Getting a Shopping Tax Refund at the Prague Airport - Not a Smooth Process

While shopping the day before in one of the shopping plazas in Prague, we were informed that if a tourist spent over 2000 Kourna, he/ she would be able to get the tax back upon departure from the country.

Prague Airport, Czech Republic

We made sure that we did just that and tried to get our tax back when we were waiting for our flight at the Prague airport.

However, the process was not an easy one at all.

First we had to make sure we had all the sales receipts and filled in the tax refund forms properly which we did the day before after the store sent us the run around.

A direct line to the Custom Office at Prague Airport

Confident that we had everything we needed,  we went to the Tax Refund counter at the Prague Airport. However, there was nobody there to help us.

We saw only a telephone and we called as instructed. The person answering  the phone told us that we got the wrong department.

The Tax Free Refund Counter at Prague Airport

Then we asked the lady at the next counter for help.

She told us that she did not know anything about the tax refund but would get someone to help us.

Some security personnel were trying to help us to reach the tax refund department.

She called in the airport security personnel to assist us. The security people called the same number and explained the situation to the party on the other side.

Finally, they had the right person on the phone after a few phone calls.

The Baby Room at the Prague Airport

After I was connected to the right person, I was asked if I had the items with me.  “ No, I have already checked in my luggage." I replied.

Cafeteria at the Prague Airport, Czech Republic

“ Sorry, you must have the goods with you and present them to the custom officers for an inspection with your receipts and have the forms properly filled out. If you don’t have the items you bought with us, you wont have a tax refund.” The tax officer informed me.

I tried getting a tax refund which tourists were entitled to receive. However, it was not as easy as we thought.

Farewell, Prague! It was a good visit and we had a memorable time there!

R.T.
Prague Airport
Czech Republic