People who permanently reside outside Switzerland can claim a refund of VAT on goods they purchase here. VAT on purchases made at Zurich Airport will also be refunded.
VAT refund
The VAT (value added tax) rate in Switzerland is 8.0%. VAT is already included in the purchase price. Passengers who permanently reside outside Switzerland can claim a VAT refund if they have purchased goods to the value of at least CHF 300.00 per day and vendor. The purchased goods must be taken out of the country within 30 days, and must be displayed to the Swiss customs officials upon departure.
1. Get the export stamp
Present the completed Global Blue Cheque to Swiss customs authorities and have the goods ready for inspection. There is no refund given without valid customs stamp.
2. Collecting your refund
Present the blue original of the Global Blue Cheque (stamped by Swiss customs authorities) at the Global Blue Cash Refund Office (location see map below) and you will get your refund in cash or on a chosen credit card. If for any reason the Cash Refund Office is closed, you may drop your stamped Cheque in the post box in front of the counter. Please do not forget to mention your credit card number on the blue original of the Cheque.
VAT free shopping at Zurich Airport
Many businesses situated in the transit area calculate their prices on a net basis, i.e. VAT is not included, insofar as the requirements of customs are fulfilled. These specify that people who reside permanently outside Switzerland and spend a minimum of CHF 300.- per day per vendor are entitled to claim a VAT refund.
A number of businesses offering this service display a logo to this effect at the entrance to their premises. Shop staff will be happy to inform you about the possibility of claiming a VAT refund directly. The prices stated by businesses where VAT is charged always include VAT. It is therefore advisable to consult the sales staff before making your purchase.
http://www.zurich-airport.com/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-163/ 
Claiming a VAT refund in Switzerland
VAT refund
The VAT (value added tax) rate in Switzerland is 8.0%. VAT is already included in the purchase price. Passengers who permanently reside outside Switzerland can claim a VAT refund if they have purchased goods to the value of at least CHF 300.00 per day and vendor. The purchased goods must be taken out of the country within 30 days, and must be displayed to the Swiss customs officials upon departure.
1. Get the export stamp
Present the completed Global Blue Cheque to Swiss customs authorities and have the goods ready for inspection. There is no refund given without valid customs stamp.
2. Collecting your refund
Present the blue original of the Global Blue Cheque (stamped by Swiss customs authorities) at the Global Blue Cash Refund Office (location see map below) and you will get your refund in cash or on a chosen credit card. If for any reason the Cash Refund Office is closed, you may drop your stamped Cheque in the post box in front of the counter. Please do not forget to mention your credit card number on the blue original of the Cheque.
VAT free shopping at Zurich Airport
Many businesses situated in the transit area calculate their prices on a net basis, i.e. VAT is not included, insofar as the requirements of customs are fulfilled. These specify that people who reside permanently outside Switzerland and spend a minimum of CHF 300.- per day per vendor are entitled to claim a VAT refund.
A number of businesses offering this service display a logo to this effect at the entrance to their premises. Shop staff will be happy to inform you about the possibility of claiming a VAT refund directly. The prices stated by businesses where VAT is charged always include VAT. It is therefore advisable to consult the sales staff before making your purchase.
http://www.zurich-airport.com/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-163/