This Is How It Works:

There are two organizations in Austria that are responsible for refunding for Value Added Tax – Global Refund and Austria Refund. Depending on which organization you choose, ask the salesperson for a filled-in Global Refund or Austria Refund Cheque (name and address abroad have to be filled in) and for the appropriate refund envelope with a list of all locations where cash is refunded. The original bill must be attached to the Refund Cheque.

Upon leaving the European Union, you show your purchased items to the customs officer and get the appropriate customs stamp. Without this stamp a refund is impossible. You can receive this refund at one of more than 700 refund locations worldwide, for example at airports or in your home country (check on the Refund Envelope), or you can mail your Refund Cheque to Global Refund or Austria Refund and request a transfer.

At the Vienna Airport, you can find the refund locations of Global Refund and Austria Refund in the shopping area or at Pier Ost (A Gates) in the immediate vicinity of the customs booth or at the baggage claim.

The average refund after deduction of handling charges is about 13% of the original price.