Mexico refunds sales tax to tourists

International visitors to Mexico will now be able to obtain a refund of sales tax on holiday purchases.

A minimum spend of 1,200 Mexican pesos, including VAT, is required - which is approximately £60. The refund scheme applies to items such as clothing and electronics but excludes services such as accommodation and meals.

Visitors applying for the refund will receive 50 per cent of the sales tax amount on the spot (up to 10,000 Mexican pesos or £500) and the remaining 50 per cent will be paid electronically within 40 days to a bank or credit account.

Purchases made with non-Mexican credit cards, debit cards or service cards will be eligible.

The refund scheme will be available at airports across Mexico, including Mexico City, Cancun, Guadalajara, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta.

The scheme will then be rolled out to include Monterrey, Cozumel, El Bajio, Mazatlan and Morelia.

It is intended the service will eventually be available from all air and sea ports in Mexico, including Acapulco and Huatulco.