I bought an iPhone4 in an Apple store in Uk, unlocked. Asked for a VAT refund receipt (done through a 3rd party in E Europe somewhere who take about 2% of total price - "Global Network" or something similar).
Then went to VAT reclaims airside at LHR (CAN be done as Crew or pax), had the receipt stamped, then got a cash refund (again, minus a charge) from another desk (Travellex?). Took a while but got 50 quid back from 500.
Hope that helps.
Last edited by formerlywazza; 7th Jan 2011 at 22:40.