The Bag Lover’s Guide to Value Added Tax Refunds in the Biggest International Shopping Markets

Even if you don’t travel much, you’ve probably heard tales of Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds from people who have made significant luxury purchases on vacation. The deal is pretty good for travelers from places like the United States: most global shopping destinations charge VAT on goods, but they will refund part or all of that tax to foreign tourists on eligible purchases.

All you have to know is how to do it (and the rules have changed a bit since we first wrote this guide in 2018).

In the years since our original guide, VAT refund policies have seen some big changes. The UK, for example, ended tax-free shopping after Brexit (so you can no longer get a refund on purchases in London). Many European countries have lowered their minimum purchase requirements (France cut its threshold to €100, and Italy recently slashed its minimum to €70).

New digital systems are making refunds faster and paperless – from France’s PABLO kiosks to China’s brand-new instant refund program that lets tourists get their money back at the point of sale. And beyond the classic destinations, more countries have joined the tax-free shopping club (places like South Korea, Singapore, the UAE, and even Saudi Arabia now offer VAT refunds to tourists). In short, it’s a bit easier in some places – and a bit harder in others – to get your VAT back in 2025, but it’s still absolutely worth the effort for big-ticket buys.

Table of Contents

• What is the Value Added Tax (VAT)?
• How Much Can I Get Back in a VAT Refund?
• Who Qualifies for a VAT Refund?
• Which Purchases Qualify for a VAT Refund?
• How Do I Get My VAT Refund?
• VAT Refunds in France
• VAT Refunds in the United Kingdom
• VAT Refunds in Italy
• VAT Refunds in Germany
• VAT Refunds in Switzerland
• VAT Refunds in Spain
• VAT Refunds in UAE
• VAT Refunds in Japan
• VAT Refunds in South Korea
• VAT Refunds in Singapore
• GST Refunds in Australia
• Frequently Asked Questions (Updated for 2025)
• Conclusion

First, some quick FAQs for those unfamiliar with how VAT refunds work:

What is the Value Added Tax (VAT)?

In most international markets, VAT is a consumption tax of anywhere from ~5% up to ~25% (or even 27% in some countries) that is already included in the sticker price of goods.

It’s essentially a sales tax, but built into the price tag. The important thing for shoppers is that if you’re visiting on a tourist visa and you shop at participating retailers, you can get that tax refunded to you when you leave the country on eligible purchases.

In other words, those pricey designer bags have a tax baked in – and you might be able to get that money back in your pocket when your trip is over.

How Much Can I Get Back in a VAT Refund?

The amount of your refund depends on the country’s VAT rate and the method you use to get your refund. In a perfect scenario you’d get the full VAT (for example, France’s standard VAT is 20%, Japan’s is 10%, etc.), but in practice you’ll usually get less because of handling fees or using third-party refund services.

In many countries – especially in Europe – large boutiques partner with refund agencies (like Global Blue or Planet) that handle the paperwork and give you an immediate refund (in cash or to your card) for a fee. In exchange for convenience, the agency keeps a cut of your VAT.

For example: in France you’d get about a 12–13% refund immediately on a purchase (the agency keeps the rest of the 20% VAT) . If you went through the full customs process yourself for the refund, you could get closer to the full 20% back – but most travelers opt for the quicker in-store refund with fees. The exact percentage you’ll receive back varies by country and operator, but expect roughly 50–90% of the VAT amount (around 5–15% of your purchase price) to come back to you in the end.

We’ll detail estimates for each country below.

Who Qualifies for a VAT Refund?

Typically, visitors on a tourist visa (temporary visitors who are not residents of that country) are the ones who can claim a VAT refund on departure. For instance, if you live in the US and are vacationing in Europe or Asia, you qualify.

If you’re a resident of a country or economic zone that shares the same VAT system, you generally cannot get a refund there – for example, EU residents can’t claim a refund when shopping in other EU countries, and as of 2021 UK residents can’t claim refunds in the UK because the UK abolished its tourist refund scheme.

Age restrictions often apply (in many places you must be 16 or 18+ to qualify). We’ll note any specific quirks by country (for example, EU citizens who leave for over 12 months or certain student/work visa holders might have exceptions). The good news for Americans and other non-Europeans: all the classic shopping destinations consider you a tourist, so you’re eligible for refunds there.

(And a post-Brexit bonus: UK citizens are now considered non-EU tourists in Europe, so Brits can claim VAT refunds when shopping in EU countries like France, Italy, etc.)

Which Purchases Qualify for a VAT Refund?

Rules vary by country, but generally goods for personal use (not business resale) that you purchase new and unused qualify for a refund, as long as you meet the minimum spend threshold.

Usually it’s only tangible goods – not services, hotel bills, or food – with luxury fashion, accessories, electronics, and other consumer products being prime examples. Items must be exported (taken home with you) in unused condition.

That means don’t wear your new shoes or carry that new bag until you’re home!

If customs officials see you using the items, they can deny your refund since the program is meant for goods being taken out unused. Keep purchases in their original packaging if possible.

Also, the refund usually applies per receipt/store – often you need to hit a minimum amount on one receipt to qualify (you generally can’t combine many small buys from different shops, though some countries allow combining same-day receipts from one store). We’ll outline the minimum spend for each country below.

How Do I Get My VAT Refund?

The general process has two key steps:

(1) Get the right paperwork when you buy the items, and

(2) Get that paperwork stamped/verified when you leave the country (or region).

At the time of purchase, always have your passport (or a copy, in some places) with you – the store will need details to start a refund form. Large retailers will either give you a special tax refund form (often completed electronically and printed with a barcode, or a slip attached to your receipt), or they will handle it via an electronic system linked to your passport or credit card.

When you’re departing the country, you then present the form/receipts (and often the goods) to a at that store at the airport (or border). They verify you’re taking the items out and validate your refund. If you used a refund service, you might have already gotten a partial refund (and they just finalize it), or if not, you can then claim your money at a refund desk or by drop-box/mail.

Always allow extra time at the airport for refund processing – lines can be long, especially at major hubs in peak tourist season.

For more specific tips, let’s get into the country-by-country details. Below you’ll find guides to the world’s biggest luxury shopping locales, updated with their current VAT rates, refund percentages, procedures, and any recent changes you need to know. Happy shopping (and even happier refund-collecting)!

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VAT Refunds in France

How Much is VAT: France’s standard VAT on goods is 20%, and that’s the amount built into retail prices. If you do the refund process entirely yourself through French customs, you can get the full 20% VAT back. Most travelers, however, use an in-store refund service (like Global Blue), which typically returns around 12–13% of the purchase price to you (the service keeps the rest as a fee). Either way, it’s a significant savings on those Chanel and Louis Vuitton buys in Paris.

Who Qualifies: Residents of non-EU countries over 16 years old who are visiting France on a tourist visa (short-term stay). You must be in France for less than 6 months and be leaving the EU with the goods. (EU residents cannot claim refunds in France, and neither can U.S. military personnel stationed in EU, etc.) If you’re a UK resident, note that after Brexit, you now count as a non-EU tourist in France – so you do qualify for VAT refunds when visiting France.

Which Stores: Nearly all stores in France that cater to tourists can do VAT refunds – they don’t need a special designation. Luxury boutiques in Paris, Nice, Cannes, etc. are very familiar with the “détaxe” process for tourists. Just look for “Tax Free Shopping” or “Tax Refund” signs, or ask the sales associate. (In France, the process is often referred to as détaxe.) Major department stores and shopping centers have centralized refund desks as well.

