GERMANY. Foreign exchange provider Travelex has opened the first exclusive tourist tax refund outlet at Hamburg Airport in collaboration with Global Blue.
The service allows non-EU residents leaving the region to receive VAT refunds on qualifying products in a choice of more than 45 currencies.
The partnership extends to Planet Tax Free, with Travelex managing all tourist shopping tax refunds in addition to Global Blue services.
The Hamburg Airport launch marks the latest step in a partnership between the companies that has been in place for more than ten years.
In addition to Zurich Airport, the company’s joint operations with Global Blue include Cologne, Berlin and Frankfurt airports, as well as Basel railway station (Badischer Bahnhof).
Travelex stores are located in Hamburg Airport Terminal 1 landside and Terminal 2 airside.
Travelex Europe Director Leonard Stolk said, “We are proud to build on more than a decade of partnership with Global Blue as we enter a new chapter to further support travellers’ needs.
“Our collaboration is founded on delivering five-star customer service to the thousands of travellers who claim tax refunds at Hamburg Airport every year.”
Tourists departing the EU can claim tax refunds at any Travelex location in Hamburg Airport by presenting the tax-free goods they purchased, original store receipts, VAT refund forms and their passport and boarding pass as proof that they are taking the goods out of the region.
The opening aligns with the strong travel demand at Hamburg Airport, which serves more than 14.8 million passengers each year.
Stolk added: “Tax-free shopping is an important asset to Hamburg’s tourism industry, making the city an attractive destination for visitors planning a shopping holiday. We are delighted to support travellers with a convenient and simple service to reclaim VAT.” ✈
