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How to get Tax Refund in USA as Tourist, Resident for Shopping ? FAQs

America is one of the best places to buy clothes, electronics, etc. You get the best value for the money spent. If you are a tourist from Asia or Europe, you will find the prices much cheaper when you buy things in the US at outlet malls.

Many are not aware that you may be able to get tax refunds as a tourist if you buy in some states like Texas in the US. In this article, we will cover all the details on how to get tax refunds, the requirements and conditions, and address some commonly asked FAQs.

Do you get a Tax Refund for Shopping in the US at Malls or Online Stores?

It depends on the US state you do shopping in. If you shop in certain states like Texas, you will likely get a tax refund for your purchases in the US as a tourist. The US Government or US Tourism websites do not have a published list that says that you get a Sales Tax Refund when you buy things in a certain US state.

It is unclear if you would get a tax refund if you buy stuff online. You need to check with the online retailer on this, as this depends on where you ship your goods and how the seller will charge you state tax. Also, even if you get a refund, there are way too many conditions to get a decent refund back. We will look at these details in later sections of the article.

Tax Refund: State Sales Tax vs. Federal Sales Tax?

In America, there is no Federal Sales Tax (national-level sales tax). When you buy goods in the US, the respective State or Local Government charges you State Sales Tax . The US Federal Govt., usually imposes customs duty or tariffs on the federal level and is not charged directly to the end consumer.

The sales tax you pay for shopping in the US goes to the respective state govt. or local govt and does not go to the federal government. So, you usually get the State Sales Tax or Local Govt. Sales tax as a refund if you are exporting the goods outside of the US.

Below is a reference image from Taxfoundation.org that shows approximate State tax by the state for your reference.

Sales Taxes in the US by State for Year 2023

As you would usually get the State Tax as a refund, it is important for you to review the respective tax you paid for you to get an estimate. You can see that in the purchase receipt. There will be a section that clearly tells as Sales Tax. That is nothing but the State Sales Tax.

Below is one of the purchases in Houston, Texas, done by me for your reference. You can see the Sales Tax highlighted to get an idea.

Sales Tax Receipt for Refund in US as Tourist Sample

The US Government does not refund Sales Tax to Visitors

US Customs and Border Protection has clarified on the CBP website that says the below:

“The United States Government does not refund sales tax to foreign visitors. Sales tax charged in the United States is paid to individual states, not the Federal government …” . – US Customs and Border Protection(CBP) Website

It means that the US Federal Government on a country level does not refund any sales tax and you need to check with the respective US State, where you made the purchase from.

Check the below screenshot from the US CBP Website that clarifies the tax refund status from the US Govt. side.

US Sales Tax Refund Clarification by CBP Website - 2023

Hence, it is important to be clear that the Sales Tax refund completely depends on the US State, where you purchased your goods as a visitor and has nothing to do with the US Govt. or Federal Govt. We will look at some states and requirements to get a tax refund in the next section.

Requirements to get Tax Refund in USA as Tourist or Resident

The requirements to get a tax refund varies by the US State. Also, they are slightly tricky to get a decent refund, as they force you to purchase more at a single store. Most of the requirements or conditions are common for foreigners and US Citizens. The only difference is where they can claim a tax refund and when.