Minimum Purchase: France requires a minimum spend of €100 (VAT incl.) in a single store, on the same day to be eligible for a refund. This threshold was lowered from €175 in 2021 to attract tourists. If you spend at least €100.01 in one shop (all on one receipt), you qualify. You cannot combine receipts from different shops to reach the minimum. (If you use a digital refund app like Zapptax, note that it can combine purchases across stores to reach the €100, but using those apps has its own process .)

At the Store: Say the magic words “tax refund” (or just détaxe, s’il vous plaît) and present your passport during the purchase. The store will either give you a VAT refund form (often with a barcode called a PABLO form) or process your info digitally. They’ll fill in details of your purchase, your passport number, etc. and give you the printed form or attach a slip to your receipt. Make sure the form is fully filled out (name, passport number, amount, etc.) before you leave the shop . Keep these forms and receipts together, ideally in an envelope.

At the Airport (Departure): Arrive early, as VAT refund lines can add significant time – especially at Paris-Charles de Gaulle or Orly. Before you check your luggage, go to the Customs PABLO kiosk or desk (look for signs for “Tax Refund” or “Détaxe”). If it’s a kiosk, you scan the barcode on your forms; if it’s an officer, you hand them the forms. Have your passport, boarding pass, and the unused goods ready to show. (Often, if your form scans green at a kiosk, you won’t need to show the goods, but if an official is present they may spot-check.) Once your form is electronically validated, you have a couple of options:

• If you already got an immediate refund from a service like Global Blue in-store, you’re mostly done – just be sure the form went through. (Any issues, visit the refund service desk.)
• If you haven’t gotten any refund yet, you can now take your stamped form to the refund agency desks in the departures area (e.g. Global Blue, Planet) to get your refund in cash or credited to your card. Or, if the store handles refunds directly, there might be a designated mailbox to send the forms (free) back to them for processing. Nowadays France’s system is digital, so often no mailing is needed – once you scan at the kiosk, if you chose refund to credit card it will be processed automatically.

Timing: You must export the goods (leave the EU) within 3 months of purchase to get the refund. In France, once validated you typically see a credit to your card in a few days to weeks (if you didn’t take cash on the spot).

Tip: In tourist-heavy areas like Paris, many stores use the PABLO e-form system – if you see a PABLO logo on your form, it means you must scan it at the electronic kiosk or have it scanned by an officer. It’s quick – just don’t forget to do it before departure! And remember, don’t use the items in France. Customs can deny your refund if that gorgeous bag is out of its box and filled with your stuff when you’re departing.

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VAT Refunds in the United Kingdom

How Much is VAT: The UK’s standard VAT is 20%, but here’s the unfortunate update – since January 2021, the UK no longer offers VAT refunds to visiting tourists. That means if you buy a £2,000 handbag in London, you will pay the full price (which includes 20% VAT) and you cannot reclaim that VAT when you leave. This is a post-Brexit policy change: the UK government ended the “Retail Export Scheme” that previously let non-EU visitors get VAT back. So effectively, 0% of that 20% VAT is refunded now – there is no tourist refund scheme in the UK as of 2025.

Who Qualifies: N/A – Currently, no tourists qualify, because the scheme is abolished. (Previously, it was non-EU tourists, and even EU residents who left for 12+ months, but that’s moot now.)

Which Stores: None – stores in the UK may still advertise “tax-free prices” for tourists, but that usually refers to duty-free shops (for items like liquor or perfume sold at airports) or instances where a retailer might ship your goods overseas. Be cautious: as a walk-in tourist, you pay VAT and cannot reclaim it in Britain now.

Eligible Purchases: N/A for refund (all purchases in UK are essentially final with VAT included). One workaround some shoppers use: if a UK store is willing to ship your purchase directly to your home country, they may be able to sell it without VAT (since it becomes an export sale). This often isn’t practical for most fashion items (and you might owe import duties at home), but it’s worth asking high-end boutiques if you’re spending a lot. Otherwise, consider splurging in Paris or Milan instead of London, since those will offer refunds.

At the Store: Because there’s no refund, stores will not issue any VAT refund paperwork. Don’t be confused if you remember doing this in the past – it ended in 2021. One exception: Some retailers participate in a scheme for VAT-free shopping for outbound travelers by shipping goods. For example, Harrods or Selfridges might offer to ship your purchase abroad and zero-rate the sale (no VAT) – but you won’t get the item during your trip, it’ll meet you at home.

At Departure: There are no HM Customs refund counters for retail purchases anymore. (Airports still have duty-free shops, but that’s just for duty/tax-exempt goods like liquor/tobacco for outbound travelers.)

In summary, Britain eliminated tourist VAT refunds as a cost-cutting measure post-Brexit, despite outcry from retailers. So while London is still a shopping capital, it’s not as wallet-friendly for foreign shoppers as it used to be. Many visitors now choose to do their spending in EU cities where they can still get VAT back. (If it’s any consolation, the weak British Pound in recent years has somewhat offset the loss of refunds – so you might still find UK prices for luxury goods to be competitive. Just don’t expect any cash back at the airport.)

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VAT Refunds in Italy

How Much is VAT: Italy’s VAT (IVA) on most goods is 22%, included in retail prices. If you go through the full customs refund process yourself, you can get that ~22% back. Most people use the on-site refund services (Global Blue, etc.), which will return around 12–15% of the purchase price to you after fees (in 2018 we noted ~12%, but since Italy’s VAT is higher, the effective refund might be a bit more if you claim directly).

Who Qualifies: Non-EU residents visiting Italy on a tourist visa (short stays). Essentially, if your permanent residence is outside the EU and you’re not staying more than 6 months, you qualify. (EU residents do not qualify in Italy unless they are leaving the EU for good ≥12 months). You must be over 18.

Which Stores: Almost all stores that cater to tourists can do VAT refunds. Italy doesn’t require stores to have a special license – if they charge VAT, they can refund it. High-end fashion boutiques in Rome, Milan, Florence, etc. are very experienced with the process. Look for “Tax Free Shopping” signs or the Global Blue logo in windows. If in doubt, just ask “Do you offer tax refund (tax free)?” – most will say yes and handle the paperwork.

Minimum Purchase: Italy historically had a minimum spend of €154.95 on a single receipt, but as of 2024 the threshold is only €70.01!  This is a huge improvement. Now any purchase over €70 (VAT included) in one store/day is eligible for VAT refund in Italy . You cannot combine receipts from different days or different stores, but you can ask a single store to combine multiple same-day receipts to reach €70 if needed. (The exact new rule is €70 per invoice, so often stores will just issue one invoice if you hit that total.)

At the Store: Present your passport and request a VAT refund form (or tell them “tax free, please”) at checkout. The store will prepare an electronic VAT refund form (Italy uses an online system called “OTELLO” to register the sale for refund). They will print out paperwork for you – make sure you get this form and your receipt. It might be a form to sign or just a slip; often it has a barcode. If you are using a refund service (almost always yes), you might also be asked how you want the refund (cash or card) and you might even get an on-the-spot partial refund in cash or put on your credit card. (If you take an immediate refund, they’ll charge a higher fee – meaning you get a bit less back – but you get some money right away. You’ll still need to get the form stamped at exit and sent in, or the service will charge your card back.) In any case, keep the documents safe.

