Unlocking Atlanta Airport: Navigating Customs and Tax Refunds

customs and tax refund in atlanta airport

If you are going to travel to Atlanta, it's also important that you find out about the rules for taking things in and out of the country.  Let's break it down in simple terms:

What You Can Bring In for Free at Atlanta Airport 

You're allowed to bring in some things without paying taxes. Here's what you can bring:

  • 200 cigarettes
  • 3 liters of wine
  • 10 liters of beer
  • Personal stuff weighing up to 100 kilograms

But if your stuff weighs over 20 kilograms, you might have to pay a little tax.

Filling Out Forms

On arrival, you will need to fill out the form. It's easy, don't worry! This module allows you to include things like jewellery, cameras, and computers. Keep your form until you leave the country.

Things You Can't Bring

There are some things you can't bring into the country. These are:

  • Illegal drugs
  • Weapons, explosives, and ammo (unless you have permission)
  • Knives and other dangerous stuff
  • Pornographic materials 
  • Things that are super important to the country (unless you have permission)
  • Plants and animals

Things with Special Rules 

Some things have special rules:

  • Animals: If you try to bring in animals, they ought to have a veterinarian’s certificate.
  • Medicines: Your doctor must bring along the prescription list of your drugs.
  • Pets: Animals such as dogs, cats, and many others are mandated to have a pet health certificate.
  • Art: If you are the one bringing art, please take a snap and get consent as well.
  • Hunting Guns: In the case of hunting rifles, allowing you to have your license is a must.

Unlocking VAT Refunds: Your Guide to Claiming at Atlanta International Airport

Unfortunately, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport does not offer VAT refunds due to a lack of VAT nationwide in America; rather sales taxes are assessed locally at state levels; this tax is generally non-refundable to tourists.

What is VAT?  

VAT is a percentage tax on goods and services sold. It's like the little cost that overall adds up from the time it's made to the time of purchase. Because of that, you will see it as a part of the final price set by a store.

Sales Tax Refunds in the U.S. for Tourists

Sales tax in the U.S. varies based on state law; its percentage add-on varies accordingly. While VAT systems in other countries allow refunds for tourists, sales taxes in America typically do not offer this privilege - although certain stores might provide limited tax-free shopping options; it should not be expected as standard practice here.

Duty Free Shopping

Duty free shopping at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport provides international travelers an effective means of saving on taxes when purchasing items at the airport. At these duty-free stores, goods including alcohol, tobacco, cosmetics and luxury items can be purchased tax-free without incurring U.S. sales tax charges.

In order to shop duty-free you will need proof of international travel. These purchases should typically take place shortly before departing for or arriving back into their respective home countries - however, these purchases won't net VAT refunds but provide significant tax exemption savings nonetheless!

Shopping Tips for Tourists

Even without receiving a VAT refund, Atlanta Airport remains a wonderful shopping experience for international visitors. Search out duty-free stores or inquire at specific retailers that may offer tax exemptions specifically to international tourists.


Please be aware that due to variations in airport services, the information on this page is general and subject to change. Please check with our staff to ensure service availability, as offerings can change every day.