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Customs: It is also necessary for the tourists to approach the customs before check-in and produce the purchases, receipts, passport, ticket(s) and Global Refund Cheques and get the forms validated by a customs stamp. The cash can be refunded at any of the 160 International Cash Refund Points all over the world. The customs are liable to answer any of the queries relating to taxes, imports, exports and immigration.
VAT: A non-EU resident does not have to pay tax. Hence the tourists have the right to claim the tax paid during the purchase of any goods. The VAT (Value Added Tax) in Amsterdam is 19%. An expatriate can claim the refund of the paid VAT minus an administration fee. There is also one condition that the goods purchased should be exported within three months including the month of purchase. Global Refund Tax Free Shopping sign can be found in front of some shops. If a tourist spends more than 137 Euro in one store in one day, he is entitled to ask for Global Refund Cheque. With this cheque, purchases, receipts, passport and ticket he can approach the Global Refund Cash Refund Office in departure hall 3 and receive the refund by immediate cash crediting it to a credit card, Dutch bank account or bank cheque.
Tipping: Though paying tips is not mandatory in Amsterdam, it is customary to pay 10% to the restaurant waiters. Here a waiter, driver and porter receive different amount as tips. A figure of €1 per bag has to be paid to the porter and taxi driver. But a little more can be given to the taxi driver if it's a long trip. The standard tip for toilet attendants is €0.50.
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