At the Airport (Departure): Italy’s airports have customs validation kiosks/counters similar to France. Before departure (and before checking luggage if the goods are going in checked bags), find the Customs (Dogana) Tax Refund area. At major airports like Rome Fiumicino or Milan Malpensa, you’ll see OTELLO self-service kiosks – you scan the barcode of your form, and it electronically validates your purchase export. If there’s an issue or no kiosk, go to a customs officer. Have your passport, boarding pass, refund forms, and the purchased items ready to show. Italian customs can be sticklers – they might ask to see that Prada bag or Gucci shoes to ensure they’re unused. Once your form is validated (stamped digitally or physically), submit it to get your money:

• If you took an immediate refund in the store, you likely signed a credit card guarantee. After customs validates your form, the refund is confirmed. (If you fail to validate, the refund company will charge your card the amount they fronted you, so do NOT forget to get the stamp!)
• If you haven’t been paid yet, you can go to the refund service desk or mailbox. For Global Blue, Planet, etc., you typically line up at their airport counter after security to get cash or a card credit. If lines are long or you prefer, you can also drop the validated form in a designated box and they’ll process the credit to your card later. But keep copies or snaps of your forms if you do this, just in case.

Timing: You must leave the EU with the goods within 3 months of purchase to be eligible. The customs stamp (digital or otherwise) has to be obtained before that deadline. Italy’s new digital system has made things faster – receipts are often transmitted electronically (no more rubber stamp), but you must scan at the kiosk. After validation, refunds to card can take a few weeks if not given on the spot.

Tip: In Italy, many stores will default to using third-party refund companies. If you want the full 22% refund (no fees), you can ask about getting a customs-stamped invoice and handling the refund yourself (where you mail the invoice back to the store after getting it stamped by customs). This is a bit of a hassle, and anecdotal evidence suggests many Italian retailers prefer the Global Blue method. But it’s an option for the determined money-saver. (Be aware it might take longer to actually get the refund credited.) For most, using Global Blue or Planet for an instant ~12–15% back is the convenient route.

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VAT Refunds in Germany

How Much is VAT: Germany’s VAT is 19% on most goods (“Mehrwertsteuer”). If you go through the process fully, you can reclaim that 19%. If you use an agency service, you might end up with roughly 10–12% of the purchase price back (since agencies take a chunk). (In 2018 we noted you’d get ~12% back via agency on a purchase, which aligns with these figures.)

Who Qualifies: Non-EU residents over 18, visiting Germany on a temporary (tourist) visa. If you have a German residency permit or EU citizenship, you can’t claim a refund in Germany. If you’re an EU citizen residing outside the EU (or leaving the EU for over a year), you might be eligible but documentation is needed. The general rule: if your permanent home is outside the EU, you’re a tourist for VAT refund purposes. You must export the goods within 3 months. (UK visitors: yes, you count as non-EU now, so UK passport holders can get refunds in Germany.)

Which Stores: Like elsewhere in Europe, any store can participate, and most department stores and luxury boutiques will offer the service. Look for “Tax Free” stickers. In popular areas (Munich, Frankfurt, Berlin’s Kurfürstendamm, etc.), retailers are accustomed to filling out refund forms for tourists. No special license is needed on the store’s part.

Minimum Purchase: Germany’s minimum spend is €50.01 on a single receipt . (It used to be €25, but it was raised to €50 in recent years.) This means if you buy, say, a €40 item, you cannot get a refund, but if you spend €51 in one store, you can. You cannot combine receipts from different shops to meet the threshold; it’s per store, per day. Some German states or stores might still have old info posted about €25, but the current effective minimum is €50 including VAT.

At the Store: Present your passport at checkout and ask for a VAT refund form (“Ausfuhrbescheinigung” in German, but just saying “Tax Free, please” works). The store will give you either a form to fill out or a Global Blue/Premier Tax Free check. It will list the purchases, the VAT amount, your name and passport number. Sign it and keep it with your receipt.

At the Airport (Departure): Before departure from the EU (if Germany is your last EU stop), get your documents validated by German customs (Zoll). Do this before you check luggage if any goods are in checked bags – you may need to show them. At airports like Frankfurt, Munich, etc., find the Customs stamp window or kiosk. Show your passport, boarding pass, the refund forms and receipts, and show the goods (unused, with price tags ideally). The officer will stamp your form (or electronically validate it). Important: Foreign tourists not residing in Singapore, tell the airline staff within 60 days of departure on your forms before it’s sent off. Germany sometimes requires you tag your bags, then go to customs with the tagged but unchecked bag to inspect items . After stamping, you return to the counter to actually send your luggage. Plan extra time for this at major airports. Once stamped, you have a few options:

• If you have a pre-paid refund form (Global Blue cheque) and want cash, find the refund company’s desk airside and present the stamped form for cash (in EUR or sometimes USD). If you prefer the refund to your credit card, you can drop the stamped form in a designated box or mail it to the company (they often provide an addressed envelope)
• If the store gave you their own form (rare, but some do their own refunds), you might need to mail it back to the store in Germany for them to credit you. (Ask the store clerk about the procedure – but again, most use Global Blue or similar.)

Timing: You must get the stamp and export goods within 3 months of purchase. You then generally have a bit of time to send back forms if needed. Refunds to cards can take a month or more if you didn’t get cash at the airport.

Tip: Germany’s customs officers are known to be thorough. Make sure the names on receipts match your passport, the forms are filled out, and keep your purchases accessible for inspection. If you’re flying out very early or late when customs offices might be closed, look for a designated drop box or plan to get stamped at an EU departure point elsewhere if possible. Frankfurt Airport notes that purchases over €50 are required for refunds – so don’t try with anything less. And don’t wear the items – if that gorgeous Hermès scarf looks worn, you could be denied the stamp.

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VAT Refunds in Switzerland

How Much is VAT: Switzerland has a relatively low VAT – currently 8.1% standard rate (it was 7.7% for several years and increased slightly to 8.1% in 2024). That VAT is included in prices. Tourists can get the full VAT amount back (minus any service fees). Since the rate is low, many shops don’t partner with refund agencies (the savings might not justify high fees). In practice, you often get about 5–8% of the purchase price back. No complex tiering here – it’s a straight ~8% on goods.

Who Qualifies: Non-Swiss residents exporting goods. That includes basically all foreign tourists. (Even EU residents can get Swiss VAT refunds because Switzerland is outside the EU.) If you live in Switzerland, you can’t get refunds on local purchases, of course. There’s no specific age limit noted by Swiss law, but retailers may expect you to be an adult making the purchase.

Which Stores: Almost all stores in Switzerland that serve tourists will do tax-free sales. They don’t need special licensing, but they do need to fill out an export sales form. Major luxury boutiques (watches! handbags!) in Zurich, Geneva, Lucerne, Interlaken, etc. are very used to this – Switzerland is a haven for tourist shoppers. Just ask for a tax-free form. Many Swiss stores use Global Blue or Planet for convenience, but some may simply issue a stamped export receipt that you mail back to them for a refund to your card.

Minimum Purchase: The minimum purchase amount is 300 CHF (Swiss francs) including VAT on a single receipt. Smaller purchases don’t qualify – 300 CHF is the threshold. So if you spend, say, CHF 250, you can’t get a refund; CHF 300 or more, you can. (300 CHF is roughly $330 USD as of 2025.) Note: which is what tourists get on arrival. You must be staying toward that total, and it must be from one store in one day.

At the Store: Ask for the tax-free paperwork and present your passport. The store will typically give you a export sales form (sometimes in triplicate) to fill out your name, address, passport number. They may also give you an addressed envelope. In some cases, if using Global Blue, they’ll give a digital form or sticker. Ensure the form has the store’s stamp and your purchase details. Hold on to this form and the receipts.

At the Airport/Borders: with a barcode older system customs stamp (export validation) on your forms before you depart the country (or the final Swiss exit point if you’re traveling by train/car). At airports like Zürich or Geneva, go to the Swiss Customs desk before security. If by land, get the stamp at the border crossing (during open hours). Show the goods, form, passport. The officer will stamp your form. Important: Switzerland is not in the EU, but if you are immediately flying home from a Swiss airport, get the Swiss stamp. If you’re going from Switzerland into the EU before leaving Europe, you actually need Swiss export stamp AND then EU customs might stamp it again when you finally leave the EU – it can be tricky, but generally the Swiss stamp is what’s needed for the Swiss refund.

