Tax-Free Shopping & VAT Refund in USA
In the United States, there is no federal VAT. State sales tax varies by state (from 0% in Oregon, Delaware, New Hampshire, and Montana to nearly 9-10% in parts of California, Washington, or New York). Foreign tourists generally cannot claim sales tax refunds, but strong domestic price differences on brands like Apple, Google, and Bose often provide significant savings.
Customs Allowances & Return Guidelines
When returning home by air or sea from an international destination, travelers are entitled to a personal duty-free allowance (typically 430 € per adult when entering the European Union, or $800 when entering the US). If an individual item exceeds this threshold, standard import VAT and customs duties may apply upon arrival.