If you plan to do some hefty shopping while traveling abroad, don’t forget that you can request a refund of Value Added Tax (commonly called VAT) that you have paid during your trip.  Keep all of your receipts. Make sure the merchant fills out the necessary documents before you leave the store. Have a copy of your passport saved on your Smartphone that you can readily access when completing the reimbursement form.  Some larger stores have a desk you can go to for their purchases; otherwise, look for the VAT refund center at the airport when you are headed home.  Allow enough time for this process, as it could be busy!