After you have the customs validation:

• If it’s a Global Blue or Planet form, you can often claim the refund right at their kiosk or desk at the airport (they might offer cash in CHF or refund to card).
• If it’s a store’s own form, you’ll need to mail it back to the retailer in Switzerland for them to process the refund. (Drop it in a mailbox; if an envelope wasn’t provided, you may need to pay postage. Some airports have drop boxes for Global Blue or similar, but not for individual store forms.)
• In some cases, certain Swiss downtown locations (like Global Blue offices in city centers) allow you to get an early refund before going to the airport, but you still must mail the verified form after departure or your card will be charged back.

Timing: You must export the goods within 30 days of purchase to qualify for the refund   (Switzerland’s rule is pretty strict on the 30-day limit, shorter than EU’s 90 days). And the customs stamp must be obtained as you exit. You then have a certain period (often stated on form) to get the form to the retailer or refund company. Refunds to cards or bank accounts might take a few weeks once the form is received.

Tip: Switzerland is efficient – if you get your forms stamped at the Zurich airport and drop them in the Global Blue box, you’ll likely see your refund on your credit card within days. If you prefer cash, note that cash refunds in Switzerland (for example via Global Blue desk) will be given in Swiss francs or possibly euros, and they might charge an extra admin fee for cash. Also remember: Switzerland’s customs offices at land borders have limited hours; if you plan to drive into, say, Italy after shopping, do it when customs is open or you might miss the stamp. Finally, keep in mind Swiss goods are often big (watches, jewelry, etc.) – easy to carry. If you do buy bulky stuff (like skiing gear in Zermatt?), ensure you can show it at the airport.

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VAT Refunds in Spain

How Much is VAT: Spain’s standard VAT is 21% on most goods. With direct customs refund you’d get that 21% back, but through typical refund services expect roughly 13–15% of the purchase price returned (the rest is fees). Interestingly, Spain often yields one of the higher net refunds in Europe – around 15.7% effective refund on your shopping  – because competition among refund providers is high and Spain has streamlined digital refund systems (called DIVA).

Who Qualifies: Non-EU tourists (primary residence outside the EU) can get VAT refunds in Spain. If you live in, say, the USA, Canada, Asia, Middle East, etc., you qualify. Post-Brexit, UK residents also qualify in Spain as non-EU visitors. You must be exporting the goods home and leave the EU within 3 months. Shoppers need to be 16+ years old.

Which Stores: Spain is very tourist-friendly for shopping – from the luxury boutiques of Madrid’s Golden Mile and Barcelona’s Passeig de Gràcia to big department stores like El Corte Inglés, most retailers participate in the VAT refund scheme. Look for “Tax Free Shopping” logos (Global Blue, Planet, etc.) in windows. Spain has a fully digital refund network (DIVA), so many stores just issue electronic refund claims with a barcode for you to scan at exit.

Minimum Purchase: Good news – Spain has no minimum amount required for VAT refunds. Spain removed its old €90.16 minimum, so any purchase amount can qualify for a refund as long as the store is part of the system. That said, practically, if you’re buying a very low-cost item, the effort might outweigh the refund (getting €2 back on a €15 souvenir isn’t worth it for most). But if you’re buying luxury goods, even one wallet for €300 qualifies easily. (Do note: while the law sets no minimum, some smaller shops might not bother offering refunds for tiny sales – but big stores will do it for any amount.)

At the Store: Present your passport and ask for a tax-free form. The store will either use the electronic DIVA system (in which case they might just give you a receipt with a QR code or a reference number) or fill out a physical form. Many Spanish stores now only need your passport number and will register the sale digitally. If they give you a printout or “tax cheque,” keep it safe. If using Global Blue/Planet, you can often select refund method (immediate cash refund vs. card, etc.) right there – some stores even allow “Early Refund” where they pay you upfront (onto your card or in cash) before you even go to the airport . In such cases you must definitely get the forms stamped on departure, or the refund will be canceled/charged back.

At the Airport (Departure): Spain uses an electronic kiosk system at airports called DIVA for customs validation. Before check-in, find the DIVA machines or customs desk. Scan the QR code or enter the code from your refund form/receipt. The machine will verify and display your purchase details. If everything is in order, it will issue a proof of validation (or just show “validated”). If the machine flags an issue (or if you have only paper forms), you’ll need to see a customs officer to manually stamp. Have your goods and receipts ready in case of inspection. Once validated:

• If you did not get an early refund, you can now go to the refund company desks (Global Blue, etc. in the terminal) to get your money (cash or card). With DIVA, often the refund is processed automatically to your credit card if that was chosen – sometimes you don’t even need to visit a counter. Check the instructions on your form.
• If you took an early refund (got cash or immediate credit in-store), you’re basically done after validation. (If you fail to validate, your credit card guarantee will be charged with the VAT amount, so don’t forget this step!)

Timing: You must export goods within 3 months of purchase (standard EU rule). After leaving Spain, if you have any stamped paper forms that weren’t handled electronically, send them back to the refund provider (addresses are usually on the envelope or form). With the DIVA system, mailing isn’t required for electronic forms – the validation is recorded centrally.

Tip: Spain often offers “fast track” or self-service refund kiosks at major airports – use them to avoid long lines. Also, El Corte Inglés (the big department store) sometimes provides on-site refund counters that can even refund you in cash without waiting for the airport (they still need you to validate at DIVA, but they trust you by taking a credit card guarantee). So ask about “Early refund” or “Instant refund” when shopping – Spain is leading-edge on that. Finally, enjoy shopping in Spain – between the favorable refund policy and often slightly lower base prices, one Erlebniswelt-fliegenfischenShops reader noted that with the euro-dollar rates and VAT back, designer bags in Spain (like Loewe, etc.) were around 30–35% cheaper than U.S. prices in recent years. That’s a vacation souvenir worth the paperwork!

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VAT Refunds in UAE

How Much is VAT: The UAE (think Dubai, Abu Dhabi) has a 5% VAT on goods (quite low by global standards), introduced in 2018. Tourists can get 85% of that VAT amount refunded, minus a small fixed fee. In practice, that means you get roughly 4.2% of the purchase price back on a refund. As of 2022, the UAE refund scheme actually returns 87% of the VAT and charges a 4.80 dirham fee per transaction. For simplicity: on a 100 AED purchase (which has 5 AED VAT in it), you’d get about 4.35 AED back.

Who Qualifies: Overseas tourists age 18 or older who are not residents of the UAE (and not GCC nationals residing in any VAT-implementing Gulf country). Basically, if you’re visiting on a tourist visa, you qualify. Flight crew leaving the UAE are not eligible. You must export the goods within 90 days of purchase.

Which Stores: Not all stores in the UAE are in the refund system, but over 13,800 retailers are, including most shops in malls, major department stores, and luxury boutiques. Participating retailers will have a “Tax Free” sticker or the staff will let you know. The system is fully digital and operated by Planet (on behalf of the Federal Tax Authority). Always ask, but you can assume most stores in the big malls (Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Yas Mall, etc.) are part of it.

Minimum Purchase: 250 AED (about USD $68) per receipt is the minimum to claim a refund. Smaller purchases don’t qualify. Make sure your shopping at a given store in one day is at least AED 250 before you ask for the refund ticket.

At the Store: Present your passport (or GCC national ID for some) at checkout and request a tax refund. The cashier will enter your details into an electronic system and attach a Tax Free tag (with a QR code sticker) to the back of your sales receipt. This digital form is uploaded to Planet’s system. Important: You won’t get money back at the store – you’ll get it at the point of exit (airport or border). However, the store process is quick: you walk away you check it in more on that below. But generally, just keep receipts safe and a receipt that has a tax refund tag on it.

