and the money will be immediately transferred to your account. If you are given a check, keep it along with the receipt issued at the store checkout. You can cash a check at the airport - at the points “Tax Free cash Refund” (cash return). At many airports, they are located in or near Duty Free shops. It is better to come there in advance.

Each country has a minimum purchase amount, starting from which you can count on a VAT refund upon departure.

Great Britain

Having bought goods for at least 30 pounds, fill out an application at the store (upon presentation of your passport). You can get money at the airport after customs control... VAT refund - 17%. It is necessary to take out the goods within 4 months after purchase.

Germany

It is enough to buy a T-shirt or a beer mug for 25 euros to get the tax back. In Germany, there are two tax rates: 7% - on food, books and for some reason ... geographic Maps and 16% for everything else.

You can take out the goods no later than 4 months. You can get money at the Global Refund bureau at the border when leaving the EU. If for some reason you did not have time to return the tax, do not worry, you have 4 years. This is exactly how long German Tax Free checks are valid.

Italy

To get Tax Free, you need to buy goods in one store in the amount of at least 155 euros. VAT is 15% of the purchase price. The check must be cashed within 4 months.

USA

If you left $ 100-150 in local stores, you can safely get a discount - from 9.5 to 14%. In the USA, almost all states have Tax Free shops - mostly boutiques and fashion houses with a worldwide reputation.

You don't have to cash out at the airport or at home. There is a special Tax Free service in the USA where you send your check. The service staff will transfer the VAT amount to your credit card or bank account. Cash refunds are not available in the United States. If you suddenly do not have time to send the check, save it until your next trip to the States. There is no time limit for cashing checks.

Finland

You can save 12% to 16% on purchases over $ 20. In shops where you see a sign that says “TAX FREE FOR TOURISTS”, you will be offered special view services: a discount on consumer goods from 10 to 16%, and on food - about 10%. When leaving Finland, show your voucher and a sealed bag at a special Tax Free ticket office (they are located at airports, on board ships, at border crossings).

France

To get your money back, in France you need to spend at least 275 euros. You can return up to 12% of the purchase price. To receive Tax Free, you must present receipts and exported goods first at customs, and then at the TF cash desk at the airport. There is no statute of limitations for checks.

Switzerland

VAT on goods purchased in Switzerland is 7.6%. To do this, you need to purchase at least 400 Swiss francs. Purchased goods must be exported from the country within 30 days. The check must be cashed no later than 3 months later.

Important information!

To receive a discount on purchases made in shops offering TaxFree refunds, you need to get a Tax Free Check from the seller

Remember:

Only a non-resident of this country can get VAT back

On books tobacco products(VAT for which is usually less), sometimes food and any services rendered are not subject to VAT refunds in most countries.

The tax-free check must be correctly drawn up by the seller in the store, the VAT refund amount must be affixed immediately, and the purchase amount must be as in the cashier's check. Naturally, the tax-free form is not valid without a cashier's check (which is usually pinned on top)! The item number on the form must be the same as on paper labels (seals) or on boxes.

When buying, the seller may ask you to present your passport in order to enter its details in the form, although this does not have to be done right in the store. You can enter your name, surname (as in a foreign passport), passport number, exact address (permanent residence) in the tax-free form later yourself. The main condition is not to forget to fill in these lines before presenting the form at customs. However, if you forget, it's okay - you will be forced to write them in the tax-free office.

When making a refund and receiving money at the airport:

Specify in advance where the customs control point is located at the airport, and where the cash desk is located.

Arrive at the airport early: the check-in point may be quite far from customs or tax-free counters, there may be a queue. If the goods then have to be packed, then an additional 10-15 minutes of stock is simply necessary.

When you arrive at the airport (port, train station), even before passport control, you go to the customs officer (or Tax Free checkpoint) and he puts a stamp on your receipts issued in the store. Sometimes things are asked to be presented for inspection, sometimes not, but they always check the number on the Tax Free form with the number of paper labels (seals) on the package with the goods.

It is advisable not to check in the goods in luggage before registering the tax-free (at some airports there is an additional special point where your luggage will be inspected and noted what things you have checked in, if this interests the customs officer at the tax-free counter) or get a seal before dropping your luggage then pack the goods in luggage and check in.

Important! Items presented to the customs officer for the return of tax-free must be unused, unworn, with labels (seals) on the package. Sometimes, right in the store, they give paper seals stickers to the goods separately, so that they do not accidentally break before inspection, and ask the buyer to stick them on before inspection. Do not use goods before crossing the border!

Check in and drop off your baggage if you haven't already. After a personal check at the entrance to the Duty Free zone, go to the Tax Free window and receive your money in the currency you want, if there is a choice. Please be aware that this may take some time depending on the size of the airport and the queue at the ticket office. Another 10-15 minutes of time will not be superfluous! Upon receipt of the VAT refund in cash cashier's check torn off and given to you (for a guarantee, etc.).

