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Tax-free guide · Europe

Is there tax-free shopping in the United Kingdom?

No, not any more. The United Kingdom withdrew its tourist refund scheme. VAT RES and airside tax-free shopping were withdrawn in England, Scotland and Wales on 1 Jan 2021. Exception: a GB shop can still sell VAT-free if it ships the goods directly to an address outside the UK. VAT RES continues in Northern Ireland for non-EU visitors (VAT due again if those goods enter GB).

Last checked 2 November 2026. Figures are estimates, not tax advice.

United Kingdom at a glance

  • StatusWithdrawn
  • SchemeVAT Retail Export Scheme (withdrawn in Great Britain)
  • Tax in the priceVAT, standard rate 20%
    Not yet checked against an official source
  • Reduced rates5% on certain goods and services
    Not yet checked against an official source
  • Prices on tagsShelf prices include tax
    Not yet checked against an official source

Want the real cost of a price tag here? Try the refund calculator, and read why you should always pay in local currency.

Questions

Can tourists get a tax refund in the United Kingdom?

No. VAT RES and airside tax-free shopping were withdrawn in England, Scotland and Wales on 1 Jan 2021. Exception: a GB shop can still sell VAT-free if it ships the goods directly to an address outside the UK. VAT RES continues in Northern Ireland for non-EU visitors (VAT due again if those goods enter GB). Priceglot shows no refund estimate for the United Kingdom. Last checked 2 November 2026.

Is it cheaper to buy things in the United Kingdom?

Only if the price on your card, after any tax refund you'll actually get, beats the price at home. Convert the tag at the mid-market rate, add your card's foreign transaction fee (often around 3% on bank cards, 0% on travel cards), and compare. Always pay in the local currency, because the shop's conversion costs more. Priceglot does this for every tag you point it at.

Sources

Last checked 2 November 2026.

Point at the tag. Get the real price.

Priceglot converts every price in view, adds your card fee and estimates the tax refund.

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