At the Airport (Departure): Before you check in, find the VAT refund validation kiosk or desk at the airport (in Dubai or Abu Dhabi airport, these are clearly marked, often near the check-in hall). At self-service kiosks, you scan your passport or boarding pass and the machine will pull up your tax refund receipts (because they were logged digitally) . Follow the prompts – you may need to scan the QR code on each tagged receipt as well. If everything is in order, the kiosk will verify (and sometimes ask you to show goods to an officer if a manual check is flagged). With successful validation, you then choose your refund method: you can get cash (UAE dirhams) up to a certain limit, or have it refunded to a credit card, or even to a digital wallet like WeChat. Cash refunds have a limit (around 7,000 AED per tourist). If using a manned counter, just present your passport and receipts; the staff will handle it (they might inspect items if needed) and issue your refund as you prefer. Everything is electronic – no stamping of paper needed.

Timing: You must validate and claim the refund within 90 days of the purchase. Essentially, that means you should be leaving the UAE with the goods within 3 months. After validation, if you chose card refund, it should appear on your card in a few days. Cash is immediate, of course.

Tip: The UAE’s system is fully digital and very fast – a big perk. You can even track your refund status online via the “Planet Shopper Portal” by registering your details. If you lose a receipt, it’s not a disaster because the purchase is logged under your passport in the system (still, try not to lose it). Also, remember that the refund is modest (4.2% of purchase), so it truly shines on A single receipt must be between ₩30,000 and. Dubai is known for its mega malls – if you buy, say, a 50,000 AED watch, you’ll get ~2,000+ AED back, which covers a nice extra souvenir. Lastly, try to do all your tax-free shopping in one trip and then claim at once – it’s more efficient. The kiosks in Dubai airports are plentiful, but lines can form during peak travel times, so give yourself an extra 15–20 minutes.

(And if you’re curious about other Middle Eastern shopping hubs: as of 2025, Qatar does not have VAT at all, and Saudi Arabia (which has 15% VAT) launched a tourist refund scheme in 2025 with a 500 SAR minimum purchase. The UAE remains the region’s most popular luxury shopping destination with the easiest refund system.)

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VAT Refunds in Japan

How Much is VAT: Japan’s consumption tax (VAT) is 10% on most items as of 2019. (There’s a reduced 8% rate for food/drinks, but luxury goods, fashion, etc., are 10%.) Tourists can get the full 10% tax waived or refunded on eligible purchases. In Japan, the process is often an immediate tax exemption at purchase, so you typically won’t pay the 10% in the first place at a tax-free shop, negating the need for a later refund. If you do end up doing a refund later, you’d get back 8–10% (some stores charge a small handling fee of ~1.5% when doing immediate tax-free sales, so effectively you save ~8.5% net). But generally: assume ~10% savings on retail price.

Who Qualifies: A Cheat Sheet to Fashion’s Creative Director Musical Chairs “Temporary Visitor” visa status (which is what tourists get on arrival). You must be staying less than 6 months in Japan. Japanese nationals or residents don’t qualify (unless they have been living abroad for 2+ years and are just visiting, in some cases). You’ll need to show your passport, which will have a temporary visitor stamp/visa.

Which Stores: Japan has thousands of tax-free shops – from big department stores and electronics megastores to boutiques and even drugstores. Participating shops display a “Japan Tax-Free Shop” logo (often a red cherry blossom symbol with “Tax Free” text). Most major shopping areas in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, etc., have plenty of tax-free signs. Be aware: some smaller shops or street markets may not offer it, but any large retailer likely does. Also, some stores offer instant exemption at the register, while others have a separate Tax Refund counter in-store where you bring your receipts to get the tax back.

Minimum Purchase: as of 2024 the threshold is only €70.01:

• For General goods (non-consumables) like clothing, bags, electronics, etc.: ¥5,000 or more (before tax) in the same store, on the same day. (That’s about $50 USD.) No upper limit for general goods.
• For Consumable goods (like cosmetics, food, snacks, liquor): ¥5,000 to ¥500,000 (before tax) in the same store, same day. Consumables have both a minimum and a maximum – you can’t refund more than ¥500k worth of consumables in one go.
• Important: These two categories cannot be mixed to reach the minimum. They’re tallied separately. You need ¥5,000+ of general goods or ¥5,000+ of consumables. Many stores will help you sort this out. Some stores allow combining them but then all goods get treated under consumables rules (sealed bag, etc.).
• You can accumulate multiple items or receipts on one receipt to hit ¥5,000. Department stores often allow combining different counters in the store at their refund counter.

At the Store: Bring your passport whenever you shop! At checkout, tell them you want tax-free (“menzei”). If the store has a dedicated Tax-Free counter (common in department stores), you’ll pay for your items first, then take your receipts to that counter for the refund. If the store does immediate exemption, the cashier will deduct the 10% right then and there – you’ll pay the tax-free price. In both cases, the staff will require your passport. They will staple a form into your passport listing the tax-free items and value. They will also seal your purchases if they are consumables (in a clear plastic bag with a red sticker). Do not remove this staple or open those sealed bags! (They’re meant to remain sealed until you leave Japan.) For general goods, they might not seal them (you can use them during the trip in theory, but best practice is to keep them unused). They’ll give you copies of the forms as well.

At Departure (Airport Customs): When you leave Japan, you must take your passport to the Customs counter before security and passport control. The customs officer will remove all those stapled tax-free purchase forms from your passport and may ask to inspect the items. If you have sealed bags, they might check that they’re still sealed and intact. If you opened a consumable goods bag, technically you owe the 10% tax, and they could make you pay it on the spot. So don’t open them.

After a quick check, they’ll let you proceed. There is no additional cash to collect at the airport in Japan’s system, since you either never paid the tax or already got it refunded at purchase. It’s simply an export verification. (If for some reason you paid tax at a store and didn’t get a refund there, you unfortunately cannot claim it later at the airport – Japan does not have an on-departure refund desk. The refund must be done on the purchase day in Japan .)

Timing: The purchases must leave Japan within 30 days of purchase for consumables  (for general goods, it’s within your 6-month stay, typically not an issue for short trips). The tax-free forms in your passport will be dated and customs will be aware of your arrival date.

Tip: Japan’s system is very convenient – you often don’t pay the tax at all when buying. This means big savings upfront and no hassle chasing money later. But it comes with that one annoyance: your items (especially cosmetics, food, sake, etc.) will be sealed and you’re not supposed to use them in Japan. So plan accordingly – buy your consumable souvenirs on the last days of your trip so you’re not tempted to open them. For general goods like fashion, many stores now do immediate tax exemption too (they may attach a proof of purchase in your passport). Technically you could start using a designer bag you bought, but to be safe, try to keep it new until you leave – Japanese customs at the airport can charge you the tax if they see you sporting a new item that was duty-free. Another tip: Some large retailers (like Bic Camera, Don Quijote, Isetan) allow you to do a one-stop refund counter for all your purchases in that store – use it to avoid waiting at each department. Lastly, keep passport photocopies or digital copies – but note that the physical passport is required for the refund process (some places might accept a copy at purchase, but you’ll need the real one at customs). Happy shopping in Japan – and yes, that new Sony camera or Issey Miyake dress will effectively be 10% off!