Below are the general requirements for Tax Refund for Tourists

Minimum Amount : Depending on the state, there is a minimum amount of tax you need to have per receipt or purchase from a brand store or outlet store. In Texas, you need to have a minimum of $12 tax per receipt or combined receipts from the same brand stores. Technically, in Texas with an 8.25% sales tax, you need to purchase for at least $150 USD in a single store or brand outlet to be eligible for the refund.
Original Receipts : You need to submit original receipts at the Tax refund counter. They do not accept duplicate, photocopy, or reprint sales receipts. You need to submit the first original receipt that is printed. No digital or e-mail receipts are accepted unless it is an online purchase item from a brand store and if the receipt has the delivery address of the goods in that state. You need the packaging slip of delivery for online purchases.
Within 30 days: You need to have the purchase done within 30 days from the day of your international travel or departure date from the US.
International Travel : You get a refund only if you are traveling outside of the US, and the items you buy will stay outside of the US. Technically exporting it to another country. That’s why they ask for the original receipt and take it for a refund. It means that the sale is final in the US, and there are no returns for the same goods you bought here in the US.
Physical Inspection : You need to show your item purchased for physical inspection and it has to be in new and unused condition with all the tags.
Passport, I-94 / Entry Stamp : You need to show your Visa/ Passport and I-94 with an entry stamp on it if holding a foreign passport.
Departure Information / Flight Tickets : You need to show your international departure info or flight ticket itinerary. For US citizens, you need to show the boarding pass to get a tax refund.
Items should Depart US & State: The items purchased in the US must be taken with you and should depart the state you purchased in and America.
Food or Services: No refund for food or services purchased.
Participating Stores: You get Tax Refund only if you purchase goods from the participating stores. This depends on the state as well. In Texas, they claim the stores’ list is over 6,500+ stores…but watch out for the brands. I purchased from a few brands that were not eligible for a refund, such as Abercrombie & Fitch.
Instant Cash : If you want instant cash, it is a 50% processing fee for a tax refund.
Check / PayPal : If you want a check or can get a refund to PayPal, then it is 35% of the tax refund. Also you may also be charged $4 USD for every single store or brand purchase.
Refund Locations: Both US Citizens and non-US citizens can claim tax refunds at all major international airport terminals. They usually would have a Tax refund desk at these locations. Check the airport for the details on the terminal. Also, if you are a non-US citizen, then you can even claim tax refunds at certain mall locations in the state. Check the state website for the exact locations in a state. For example, for Texas, here are the refund locations .
Tax Refund Policies: Tax refund policies can vary by state, and there is no standard sales tax percentage set as well. You should check the Sales Tax and Tax Refund policies in that respective state before you shop to ensure you get a tax refund. For instance, if you shop in Delaware, there is no sales tax, so no refund. For policies in Texas, check out Requirements for Sales Tax Refund in Texas

Tips for Tax Refund as a Tourist or Resident in the US

Overall, a Tax refund is definitely a good thing, if you are doing a lot of shopping and taking it home. The only downside is that you have to give the original receipt of purchase. I did shopping for over $900 USD, but could not get a sizable tax refund as I did not know all of these facts and conditions. If you plan it ahead of time, you may be able to get a decent tax refund. Below are some tips

Duplicate Receipt / Re-prints : When you buy your item, request a duplicate receipt or re-print of the receipt. You can use this duplicate receipt for a warranty in your home country or international location.
Take a Photo of Original Receipt: Take a picture of the original receipt and if requested by the warranty location outside of the US, then you can use the photo and duplicate the receipt.
Buy maximum at One Brand Store: Make sure you pick a few brands and do shopping in those brands’ outlets so that you meet the minimum requirement of a Tax refund. If not, you will not be eligible for a tax refund, as you will miss out on the minimum. I did not get anything as I bought in multiple brands and they were less than $150 purchase per store, so I was not meeting the minimum amount of tax refund in Texas.
Register for Warranty: If you are buying an electronic item and if there is an option to register online, register for warranty, when you have the original receipt.

Common FAQs

We have addressed some of the commonly asked questions below.

The sales tax refunds are paid by the respective State Govt. or local Govt. where you made the purchases. It is a state sales tax refund and not a Federal govt refund. IRS does not give any sales tax refunds.

Yes, your visa status does not matter for tax refunds. All visa types are eligible, including H1B, L1, F1, etc. Anyone traveling outside of the US is eligible for a tax refund. All the tax refund conditions described in the above article apply to everyone.

Yes, US Citizens are also eligible for a tax refund, provided they travel outside the US within 30 days after the purchase of the goods. You can only claim it at airports on the day of your departure. All the conditions and requirements are described in the above article

When you shop in America, you are not subject to Value Added Tax (VAT) or Goods and Services Tax (GST). The concept of VAT and GST exist in many countries, but in the US it is different, and you are only subject to Sales Tax when you do shopping.

This depends on the state and if they offer the tax refund. In certain states, if they charge sales tax and have a policy in place to refund sales tax, then you would likely get the tax refund. It is best to check with the online vendor and then the state policy for the same.

What are your experiences with tax refunds as tourists? Did you get any tax refund as a Resident? Share your thoughts in the comments.

My TRS Claim

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1. Disclaimer
2. My Travel Details
3. My Invoices
4. My Payment Details
5. My Claim Code

Step 2 of 5 -

Important note to all claimants.

This web page will assist you to enter information required to lodge a Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) claim.

When you have finished entering your information it will be stored in a QR code. This QR code is your TRS Claim Code, and it must be presented at the TRS location at the airport on the day you depart from Australia.

Creating a TRS Claim 'QR' Code may allow your claim to be processed faster at TRS as your claim information is pre-filled.

