SWITZERLAND/URUGUAY. The Uruguayan government has re-appointed Global Blue as the country’s exclusive provider of tax free shopping services for the next four years.
The new agreement, which builds on an existing four-year relationship, includes the provision of digital tax free shopping services and marketing activities designed to promote Uruguay as a shopping destination.
Global Blue will also take responsibility for all software and hardware which links local retailers and Uruguayan customs to its digital tax free shopping platform.
The number of Uruguayan merchants offering tax free shopping has risen sharply in the last four years, from 100 in 2012 to over 1,200 in 2016, according to Global Blue. Fashion brands account for the majority of companies offering tax free shopping, it said.
Global Blue Senior Vice President, New Markets & Public Affairs Jorge Casal commented: “Since 2012 we have worked closely with the Uruguayan Authorities to develop a truly state-of-the-art tax free shopping scheme and grow the industry across the country.
“Over the next four years, we will continue to invest in technology that improves tax free shopping in Uruguay and marketing activity that helps to promote the country as a leading shopping destination for international shoppers.”
Digital development
Uruguay’s fully digital refund system – from in-store purchase to export validation at the airport – enables retailers to directly refund shoppers’ credit cards.
The electronic refund validation system is available at 11 airports, seaports and land borders across the country, including Montevideo and Punta del Este.
Global Blue has also opened South America’s first digital refund validation kiosk at Montevideo Airport (see image, left). The kiosk automates the checking and stamping of tax free forms with the aim of speeding up the validation and refund process.
