When we crossed, a number of boats were using Hortoa as Charlie says.

The Azores pays 5% less VAT than Portugal, as a form of subsidy to the islanders.

Azore rate was 14% in August 2008.

France is 19.6%, and everyhwere we know in Euriope is wellabove 14%.

Before paying, however, make sure yo will not be stymied by the EC "safety" rules tat others have mentioned. Once paid, VAt does not come back in any simple way, and perhaps not at all

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