How to get a refund on your 16% Colombian IVA value-added tax

JosephLe.com Travel Tips:

4/17/2019

In Colombia, every time you purchase merchandise, goods and services there is a 16% value-added tax (IVA) included in the cost.

If you are a tourist, you can get this tax refunded to you at the airport before departing the country.
Here is what you need to know:

Purchases must have been made with a credit card.
Save your store receipts along with the credit card invoices (the copy of the the receipt that you sign).
You cannot get a tax refund on food (restaurant or groceries), alcohol, lodging, medical or entertainment costs. You can only get a tax refund on retail and luxury products such as clothing, perfume, shoes, bags, jewelry and electronics.
You will only be refunded taxes paid within the previous 6 months.
Your purchases have to total more than $250,000 COP.

Arrive at the airport early to allow time for filling out all the paperwork. When you get to the airport, ask for the DIAN office (Direccion de Impuestas y Aduanas Nacionales) which is the customs and tax bureau. In Medellin, it is located behind a closed gate past the rental car offices and a guard has to let you through. They will ask to see your receipts before allowing you past. This can also be done in Bogota, just ask where the DIAN office is located when you get to the airport.

The refund will be credited to your account within 3 - 6 months.

You may also be interested in these useful articles about Medellin:

Best of Medellin Part 1 - Best Restaurants

Best of Medellin Part 2 - Best Restaurants

Best of Medellin Part 3 - Best gym, clubs, spanish schools, etc.

How to get to the Medellin airport for under 10,000 COP

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61 Comments

Karim Masarweh

2/5/2013 07:02:12 pm

Hi Joseph,

Thank you so much for the info.
I would like to buy an iPad from Colombia but I was worried VAT will not be refunded.
for some reason, all forms and websites showed that the only electronic item on which i could get refund is Compact Discs!!!
So, from what you say, IVA of an iPad purchase will be refunded, correct?

Thx

JosephLe.com link

2/6/2013 10:32:54 am

Hi Karim,
Yes, I noticed when I was researching it that there was no current information online, that's why I decided to stop by the DIAN office at the airport to find out.

The IVA for your iPad purchase should be refunded to you as long as all the requirement above are fulfilled. Make sure to keep all your receipts and documentation. Also remember that it will take awhile for it to be credited to your account. Hope that helps and good luck!

Karim Masarweh

3/11/2013 08:48:13 pm

Hi,

Thanks a lot for the info.
Actually I found out that the prices of iPad (and other Apple products) in Colombia are so low because they are VAT exempted in the first place.
So no VAT to be refunded :-)

Thanks again,
Karim

dennis harvey link

2/19/2013 07:10:08 am

what about a washing machine, is that considered a luxury item???

JosephLe.com link

1/5/2014 03:54:51 pm

This is only for tourists. I'm assuming that you are a resident or possess another type of visa so the refund may not apply for you.

laura simpson link

5/5/2013 01:05:08 pm

My flight left Bogota before the 8am opening of the DIAN booth. I have all my required receipts as well as a copy of the form that must be completed which requires a great deal of personal information, Passport, credit card number, etc. Is there another way of getting the IVA refund or should I just call it a donation? Thanks.

JosephLe.com link

5/5/2013 02:03:04 pm

Unfortunately the only way I know is by turning in the documents to the DIAN at the airport. So yes, looks like a donation to Colombia.

Andrew

12/19/2013 11:53:43 am

Did you have to show the items at the DIAN office?

JosephLe.com link

1/5/2014 03:53:08 pm

When I was at the office, I didn't have to show the items, only the paperwork.

jan

3/24/2014 06:55:41 am

Hi,

I just made the tax refund at the airport in Bogota. It was really uncomplicated. But they say that you have to buy stuff at least for 275000cop.

Cheeers

JosephLe.com link

5/10/2014 04:21:44 am

Jan,
I'm glad you were able to submit your tax refund without any problems! Thanks for the comment.

KatieMo

5/10/2014 01:43:32 am

Does each item have to be > $250.000 or $275.000 COP or does the total amount have to be greater than that.

Also, pulling my hair out on the different sources of information. I thought I had found the official law: http://www.avianca.com/en-co/travel-information/plan-your-trip/legal-requirements/sales-tax-refund.aspx

*This takes you to avianca's site which has an overview of the policy. On the bottom of the page, you can access the law in Spanish. Food "for human consumption" looks like it should be included.