Your Privacy

The Department of Home Affairs collects and deals with personal information in accordance with its Privacy Policy.

Your use of this TRS Application is regulated by its Terms and Conditions, including the application's Privacy Statement.

By checking this box, I understand and accept the TRS Application's Terms and Conditions, including the Privacy Statement.

Tax Invoice Requirements

A valid tax invoice includes:

the retailer's name, address and Australian Business Number (ABN)
a description of the goods that allows us to match the goods to the invoice
the purchase price of the goods, including the GST or WET paid (or total price including GST)
the date of purchase
the invoice must be in English.

Tax invoices for $1,000 or more must also show your name (and only your name) as it appears in your passport.

Tax Invoice s :

Invoice Date: Invoices must be dated within 60 days of your Departure Date Invoices cannot be dated in the future Invoice/Receipt Number:

Total for : $

Estimated Refund for ABN: $

The invoices for ABN are not eligible for a refund because they total less than $300.

Total Of All Invoices: $ Estimated Total GST/WET Refund Being Claimed: $

Each abn on the claim must have invoices totalling a minimum of $300. the highlighted abns do not qualify., up to 10 invoices may be added..

* How do you want your refund to be paid, if approved?

Credit Card

The following credit cards are accepted:

Please note Union Pay debit cards are not accepted.

This application does not collect credit card details. Present your credit card when submitting your claim on departure.

Australian Bank Account

Cheque (not recommended)

Cheques may take 2 months to arrive, from date of departure.

Travel Details:

Passport Issuing Country:

Passport Number:

Australian Resident:

Departure Date:

Invoice Date: Invoice/Receipt Number:

Total All Invoices: $

Estimated gst/wet refund in australian dollars being claimed against all invoices (if approved): $, payment details:.

Payment Method:

Present your credit card when submitting your claim on departure.

Account Name:

BSB Number:

Account Number:

Cheque Currency:

Declaration:

I claim the Goods and Services Tax (and Wine Equalisation Tax if applicable) under the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) for the goods described in this TRS claim application.

I confirm that:

These goods were acquired by me within 60 days of my departure date, and paid in full for the amounts indicated in this TRS claim on the associated invoices;
The goods in this TRS claim will be in my possession and exported by me on the specified date of departure from Australia.

I understand that if I return to Australia with the goods, I may be required to pay applicable duties including GST and WET.

You have finished supplying the information needed to process your TRS claim and it is now saved in the following claim code. Please print or save this claim code.

You may save the claim code by right-clicking it and selecting your browsers Save Image/Picture... option.

To submit your TRS claim, you must present this claim code and any additional claim codes you have created at the TRS location at your port of departure from Australia.

Ensure you have the following items ready to be inspected:

The goods you are claiming a refund against;
Your Tax Invoice(s);
Your passport; and
Your boarding pass.

If you cannot present your claim code, your claim will be processed manually.

If when requested by an ABF officer you cannot present some or any of the goods listed above, some or all of your claim may be rejected.

Please note: this claim contains invoices that do not meet eligibility requirements.

To submit your Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) claim, you must present this claim code at the TRS facility at your port of departure.

If, when requested, you cannot present some or any of the items listed above prior to departing the country, some or all of your claim may be rejected.

Tax Invoice Summary

Tax Invoice s . Total:

Estimated Refund (subject to approval)

Terms and Conditions

Privacy statement.

The Department of Home Affairs (Home Affairs) is collecting and using your personal information for the purpose of assessing and refunding the Goods and Services (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) in accordance with section 168 of the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (Cth). Home Affairs may disclose this information to the Australian Taxation Office and any retailers from whom you have attached invoices for the purposes of assessing and determining your eligibility for a GST/WET refund. If a tax refund is due to be paid to you, your personal information will be disclosed to a contracted commercial agency to facilitate the processing of that refund.

Failure to complete this application or provide this information may result in Home Affairs being unable to process your tax refund using this application.

Personal information will be collected, used, stored and disclosed by Home Affairs in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles in Schedule 1 of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

Further information regarding how Home Affairs handles personal information can be found in Home Affairs' privacy policy .

Warning: The TRS claim code generated by this app is not encrypted and can be read by any device capable of reading a QR code. You bear sole responsibility for the security of the code and its data.

Conditions on the use of this application, the eligibility rules for making a TRS claim, and the process for making a claim are detailed on the TRS information page .

Legal Statement

Making a false or misleading statement to an officer, including by presenting false documents, may result in the application of penalties.

