tax Free ShoppingTax Free Shopping with Diageo

Visitors to the UK who live outside of the EU are eligible to receive a VAT refund on purchases made here.

Some goods are not eligible for VAT refund

  • Childrenswear
  • Basic foods
  • Books
  • Consumables such as petrol or services

To Shop Tax Free

  • Reside outside the EU
  • Make a minimum purchase of £30 and collect a VAT refund form at the time of sale
  • Take goods home within three months of the date of purchase

To Get a Refund, at airports with a Customs Desk (i.e. Heathrow)

  • Visitors go there before check-in.
  • Have the goods, receipts and completed form with them.
  • Get a Customs stamp and post the form in the pre-paid envelope.

To Get a Refund, airports with no manned Customs Desk (i.e. Scottish airports)

  • Check in as usual
  • Place the form in the pre-paid envelope into the "VAT" box, this is usually found after security.

In both instances the refund will be made to a major credit card or by bank cheque.

Visitors may also take their stamped form to the refund point at Heathrow airport for an immediate cash refund. There will be a charge made for this service.

UK Tax Free Refund also has City Cash Refund Centres in place in both Inverness and Edinburgh (coming soon to Glasgow). For purchases between £75 and £1000 visitors may take their completed form to these locations and receive a cash refund while still enjoying their stay in Scotland.

To Receive a Cash Refund

  • Take the completed form to the City Cash Refund Centre
  • Have a Visa or Mastercard with at least 3 months till expiry.
  • The agent takes a pre-authorisation on the credit card and for a flat fee of £1 will give a cash refund.
  • Visitor either gets a Customs stamp on departure or deposits the form in the "VAT" box at the airport.