Thanks for your help

JosephLe.com link

5/10/2014 04:20:40 am

Katie,
Total amount has to exceed 275,000 COP. When I went to the office at the Medellin airport, they did not allow any of my food receipts (restaurants & groceries). Hope that helps. Good luck!

KatieMo

5/11/2014 11:42:42 pm

Thanks for the reply, Joseph. Just to clarify-- the minimum peso value does fluctuate and is "la cuantía de las mismas, incluido el IVA, sean iguales o superiores a diez (10) Unidades de Valor Tributario (UVT)." What the UVT is at any given moment can be found with a quick google search.

glenn

5/13/2014 08:15:54 am

Hi , I have 2 questions. Can you get the tax back for a rent a car. Are car rental companies and hotels in colombia supposed to be charging the tax to foreigners?

Rick

5/21/2014 05:59:57 am

I also have a question regarding hotel and rental car fees and whether the IVA can be reimbursed or should be charged. Thank you.

Bruce Higgins

8/19/2014 11:52:48 am

Thank you very much for saving me lots of time and aggravation. I bought nothing with a credit card while in Colombia, and almost everything I bought or paid for (groceries, restaurants, lodging, clothes, medicines, doctors, transportation, gifts, etc.) is ineligible anyway.

JosephLe.com link

8/22/2014 03:38:30 am

Hi Bruce,
I'm glad the article was useful for you. I went through the headache of bringing all my receipts into the office so I figured I'd try and help others save some time and hassle!

Sarah

8/22/2014 04:26:43 am

What if it has been 7 months with no refund and no response?

Laura

8/29/2014 06:20:00 pm

Hello
My partner and I submitted all the necessary forms, documentation and provided the details of the credit card we used to pay for the item upon our departure from Bogota in June 2014. However, today I received an email from DIAN stating that our claim was rejected because we did not pay for the item by 'dataphone'? I've checked the legislation and (if my sub-standard Spanish translation is correct!) pursuant to the legislation, we are entitled to a refund if we paid by 'dataphone' or an internationally issued credit/debit card. We paid by the latter and supplied this information at the time we made the claim. So I can't understand why our claim was rejected... has anybody else been in this situation?
Many thanks
Laura

pura vida

12/14/2014 05:04:42 am

"dataphone" means somebody has to swipe your card. Online purchases with your cc/debit card in Colombia do not count ... Hope this is helpful.

JoAnn

1/2/2015 06:02:41 am

At Bogota, the DIAN person had already left her/his post (I was told they were inside past immigrations) and immigration would not let me back out to the DIAN location allegedly outside of immigration. Is there any way to recover the taxes after one has left the country?

thanks, in advance, for your reply.

Henry

1/21/2015 10:46:38 am

I have Dian paperwork. Filed at airport in Cartagena. They never paid bought in February 2014. Help

Ashley

7/5/2015 02:57:37 am

Hey! Thanks so much for your article it was extremely helpful. I traveled to Colombia five times this year. Each time I filed for a VAT refund. I got an email saying one was accepted a little over a month ago, but never received the money. I just received two emails saying two more had been accepted. So I'm wondering how long it takes to get the money after the email saying the claim has been accepted.

Phil

7/9/2015 09:05:40 pm

Can I mail the information for a tax refund instead of handing the info at the airport?

Jonathan

7/22/2015 02:05:00 am

Hi, I have a spousal visa, along with a Cedula. Although I'm only here for 11 months (fifth month here) does that mean that I won't be able to claim tax back? I use a UK issued credit card always in stores.

Cees houtman

8/3/2015 11:57:04 am

Is there a dian post on the airport of Cali?

MASSIMO GATTO

10/28/2015 10:28:44 am

WHEN YOU SPEAK ABOUT ACCOUNT, YOU MEAN BANK ACCOUNT IN MY HOME COUNTRY OR THE CREDIT CARD I PAYED THE ITEMS I BOUGHT ? THANK YOU, YOUR INFOS WERE VERY USEFUL SO FAR, SHALL GO THROUGH THE PROCESS ON SATURDAY. MASSIMO (SLOVENIA)

JosephLe.com link

10/28/2015 07:54:36 pm

The credit card you used to pay for the items bought.