If you want the money to be transferred to your credit card account, then fill in the details of your account in the Tax Free check and return it to the window (put it in a special box or send it to the Global Refund address from home). The money will be transferred to your account within 5 weeks (60 days maximum during high season). Instead, you can receive a Eurocheck to the address indicated in the form. Eurocheck can be cashed in any bank.

Today, many banks in Russia provide such a service as cashing tax-free checks themselves (if no more than 6 or 12 months have passed since their redemption at customs, and for the Czech Republic the period is even less - only 1 month). Checks from each of the two world tax-free systems (about them below) are accepted by different banks. You need to know that many banks charge from 1% to 3% for collection and up to 2% for cashing the amount of a check, or they issue money only in a certain currency and at the same time apply their exchange rates, which slightly reduces the amount of payments. Therefore, the easiest option is to receive a VAT refund in cash at the airport when leaving the country.

helenr, I also live in the USA. Please sort out the taxes yourself before misinforming the Russian public. However, it seems that soon it will not make any difference, since a bill has been introduced into Congress to withhold sales tax on all Internet purchases.

When to Collect Sales Tax Online

If your business has a physical presence in a state, such as a store, office or warehouse, you must collect applicable state and local sales tax from your customers. If you do not have a presence in a particular state, you are not required to collect taxes sales.
---
helenr, obviously in your Georgia example, Apple has at least one store there, so they are required to collect sales tax. I am not attacking you in any way, we are just having a healthy discussion. And as they say, "The truth is born in a dispute."

Which telephone? Mobile? If yes, then in addition to tax, there will also be activation. Plus, almost all phones are "stitched" for a specific operator, even if you buy without a contract. Think about whether it is worth the candle. In the US, it makes sense to buy a phone if you will be using it in the US. A jailbroken phone will not work properly.

The iPhone, again, will be tied to the operator. Tablet PCs and tablets are definitely more profitable to buy in the USA. They are much cheaper than in Moscow. My advice would be to order in advance from the apple store and select the store pick up function. Thus, you will know for sure that this item will be waiting for you in the store. For example, iPad mini now has to wait for two weeks.

The iPhone, again, will be tied to the operator.

helene, you are behind the times, for as long as 2 weeks all unlocked iPhones are selling)

iPad mini now has to wait for two weeks

No way. In Florida, for example, all stores are free to buy. But for a pickup, it was not possible to choose, just)))
And in general, there were no problems with iPhones or iPads of any size in general.

Why is everyone so interested in shopping in the USA? Everything can be bought in Moscow, and in online stores, too, and from the United States to order inexpensively. Of course, if you live far from Moscow, then shopping is interesting, but why do Muscovites so dream of "shopping" in the United States? Yes, APPLE gadgets are interesting first-hand, but clothes + shoes are not better there, and high-quality expensive goods are not particularly cheaper than in Moscow at sales.
Although we in DAFFY "S (not far from MACY" S) bought quite good dresses and suits from KELVIN KLEIN inexpensively
Is it really so interesting to drive along shopping centers and outlets?
There are so many attractions in America, you don't even have time to see it without shopping.
We ended the day with shopping in the evenings, somewhere at 20-21-22 o'clock we went shopping in MIDTOWN

Tax Free is a value added tax refund system that travelers actively use. Indeed, in this way, when buying an expensive thing abroad, for example, a gadget, you can save a lot!

VAT is included in the final cost of goods and services in each country and is aimed at implementing the social mechanisms of the state. Tourists cannot use social programs, and therefore they are entitled to a refund of the tax amount (from 7 to 25.5%), which they pay by default, when buying a particular thing.

Each country has its own minimum - the minimum purchase amount from which VAT can be refunded. The main condition for this is that the purchase must be made in a store that is included in the Tax Free Shopping system (and there are more and more of them every year).

The amount of tax is refunded not by the store itself, but by the operator with whom it cooperates a store... There are four main Tax Free operators:

• Global Blue (the most popular, covering over 270,000 stores in 37 countries);
• Premier Tax Free;
• Tax Free Worldwide (now part of Premier Tax Free);
• Innova Tax Free.

Return conditions

The VAT refund can be used by foreign citizens who do not have citizenship, residence permit, refugee status or work visa in the country where the purchase was made, as well as stateless persons in the absence of these documents.

Tax Free registration is possible for the following categories of goods: clothes, shoes, watches and all accessories, Appliances and electronics, jewelry, household and office supplies. Tax included in the cost of services (for example, excursions, hotel accommodation or car rental), books, Vehicle, ships, precious ingots and stones that are not decorated with jewelry cannot be returned. Also, the tax cannot be compensated for when buying any goods over the Internet.

