Methodology

Foreign transaction fee estimates start with the purchase amount, then add a card fee percentage and a currency-conversion margin. This mirrors the way many statements become higher than a plain exchange-rate conversion.

Import tax estimates use item price plus shipping as the starting taxable value, then apply a duty rate and a VAT or GST rate. Real customs calculations can differ because countries classify products and thresholds differently.

VAT refund estimates derive the tax portion from a tax-inclusive purchase amount, then subtract a refund operator fee. This is why the refund is usually smaller than the headline VAT rate.

Travel budget estimates subtract fixed costs from the total budget, reserve a percentage for fees and surprises, then divide the remainder by trip days to show a realistic daily allowance.