Nivedita link

11/25/2015 03:21:57 pm

Hi,
I fly out of Bogota really early tomorrow morning at 6.45am to Medellin so wanted to ask if the DIAN offices operate 24 hours at the Bogota airport? If not the timings of the DIAN office in Medellin?
I did read the entire thread but could not find the timings.
Would cry much appreciate a quick response as I don't have much time.
Much thanks for all the info above

Jerry Stewart

12/5/2015 03:32:39 pm

I filed the paperwork on Nov. 1st at the airport in Medellin. I had meant to take a photo of the form as I didn't get a copy of it but the photo didn't turn out. I'm not having a sense that the government will return the money - you say 3-6 months, I'm thinking I should just write the $300 off.

kathy icenogle

12/29/2015 08:41:51 am

When my husband and I flew out of Cartagena airport, the DIAN office was not open. How can I contact DIAN to get our refund. All the sites are in Spanish which we do not read.

Celine Heri

1/13/2016 06:02:44 am

Hey..Thank you for this enlightening article! I was just wondering if I need to bring the objects with me for demonstration? I have read something like that. Also, Is it possible to print the forms that need to be filled out beforehand? or do they need to be filled out there?

Nivedita

1/13/2016 07:08:19 am

I just received a letter from DIAN. We had cliamed a refund for a Mac Laptop which does not fit the eligibility criteria (only available ironically at an airport desk on a pice of cardboard) so when you read Electronics as being eligible dont be fooled. It applies to appliances like washers and home appliances...because that is what tourists buy when travelling right? ;)
I got a measly refund for a denim jacket. In my opinion Colombia has really let its tourists down by witholding important information and making it so mysterious. I mean why do we need to go on a blog to find this?

Juan Carlos

2/7/2016 07:24:09 pm

So, has anyone actually received their refund? It doesn't appear anyone has had really got their money back...

Jerry Stewart

3/18/2016 12:40:40 pm

I was able to get my refund almost three months to the day after we left.

JosephLe.com link

3/20/2016 08:49:56 pm

Hi Jerry,

That's great to hear that you received your refund! Hopefully others on here who have also submitted their forms properly will be as fortunate.

Cheers,
Joseph

Caroline

8/3/2017 02:29:01 pm

I got my tax back when I put it through 2 years ago without any issues, albeit 6 months later

Eleanor

2/18/2016 06:29:23 pm

Id like to know if anyone has received a refund as well. Sounds corrupt! Ill be leaving from Cartagena airport Feb 21, 2016...what time does the DIAN office open there? Gracias

Gilliana

3/4/2016 11:44:45 am

Submitted form at Medellin Airport on August 14, 2015.
Heard nothing since.
Is there any way to follow up? Have all the paperwork

Maria

3/9/2016 09:28:46 am

can I ask for my tax refund in cash instead of credit card?

Julie

3/18/2016 05:31:46 am

A shop owner at the Leonisa store kindly made me aware of this rule but was unclear on the process (understandably so). When I arrived at 4am for my flight out of BOG, there were no offices open of course and I didn't know where to ask. Because there was no time (the check-in line was 1:45 mins), I had to hustle off through customs to my flight. When I arrived in MIA, I asked a US Immgration and then a US Customs officer if they knew nothing about this and the immigration officer said it was just a sales tactic (untrue). All told, I "donated" $40 to the country. I'm not sure how a tourist is supposed to know about this. I'm sure the government of Colombia is not in happy to have this unadvertised rule as there is little motivation to do so.

Imran

4/9/2016 04:49:23 pm

Hi Joseph,

Thanks for the clear information, I struggled to find it on the correct website. Just wanted to know if you had any information on cash purchases? I've met the amount and type of items just avoided using my CC due to fees.

Cheers,
Imran

Michael

7/29/2016 01:39:11 pm

Can I not get a refund on anything I've paid cash for then? Are can the purchases not be with a debit card ?

Nivedita

7/29/2016 02:16:11 pm

Hey folks,
I did everything by the book and i have not been refunded. In fact a got a few emails from the department telling me that they are waiting for another department that is waiting for another department! Its bureaucracy hell and I really would not bother going through it.
Hope this helps!

Daihana Plasencia

1/2/2017 09:40:06 am

Hi, I was in Cartagena in July, i claimed in the Dian office at the Airport what we spent over there in shopping. They gave me a receipt and the man that helped me told me i will get my 300 Usa dollars back to my credit card in 90 days, is already 5 months and I still Waiting I tried to email them but the email provided in the receipt is coming back to my email as not working email. Please I would like to know how can I contact them. Because I'm not going to leave my money in the Air.