Step by step instructions: how to get Tax Free

1. Learn minimum purchase amount for VAT refunds in a specific country. Data is subject to change, so please try to find the latest information. An important point: this is about minimum amount, reflected in the check, that is, there can be several goods, but there is only one check for them. If you make purchases in different stores, and each of them is below the specified minimum, you cannot sum receipts and refund VAT on purchased goods.

Country	VAT rate*	Minimum amount, reflected in one check *
Argentina	21%	70 Argentine pesos
Austria	20%	€ 75.01
Belgium	21%, food and books - 6%	€ 125.01
Hungary	25%	HUF 55,001
Great Britain	20%	25 British pounds
Germany	19%	25 euros
Greece	Mainland and Aegean Islands: 24% - Border Islands: 17%	125 euros
Denmark	25%	DKK 300
Ireland	23%
Iceland	25,5%	6,000 ISK
Spain	21%, optics - 10%	90.16 euro
Italy	22%, optics - 10%	155 euros
Cyprus	19%	50 euros
China	17%	500 yuan
Latvia	21%, medical supplies and goods for childcare - 12%	44 euros
Lithuania	21%	55 euros
Morocco	20%	2,000 Moroccan dirhams
Netherlands	21%	50 euros
Norway	25%	315 NOK
Poland	23%	PLN 300
Portugal	on the mainland - 23%, for wine - 13%, for optics - 6%, in Madeira - 22%, in the Azores - 18%.	49.88 EUR + VAT
Singapore	21%	100 Singapore dollars
Slovakia	20%	€ 175.01
Slovenia	22%, works of art - 9.5%	€ 50.01
Turkey	Textiles and clothing, leather goods, carpets, shoes, bags, optics, books, food: 8%. Accessories, electronics, watches, glasses, cosmetics, porcelain / ceramics and household goods: 18%	100.00 Turkish Lira + VAT
Uruguay	22%	500 Uruguayan pesos
Finland	24%	40 euros
France	20%	€ 175.01
Croatia	25%, orthopedic products - 5%	740 Croatian kuna
Czech Republic	21%	2001 Czech crown
Switzerland	8%	CHF 300
Sweden	25%	200 SEK
Estonia	20%	EUR 38.01
South Korea	Standard rate: 10%, jewelry items: 20%	30,000 Korean won

* The data provided on the website of the operators Global Blue and Premier Tax Free at the time of this writing. The list of countries is incomplete

2. Ask the seller is this store included in the Tax Free Shopping network... By the way, usually plaques with the logo of one of the Tax Free operators are located at the checkout in case it is possible to refund VAT for store goods. Cashier may ask Your passport as a confirmation of your foreign citizenship, after which he writes a check on a special form (tax free shopping check). This document indicates the total purchase price and the amount to be returned, as well as the name, surname and contact information of the buyer.

3. You will be able to receive a refund when leaving the country in which the purchase was made (if you purchased the item in one of the EU countries - when leaving the European Union). Costs arrive at the airport in advance, because there may be many who want to return VAT. Find out where are located Tax Free counters... Do not check in your purchases as luggage, because the customs officer has the right to ask you show them... At the same time, according to the rules, it is assumed that you did not use them on the territory of this country - it is recommended not to cut off the tags from things and not throw away the packaging. Among required documents:Tax Free check, cashier's check, passport.

4. Tax Free will be put on the check stamp about passing control. Return money you can in three ways:

• At the same airport, at a special counter (most often “Cash Refund”, sometimes this function is performed by one of the ticket offices of the Duty Free store).
• On the bank card: by sending checks by mail to the operator's office. This method takes quite a long time.
• At any Tax Free refund point. In practice, this means that you can receive cash already upon your return to the country. permanent residence(you should make sure in advance that there is such a point in your city). A great option for those who have witnessed long lines at the airport counters and are afraid of being late for their flight.

Nuances

The Tax Free refund scheme is quite simple, however, there are some points to be aware of in advance.

• The check must contain your passport details. The seller does not always prescribe them, implying that you will do it.
• It should be borne in mind that the amount to be returned, reflected in the check, and the one that the buyer ultimately receives, do not coincide due to the commission for the services of the Tax Free operator. However, the difference will not be significant.
• The validity of Tax Free checks is limited - firstly, the period for exporting goods from the country is limited (no more than 3 months), and secondly, tax refunds should not be delayed either: despite the fact that the maximum late period for making payments is from 3 months up to 3 years (depending on the country), in practice, travelers are often denied cashing on old checks.
• If you are planning a specific purchase in a store working with the Global Blue operator, you can find out in advance the amount to be refunded for Tax Free,using a special calculator.
• The addresses of Tax Free refund offices can also be found on the operators' website