Major credit cards can also be used to make cash advances at ATM machines abroad. All western European countries, except Switzerland, have VAT built into the price of most goods and services. The VAT refund system varies between countries, but most foreign visitors are eligible for a full refund on VAT paid on goods. To receive a refund, you must show your passport and get a tax refund form filled out by the merchant at the store where you made the purchase. When you leave the country, you must present your purchases along with your paperwork to a customs official who will validate the forms.
Refund payments vary from a check to an international money order.
Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Holland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal and Sweden have joined the European Tax-Free Shopping Network.