Nilly

7/26/2017 06:22:12 pm

This crook of a country still have not refunded me neither. They owe me $1,100 and it has been 4 months. My mother-in-law still has not got her neither. Absolutely disgraceful.

Raisa

3/6/2017 12:36:59 pm

Make sure you have not yet checken in your luggage as they wish to see all the items you bought.

Gary

3/9/2017 06:30:37 pm

I was on a cruise ship that stopped in Cartagena, Colombia. Can someone provide an email address where I can email the DIAN VAT Refund Form? Thank you!

Kathryn

5/23/2017 02:48:20 pm

Can someone tell me the location of the DIAN office in Cartagena airport?

SRJ link

7/8/2017 02:08:27 pm

A great informative post you shared on this page about calculating the tax returns of a successful business easily by using online system softwares , I read this post and remember the best points especially " customer service management " mentioned in this article which help me for running a business successfully with the help of professional accounting .If you want to start a business successfully then you must read this article carefully and keep it in your mind all the best points of a great article which help you to running a business successfully with the professional accountant .
Thanks

Caroline

7/10/2017 10:15:44 am

Hi, I'm a Colombian citizen but do not live in Colombia. Do you know if I can still claim a tax refund at the end of my trip there?

Nilly

7/26/2017 06:22:57 pm

No, you cannot.

Rob

8/3/2017 07:04:35 am

I applied at the Bogota Airport. Everything was in order on the form. But was rejected by the DIAN office 3 months later. I think this program is corrupt and a scam. Good Luck !

Monica

8/8/2017 03:03:10 pm

Concur. We just got back and everything was denied right in front of us. It is a complete scam.

Monica

8/8/2017 03:01:53 pm

This is complete bull___!. A fallacy, a lie the Colombian government tell tourists. I saved every receipt. I labeled them, numbered them and listed them. They were about 30 receipts in total. None were accepted by the not so friendly government worker at El Dorado Airport in Colombia. It is a disrespect to me and my time. Nothing is included, the list published on the internet is nothing like the one posted outside their window. Let me write that again, nothing is included. Children books by Colombian author, not included. Colombian clothing, not included. A typical Indian mask bought at the Gold Museum, not included. Do not waste your time, effort and inner peace. That VAT is already stolen by a corrupt government the moment your card got swiped or you handed the cash. Rant over.

Lisa Sainsbury

8/18/2017 11:39:08 am

We have purchased everything with cash in Bogota and really disappointed that we cant get a tax refund as we were told it didnt matter if we paid with cash or credit card. We have spent alot of money here. Very disappointed

Nubia Suarez

8/22/2017 11:49:10 pm

I had nothing than a bad experience trying to claim my iva taxes back!!! I feel they do things to keep your money that legally belongs to you!!
I had travel all over Europe and Asia few months before claimed my taxes at each country no problems, some of the countries even returned money cash
In Colombia information from DIAN doesn't math the websites requirements at the office in bogota!!
-a month before travel to Bogotá, ready to come back to USA I did my check out went to DiAN with all my paperwork to find out that they want it, the merchandise as well!!! After my luggage was already check in!!!
Got so upset, because nowhere on any DIAN site explains this part
As I had travel to other countries, this is not a requirement, only paperwork of course I lost my iva, on my items I couldn't present only my carry on!!
-But not enough frustration, I returned to Colombia and did some shopping excited I was going to be able to collect my IVA since I had all my merchandise and paperwork, then to be told that I couldn't get my taxes until 3 months later!!! I need to return to Colombia with all my merchandise!!! And paperwork
Absolutely felt like this office was trying to take from me, was is legally right my IVA !!!
I told them to claim the iva on my husband passport, credit card since we were traveling together and at the end were presents from him, GOT denied!!!
Because my receipts were under my name ( All merchandise is mine women clothes and jewelry)We explain over and over to be treated so disrespectful!!!
I feel completely ALL our rights as tourist were violated!!

Vlad Alyokhin link

11/4/2019 09:02:23 am

Thank you very much about this article. Its very helpful information.

Vlad Alyokhin link

2/27/2020 08:13:01 am

Thank you for sharing useful information.

Alyssa

8/13/2021 08:04:44 am

Is there a DIAN office in Cartagena airport? I’m flying direct from Cartagena but bought my luxury items in bogota.

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How to get a refund on your 16% Colombian IVA value-added tax

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