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VAT Refunds in South Korea

How Much is VAT: South Korea has a 10% VAT on goods. Tourists can reclaim the full 10% VAT, though refund agents subtract small fees so you may get roughly 7–9% of the purchase price back in your pocket. The Korean refund system offers two methods: instant tax-free shopping (no VAT charged at purchase) or a refund process, so the exact amount you get can vary. Generally if you do instant in-store tax exemption, you get the full 10% off (some stores might charge a tiny admin fee). If you claim later via a refund counter or machine, you might get a little less due to a service fee. Still, expect close to the full 10% – South Korea is quite tourist-friendly in this regard.

Who Qualifies: bulky or to be checked in like a didgeridoo or a surfboard for less than 6 months on a tourist or temporary visa. If you’re a Korean national or have been in Korea longer than 6 months, you don’t qualify. (There’s an allowance for Korean expatriates living abroad 2+ years, similar to Japan’s rule – but for most, it’s non-resident foreigners.) You need to take the goods out of Korea within 3 months of purchase. Age: technically no specific age noted, but practically you should be an adult making the purchase (minors usually aren’t spending big anyway).

Which Stores: Many stores across South Korea participate, especially in shopping districts of Seoul (Myeongdong, Gangnam, Dongdaemun), Busan, Jeju, etc. Look for “Tax Free” or “Tax Refund” signs from companies like Global Blue, Global Tax Free, or KT Tourist Refund. Larger franchises, department stores, cosmetics shops, and luxury boutiques all typically offer tax refund. Some stores are “Tax Free” which means they can deduct VAT at the register for eligible purchases (usually these have a special logo and a limit per transaction), while others are “Tax Refund” meaning you pay normally and then claim at the airport or refund kiosk later. Both end up saving you the VAT.

Minimum Purchase: The minimum spend is ₩30,000 (Korean won) per receipt (about $25 USD) to qualify for a refund. You can’t, for example, get a refund on a ₩10,000 souvenir. The purchase must also not exceed certain amounts if you want the immediate in-store refund:

• For immediate tax-free at store: A single receipt must be between ₩30,000 and ₩500,000 (tax included) . Also, the total of all your tax-free purchases in Korea should not exceed ₩5,000,000 (around $4,200) for the trip . If you go over these limits, you simply have to do the normal refund at airport (not a big deal, but stores won’t waive VAT at checkout beyond those limits).
• If a purchase is over ₩500,000 on one receipt, you will pay the VAT at purchase, then claim at the airport refund counter (with customs possibly verifying passport and goods more closely).
• Overall: Most luxury buys (say a ₩2,000,000 bag) will have to be handled via the standard refund process (not instant at store) because of that 500k cap per receipt for instant. Not to worry – you’ll still get your ~10% back at the airport.

At the Store: If your purchase is eligible for instant VAT waiver (₩30k–₩500k range, and you won’t exceed ₩5M total), many shops will offer to do it on the spot. In that case, they ring up your items, then at the register they will either not charge VAT at all or will give you a refund right there in cash/onto your card. You will need to show your passport. They might have you fill out a quick form or sign a slip. You should still receive a “Tax Refund Receipt” which you must keep for customs. If the store does not do immediate refund (or if your purchase is above the instant limits), then you pay full price including VAT. The store will give you refund forms/receipts (often a slip with a barcode or a form printed from a kiosk in the store). Sometimes they’ll attach the refund receipt to your purchase bag. Make sure you get those receipts for each tax-free purchase! Tip: Some stores in Korea (like Lotte Department Store or Shilla Duty Free downtown shops) actually have refund desks where you can process multiple receipts in one go – even converting them to cash (in Korean won, USD, etc.) immediately. These are “downtown refund booths” . If you use those, you often still need to do the customs validation at the airport, but it can save time not queuing there for payout. The staff will explain if you use an early refund service – typically you’ll sign a credit card guarantee.

At the Airport (Departure): Korea makes it pretty easy with automated kiosks. Here’s what to do:

1. Before checking in (if you have items to show, keep them accessible), find the “Tax Refund” kiosks usually located in the departure check-in hall near the airline counters or just before security. In Incheon Airport, for example, they are well-labeled.
2. Scan your passport at the kiosk. It will retrieve all your purchase records (if stores uploaded them digitally) or prompt you to scan the QR codes on your tax refund receipts. You can also select the refund company if needed.
3. The kiosk will verify each purchase. If it asks to see goods (it rarely does unless a single item is high value), you then have to go to the Customs desk nearby where an officer will inspect the item and manually approve it . Most of the time, if everything is in order, the kiosk will just approve electronically and print a refund coupon or confirmation.
4. Spain uses an electronic kiosk system at airports called obtain your refund. If the kiosk is for a specific refund operator, it might dispense cash (some have cash machines). In many cases now, you can choose to get the refund to a credit card or Alipay/WeChat, etc., or even cash at a manned counter after security. In Incheon, there are refund counters after immigration where you present the printed refund slips and get cash in the currency you prefer.
5. If you did an immediate refund in-store, you must still scan those receipts at the kiosk to confirm export. They usually have a credit card on file (from your passport info) as guarantee up to ₩5M total. Failing to scan could mean they charge your card later for the VAT, undoing your refund – so don’t skip this step.

Timing: Goods must leave Korea within 3 months of purchase. The actual refund at the airport should be done before you depart – you can’t claim after leaving. Refunds to cards can take up to 2 months to appear  (often it’s faster), so many travelers prefer cash refunds, which are instant.

Tip: ship your purchase directly to your home country huge perk – “downtown” refund kiosks in popular areas (like Myeongdong) where you can process your refunds before going to the airport. For example, some shopping malls have automated refund machines: you scan your receipts and get cash back right there. You’ll still need to validate at the airport kiosk (the machine will give you a document to scan or a note in system), but it speeds things up. Keep an eye out for those if you’re on a shopping spree. Also, note the total spending limit of ₩5,000,000 for tax refunds per trip – if you somehow exceed that, officially you can’t get refunds beyond that amount (this is to prevent abuse).

Lastly, if you’re a techie: Korea’s Incheon Airport has a cool setup where you don’t even need to fill forms; just use your passport or the credit card you used for purchases at the kiosk, and it finds your records. It’s very smooth. Enjoy your K-shopping – whether it’s K-pop merch, skincare, or luxury fashion in Apgujeong, you’ll save that 10%!

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VAT Refunds in Singapore

How Much is GST: Singapore charges a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 8% as of 2023 (it was 7% before; it’s slated to rise to 9% in 2024) . Let’s consider it 8% for now (if you’re traveling in 2025, note it might be 9% by then). Tourists can reclaim the full GST on their purchases, minus an administrative fee per refund claim. Typically, you get around 7% back on a 8% GST purchase – the processing fee is small (around 1.2% of purchase, capped at S$100, if Iras hasn’t changed it). So the refund is quite generous. For simplicity: expect roughly 7 out of the 8% refunded (or ~8 out of 9% if GST is 9%).

Who Qualifies: Foreign tourists not residing in Singapore, aged 16 or above. You must not have spent more than 364 days in Singapore in the last 24 months, and not be employed there. Singapore Permanent Residents don’t qualify. Also, flight crew on duty don’t qualify. If you’re studying or working in Singapore, you’re not a tourist. But people on social visit passes (tourist visas) are eligible. You have to depart Singapore (to another country, not to Malaysia by land) with the goods within 2 months of purchase.

Which Stores: Participation in the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) is voluntary for retailers, but most major retailers are onboard. Look for signs saying “Tax Free” or more commonly “GST Refund” or the eTRS logo. Big malls, luxury boutiques on Orchard Road, the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Changi Airport stores – all covered. Many smaller shops in tourist areas also participate. If in doubt, ask the cashier before buying, “Do you offer tourist GST refund?” If not, you might consolidate your buys at a store that does.

