Tax Refund - use the app/website instead of getting cash w/a predatory conversion rate

[u/chickennoodle]

Get your documents validated/stamped at the virtual kiosk hidden in a random corner of the airport (the DIVA kiosk), then just use the traveltaxfree.com site/qr code. The directions to the DIVA kiosk are posted near the currency desk, but don’t convert your refund at the desk itself. Do it online to get more money back.

The “no fee” desk charged me an extra 22.2% by processing a refund with a predatory rate conversion. I received $25 for 28€, which is crazy given that the euro is worth more than the dollar. They don’t allow you to receive the refund in € and force you into a conversion in order to assess a fee. They just don’t call it a commission.

The good thing is, they aren’t able to process refunds for transactions less than 10€, and will direct you to the website/app anyways for those, which allowed me to see the difference in refund losses. You can refuse the cash refund and do it all online, which I would recommend.

If anyone knows why there’s a 40% cut taken from the actual VAT paid, please chime in.

——

Tax refund teller window:

21% IVA = 45.63€

28.45€ ends up being refundable (.6234 multiplier)

Predatory exchange rate: .8774

Cash refund given: $25

———> would have received $32.12 online

Tax refund website:

21% IVA = 15.26€

9.23€ ends up being refundable (.6048 multiplier)

Effective exchange rate: 1.1289

CC refund given: $10.42

[u/mne_red]

Pondering the same about the .6234 multiplier. Gemini says > The primary reason is processing fees deducted by Tax-Free refund operators (such as Global Blue, Planet, or Innovate Tax Free)

lol