Recent postings about the RAND rate vs the dollar and shopping have reminded me about a topic I was going to post about.

The topic is the VAT. READ THE SECTION IN NGAIRE'S BOOK ON THE VAT. Heed her write up. I stood in three different lines for over 30 minutes in two of them to get very little. Would I do it again. NO.

If planning on doing this anyway be sure the invoice has the numbers that are required. One of our invoices did not have the number and the VAT for that was denied. All the goods will need to be inspected. This means that you have them inspected BEFORE puting them in the checked bags and of course before checking the bags. Doing this does not guarrantee that an inspector down the line will not ask to see the goods and if you can not produce them deny the refund. The refund will be in RAND and in the form of a check that can only be cashed at the money change window.

To summarize- Three lines-

Inspection line before checking bags

Vat refund line (LONG LINE and moves slow)

Check cashing and money change line. LONG line and moves slow)

READ THE VALUE ADDED TAX SECTION OF THE BOOK.