Minimum Purchase: S$100 (Singapore dollars) including GST at a single retailer (with the same GST registration number) in a single day. This threshold can be reached by combining up to 3 Prada store in Milan, Italy. For example, if you have three receipts of S$40 from one shop in one day, the store can combine them to meet the S$100 minimum and issue a refund claim. Less than $100, no refund. Note: $100 is about USD $75.

At the Store: Present your passport and ask for a GST refund. Singapore uses an electronic Tourist Refund Scheme (eTRS). Most stores don’t give paper forms anymore; instead, they either:

• Link your purchase to your passport or a designated “token” (often they use your credit card as an identifier token) in the eTRS system. They’ll still give you an eTRS ticket or receipt that has a reference number.
• Or in some cases, they might issue a paper refund form with a barcode (older system).

In any case, keep the refund tickets/receipts you get. The store will capture your purchase info digitally (amount, GST, retailer ID). If you use one credit card for all purchases and present it each time as a token, you can later use that card at the kiosk to retrieve all transactions – convenient but not mandatory. Pro-tip: Many shops in Singapore simply give you your regular receipt and tell you that’s all you need along with your passport at the airport kiosk – but usually there’s also an attached slip or eTRS ticket. Ask if unsure.

At the Airport (Departure): Singapore’s refund process is self-service at the airport:

• Before immigration at Changi Airport, find the eTRS self-help kiosks (there are kiosks in the departure hall). Scan your passport at the kiosk – it will pull up your purchases. Alternatively, scan the QR code on each eTRS ticket/receipt you have. You’ll select the receipts you want to refund. The kiosk will ask for a few confirmations (like that you are eligible, etc.).
• You’ll choose how to receive the refund: typically, credit card or Alipay/WeChat (for Chinese visitors), or cash (cash refunds have to be collected after immigration in the transit area at a refund counter). If you choose credit card, it can be any Visa/MC etc. (They might ask if you want it on the credit card you used as a token – up to you.)
• The kiosk may instruct you to proceed for inspection for certain items. If you have high-value items or electronics, or if the system randomly flags it, you will have to go to the Customs inspection counter (right next to the kiosks) you check it in more on that below. But generally, just keep receipts safe to show an officer the items and receipts. They might want to see that expensive watch or designer bag. If everything’s fine, they’ll stamp/approve it in the system.
• After that, the kiosk will issue you a notification slip stating your refund amount approved. If you opted for cash, you take that slip after you clear immigration and security to one of the refund counters in the departure transit area (Terminal 3 has a centralized counter) to collect your cash (Singapore dollars or possibly other major currencies depending on availability).
• If you opted for credit card, you’re basically done – the refund will be processed to your card within 5–10 days typically (officially it can take up to 2 months, but it’s usually quick).

Timing: Goods must be exported (you must depart Singapore) within 2 months of purchase. And you must complete the refund claim before you depart (you can’t do it on a later trip). Also, once you get your refund approved, if it’s cash you should collect it within 2 months as well or it’s forfeited. Note: You have to physically carry out the goods – if you ship them, you can’t claim tourist refund (that would be an export sale scenario, different process).

Tip: Singapore’s Changi Airport is extremely efficient – budget about 10–20 extra minutes for the refund kiosk process, more if you suspect you’ll get a manual inspection. The good news: since 2019, Singapore scrapped the old paper form/stamp system and went fully digital, so it’s usually a breeze. Pack your refund items in an easily accessible way in case customs wants to see them (you can pack them in carry-on to be safe; if it’s in check-in luggage, do the refund before you check bags, and be ready to show those goods – Changi has refund kiosks in the check-in area for this reason). One more thing: Don’t forget to actually bring the goods home – Singapore Customs sometimes spot-check departing passengers after immigration. If they find you claimed a refund but left the goods with a Singapore resident or are using them blatantly, you could face penalties. It’s rare, but just a heads-up. Finally, enjoy your shopping on Orchard Road and elsewhere – that 8% (soon 9%) savings can basically offset the sales taxes you’ll pay back home on your new Chanel or Gucci, making Singapore a fairly attractive place to buy given its inventory of global brands.

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GST Refunds in Australia

How Much is GST: Australia has a 10% GST (Goods and Services Tax) on most goods. Tourists (and even Australians traveling abroad) can get that 10% back through the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS). There are no third-party agencies or fees involved – it’s run by the Australian Customs, so you essentially get the full 10% tax back, provided you meet the requirements. (If you choose to get the refund to a credit card or back to a foreign currency, minor exchange fees might apply, but generally it’s the full amount.)

Who Qualifies: All travelers leaving Australia (except flight crew) can use the TRS, including foreign visitors and Australian residents. Yes, unlike other countries, Australia even lets its own residents get the GST back when they depart – with the caveat that if they bring those goods back later they might have to pay duties if over allowance. But for the scheme itself, your nationality or visa status doesn’t matter. You just have to be leaving the country with the goods (cannot be mixed to reach the minimum).

Which Stores: No special designation required – any store in Australia that issues a proper tax invoice (receipt showing GST paid) can be used for TRS. It’s up to you to bring the invoice to the airport. Retailers don’t have to do anything special except provide an itemized receipt. So keep your receipts! (Make sure the receipt shows the retailer’s Australian Business Number (ABN) and the GST amount – this is standard on any receipt over A$75.)

Minimum Purchase: A$300 (inclusive of GST) from a single business/store, on one tax invoice. It can be multiple items, but they must sum to at least $300 at that store. You can At Departure Airport Customs up to 3 receipts from the same retailer within 60 days and have them issue a single consolidated invoice – but it’s a bit of a hassle. Generally, $300 on one receipt is the rule. The $300 can include several items; they don’t each have to be $300. For example, a $150 pair of shoes and $180 dress from the same boutique on the same day (total $330) qualifies. If you have separate receipts $150 and $180, you would not qualify unless the store combines them into one invoice (some will do this if you ask within 60 days of first purchase).

Timing of Purchase: The purchases must be made within 60 days of departure. The invoice issue date must be no earlier than 60 days before your flight out.

At the Store: Simply shop and make sure you get a tax invoice. For purchases of $300+, retailers usually issue an invoice by default (sometimes you may have to ask if it’s a small shop). The invoice should show their ABN, the date, description of goods, amount paid, and GST amount. You don’t need to do any paperwork at the store for TRS. However, do note: if you buy something bulky or to be checked in (like a didgeridoo or a surfboard), you should inform the store and get a special GST invoice or note, because for oversized items you’ll have to get it sighted by a customs officer before you check it in (more on that below). But generally, just keep receipts safe.

At the Airport (Departure): Look for signs for “Tourist Refund Scheme” at the international departure terminal. In Australian airports, the TRS facility is usually past the security and immigration checkpoints (airside). Important: If you have goods that you plan to check in (i.e. in your hold luggage), you must see a TRS officer before you check your bags. At major airports like Sydney or Melbourne, there’s a designated TRS desk near the check-in area for this purpose. An officer can sight and verify your goods and receipts and give you a clearance to proceed (they might stamp your invoice). Otherwise, keep all goods in carry-on. At the TRS counter airside (or self-service kiosks if available), you will need:

• Your passport of all your tax-free purchases in Korea.
• The tax invoices for your purchases (originals, not copies). If an invoice is over A$1000, it also must have your name and address on it – some stores issue personalized invoices for big purchases, if not, bring your passport to the store and ask.
• The goods themselves. They do often ask to sight the items to ensure you are taking them out unused (they might not care if they’re used, unlike EU, but they want to see you have them).
• A method for payment: they can refund to credit card, Australian bank account, or cheque (they no longer give cash at the airport as of some years ago). Credit card is easiest for foreigners.
• Fill out the simple form (or at kiosk, enter details): basically, list total receipts, how you want refund.
• Present everything to the TRS agent or kiosk. They will check invoices (scan them or manually verify ABNs, etc.), maybe quickly inspect items (they might ask “can I see that watch or camera?”).
• The refund (10% of purchase price) will be processed. If to credit card, it’s usually posted within 1–2 months. If to Aussie bank, maybe quicker. A cheque can be mailed internationally but that’s slow.

