By Lola

The US government is handing out “stimulus checks” and now the Mexican government (via SECTUR) has announced it, too, will be “stimulating” our economy (well, other country’s, too, I guess) by returning the value-added tax to tourists on purchases made while visiting Mexico. The VAT is 15% on most articles, and will be returned to travelers when they leave the country via airports or seaports with proof of purchase for at least 1,200 pesos ($115).

Not all destinations are on this happy list yet, but come June, visitors to Mexico City, Cancun, Guadalajara, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta will get their bit of shopping Nirvana (you know, the place where you spend and get money back at the same time). The second phase (reportedly within six months) will include the airports at Monterrey, Cozumel, El Bajío, Mazatlán and Morelia. They will then be followed by the rest of the airports, plus the seaports at Acapulco, La Paz, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Huatulco, among others.

According to SECTUR, the program will apply to purchases made from authorized stores and businesses with credit or debit cards issued outside Mexico, or in cash up to $3,000 pesos. Oh, and it doesn’t apply to lodging or meals. And there’s a limit, but, still: every little bit counts, doesn’t it?

Check out the story in español at http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/507159.html.