VAT Refunds

They closed the tax refund counter in the departure hall without notifying you and there is no any policy to solve the problem. You simply cannot get back your money after you go through the security check. Good job Great Britain.

My complaint is not directed at the Customs at Gatwick North Terminal, I want to make this clear first of all. The reason being was I never found the Customs Post to try and claim my VAT back. First of all let's start at the beginning. I purchased a new dual sim Samsung phone from Argos in Leatherhead. No complaints at all against Argos, the staff were above friendly and very helpful. Especially Sian the assistant who served me. Duly armed with the packaged phone and receipt I went to Gatwick Airport North Terminal determined to claim back my VAT. I didn't need to book in because I was already booked in, on line. But I went to the check in anyway, after all I had to ask someone where the VAT recovery Office was. Speak to Security they told me. So off I trundled. "Excuse me would you happen to know where the Office is of Customs and Excise, I want yo reclaim my VAT?" "You need to go through Security first." I was told by a Security Officer. So, being as they work there, I don't, I went through the procedure. Even having gone through Security I spoke to who I believe to be a Supervisor, after all he had on a suit and was talking to a uniformed Security Officer, both had their official passes around their respective necks. So here we go again, "Excuse me would you happen to know where the Office is of Customs and Excise, I want to reclaim my VAT?" "You need to complete Security first, when you enter the hall through the doorway, he pointed in the general direction, then turn sharp left. It is just past a shop called June's." So off I trundled yet again, after all he must know. He works there after all and he's in Security! I went through the doorway and turned left, all the way along to a door marked no entry, Airline Staff only, or something like that anyway. I turned around and went back, checking each shop. I started walking again and looked up at the shop signs, June's was in fact Dunes, simple mistake to make so I set off again. No, nothing, no Customs and Excise Office. Despair or disgust I approached a Currency Exchange outlet opposite where the VAT Office should have been. I asked once more, "Excuse me, would you happen to know where the Office is of Customs and Excise, I want to reclaim my VAT?" The man I spoke with must have been used to this question. "They moved over a month ago maybe two Months ago. They are the other side of Security." "But I asked when in Security, it was them who told me about Junes/Dunes." I pointed in the direction of the shops. "Well they should know better, they all were told, but you won't be able to go back now." So there I was, the wrong side of Security, advised by a Security Supervisor, unable to recover my VAT. Did I get the Supervisors name, No I did not. Would I recognise him again, most certainly I would. I had to wait for nearly two hours to board my plane. All the time I was seething. Now I am home in Cyprus still bitter and annoyed. How can I recover my VAT?

I do not think they have intention to get your money back. If you want to get it back, come 1000 days before your flight so you can wait patiently with smiles and laughters.

MAKE SURE TO CLAIM YOUR VAT IN THE SOUTH TERMINAL.

Was smooth for me, no line. Location is right after you pass the security checkup. Need to navigate a bit of a maze of corridors to get there. Officer checks the paperwork and directs you to money service just outside to complete the transaction. You’ll fill in extra address and sign in 2 places.