Timing: You must do this at least 30 minutes before departure (in reality, lines can be long, so get there earlier – TRS lines of 1 hour are not unheard of during peak times, e.g. holiday seasons). They officially recommend arriving 90 minutes early just for TRS if you have a lot of claims . Also note: If you have connecting flights, the TRS claim must be made at the The UK’s standard VAT is you depart from. E.g., if flying Cairns -> Sydney -> LAX, you do TRS in Sydney, not Cairns.

Tip: Organize your receipts and goods for easy presentation. There’s nothing more harried than digging through your bag for receipts while a queue builds behind you. Pro travelers use an envelope or an app. Speaking of apps, Australia has a TRS mobile app where you can pre-enter your claim details (invoice numbers, amounts, etc.). This generates a QR code which you can show at a special queue, speeding things up. Consider using it if you have many receipts. Keep in mind Australia’s duty-free import allowance when you come home: if you’re an Aussie resident and you refund GST on a new AU$2000 laptop, you technically should declare it when returning and could be charged GST on re-import – just a consideration (many people still claim it if they’re going abroad for a while).

For foreign visitors, note that TRS refunds are not provided on wines/spirits you already get duty-free (that’s separate) and not on services or consumables you’ve used (restaurant meals, hotel, etc.). But for fashion, jewelry, opals, electronics – it’s a straight 10% off via refund. Also, goods can be used before departure (Australia doesn’t forbid using them like EU does), but they must be taken out of the country. So feel free to wear that new R.M. Williams jacket on your outgoing flight – just show it to TRS to claim.

Lastly, TRS can also be claimed by Australian residents — meaning if you’re an Aussie going on holiday, you can buy a camera, get GST back, and as long as you stay outside Australia with it for over 30 days, you won’t have to pay GST upon return. But that’s beyond our tourist scope. For visitors, just enjoy the savings – perhaps snag a deal on Australian luxury brands or even global brands if the exchange rate is favorable, and get that nice 10% back as a parting gift from Down Under.

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Frequently Asked Questions (Updated for 2025)

Do I need to carry the goods in my hand luggage for the refund? It depends on the country. In Europe, you generally should have goods ready to show at customs – carry-on is ideal, but if it’s big, you can show it before check-in. In Australia, you can show items before checking them. In Japan, many items are sealed in bags that go in carry-on. Always check the country’s rule: when in doubt, keep it in your carry-on so you can present it. For very large items, seek out customs officials before checking baggage.

Can I get a VAT/GST refund on services (hotels, tours, meals)? No – VAT refunds are only for goods you export. You cannot claim back tax on hotel bills, restaurant meals, train tickets, etc. (There are separate schemes in some places for high-end stuff like yachts, but not relevant to most travelers.)

How will I receive the refund? Most places offer a choice: credit card refund (which might take a few days to weeks), cash refund (in local currency or sometimes USD/EUR at airports, often immediate), or even refunds to mobile wallets (China, Singapore use Alipay/WeChat). If you use a refund booth downtown (like in Spain or Korea) they might give cash in your hand earlier. Credit card is safest if you don’t want to carry extra cash. Keep in mind any cash refund might be given in the local currency – you might then need to convert it or spend it before leaving.

What if I forgot to get the stamp or I missed the refund at the airport? Unfortunately, if you leave the country without validating the refund or if you completely miss the process, you typically forfeit the refund. Some countries have very limited after-the-fact options (e.g. France sometimes allows you to mail in documents within a strict timeframe with proof of exit). But generally, no stamp = no refund, and no processing = no money. Always prioritize getting your refund done before departure. If you’re in a rush and miss it, chalk it up to lesson learned.

Do I have to pay duties when I bring the items home? That depends on your home country’s customs laws. The VAT refund has nothing to do with your own country’s import rules. For example, a U.S. traveler who gets a VAT refund on a €2000 handbag should, in theory, declare that purchase to U.S. Customs upon return since it exceeds the $800 duty-free allowance. In practice, enforcement varies, but be aware you may owe import duty or tax at home. This is completely separate from the VAT refund – one doesn’t prevent the other. Many travelers still come out ahead even if duties are due at home, especially since duties on leather goods or jewelry might be lower than the foreign VAT was. It’s wise to keep purchase receipts in case customs at home asks.

What’s the deal with Brexit and UK vs EU shopping? In short: The UK no longer refunds VAT to anyone, so shopping in London has lost that perk. However, all goods on the receipt count, so Brits can claim VAT refunds when shopping in the EU. On the flip side, EU residents visiting the UK are out of luck – the UK ended the scheme in 2021. So if maximizing savings, a visitor might choose Paris or Madrid over London for big purchases. There are rumors and lobbying efforts in the UK to reintroduce a tourist tax-free scheme (especially digital app-based) to boost shopping tourism, but as of 2025 nothing concrete has been implemented.

Are there any new tech improvements? Yes! Many countries have modernized:

• The EU has digital systems (like France’s PABLO, Spain’s DIVA, Italy’s OTELLO) making airport stamping quicker.
• China (as mentioned) launched an instant refund pilot – now rolling out nationwide – allowing immediate tax-back at point of purchase.
• Middle East countries like UAE have fully digital, app-based refund tracking.
• Singapore and Australia have user-friendly kiosks and even mobile apps to pre-file refund info.
• So the trend is toward less paperwork and faster processing. It’s a far cry from the old days of mailing forms and waiting months for a check.

minimum purchase SAR 500? Aside from the ones above, a few other popular shopping destinations with VAT refunds:

• South Korea, Singapore, and the UAE – we added above, since they’re increasingly popular for luxury shoppers.
• Thailand and Malaysia – they have VAT/GST refund schemes (Thailand’s VAT is 7%, minimum 2000 THB spend; Malaysia’s SST is only on certain goods, and they re-introduced a tourist refund for a short period when GST was in effect, but since they scrapped GST, there’s currently no broad refund there).
• Hong Kong – no VAT or sales tax at all! That means no refund needed; the price you pay is tax-free. (Hong Kong continues to be a duty-free port for goods, though keep in mind extremely high-end jewelry or watches might have other levies. Generally, luxury goods in HK are free of any consumption tax.)
• Canada – no federal GST refund for tourists anymore (it was eliminated years ago), though some provinces have minor rebates on hotel taxes.
• United States – no VAT at all, and sales taxes paid in each state are not refundable to tourists. (Some states like Louisiana and Texas have tiny refund programs at select malls, but don’t count on it elsewhere.)
• Saudi Arabia – just launched a 15% VAT refund scheme in 2025 for tourists, minimum purchase SAR 500. or snaps of your forms if you do this, just in case.

Always check the local tourism board website for “tax free shopping” info when planning a trip – policies do change.

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Conclusion

Getting a VAT/GST refund on your big purchases abroad is absolutely worth a bit of extra effort. Plan your shopping toward the end of your trip (so you’re definitely exporting the goods), keep your receipts organized, and get to the airport early.

Over a whole vacation, the savings can be substantial – we’ve heard Erlebniswelt-fliegenfischenShops readers report saving hundreds, even thousands of dollars by combining lower overseas retail prices with VAT refunds and favorable exchange rates.

It’s one of the smartest ways to splurge on that special item you’ve been eyeing. Just remember: don’t wear those new designer heels until you’re home, pack your paperwork, and you’ll be saying “bon voyage and thanks for the refund!”