Any goods subject to this TRS claim must be declared if they are brought back into Australia. You may be required to repay the GST/WET refunded under the TRS plus any additional customs duties and taxes payable on the ENTIRE VALUE of ALL the general goods you are importing.

Failure to declare imported goods may also result in the application of penalties (see the TRS Information page).

Invoice Details

What can i claim.

You can claim on most goods provided you can present a valid tax invoice.

You cannot claim against:

GST-free goods
Services, such as car hire and accommodation
Beer, spirits, tobacco and tobacco products
Goods consumed in Australia
Dangerous goods (goods you can't take out with you on the aircraft)
Goods which are not accompanying you on departure including goods you have freighted or posted out of Australia.

For more information refer to the TRS Information page .

Invoice Items:

* Please describe OTHER goods below. Your claim will be rejected if these goods do not meet the TRS requirements.

Amount Paid for Claimable Goods, including GST/WET

The Big Question: How exactly does the Tourist Refund Scheme work?

Here's the key to cashing in on your way out.

The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) enables international travellers, including Australians who are simply leaving the country for a week (or even a weekend), to reclaim the GST on purchases of up to $900, subject to certain conditions.

Whenever I see "subject to certain conditions", I assume it means "but in real life it's impossible". But in this case, it is possible. Because I tried it, and it worked.

Net a little extra holiday spending money via a GST refund. Picture: Shutterstock

Customs' rules state that you must spend at least $300 with any single retailer, which is fine if you need a phone or a laptop or any of the other luxury items or electronic goods available at an international airport - but I wanted socks.

Not just socks. I hadn't planned on using the TRS until a couple of weeks before I flew from Sydney to Abu Dhabi, when I realised that I had recently spent $510.23 on a short-sleeved shirt, a sweatshirt, seven T-shirts, a rather fetching Fred Perry "knit" and six pairs of socks in three separate orders from online fashion retailer The Iconic.

To qualify for the GST refund, which amounts to 10 per cent of the price of each item, the purchases must be made within 60 days of departure - and they were.

My first step was to gather my receipts, scan them and register them - along with my travel plans and credit card details - on the TRS Claim Form on the Department of Home Affairs website: trs.border.gov.au.

You must complete your claim in person, on the day of the flight, at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure.

This took about 10 minutes. In return for my effort, I received a QR code, which I duly printed out. I turned up at the airport with all my new clothes in my cabin bag, as passengers must be prepared to take their goods on board the plane.

You must complete your claim in person, on the day of the flight, at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. Realistically, you should give yourself 90 minutes, just to be safe.

It took me a while to find Tourist Refunds, which is a short row of counters in a vaguely abandoned-looking area of Sydney International Airport opposite Gate 10. There was a queue of about 30 people, only a couple of whom seemed to be Australian passport holders. Most of them had no idea what they were doing. Perhaps half the people in line were rummaging through their bags.

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Tourist refund scheme

The tourist refund scheme applies to goods purchased at prices that include GST or WET.

Last updated 21 April 2022

Travellers departing Australia can get a GST or WET refund under the tourist refund scheme (TRS), administered by the Department of Home Affairs and its operational arm the Australian Border Force (ABF).

The scheme applies to goods purchased at prices that include GST or WET, from a retailer with an ABN and registered for GST.

It does not apply to services such as accommodation. GST-free goods cannot get a refund under the scheme, as no GST has been paid.

Crew members of an aircraft or ship are not eligible to claim refunds under the scheme.

A traveller may claim a refund under the TRS if the purchases meet the following requirements.

The purchases are from a single business with the same Australian business number (ABN) and total AUD$300 (GST inclusive) or more. For example, if you bought items from one business, even on separate invoices, that together total AUD$300 the goods were purchased within 60 days of departure from Australia.
The traveller has original tax invoice/s for the goods.
The travelling passenger paid for the goods.
Carry or wear the goods on board the aircraft or ship as cabin baggage unless they are oversized or subject to aviation security measures and the airline requires them to be checked in as hold luggage.
Present their tax invoices (in English), goods, passport and boarding pass to the TRS facility when departing Australia.
Make the claim at the TRS facility at an airport at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time or 60 minutes if travelling on a cruise.

Residents of Australia's external territories, such as Norfolk Island, Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, can also get a GST refund if they export the goods to their home territory as accompanied or unaccompanied baggage or as cargo.

Travellers bringing goods back into Australia for which they have already claimed a TRS refund

You must declare any goods you bring back to Australia, for which a TRS claim was made by you or another person when the goods left Australia. You can do this by declaring the goods at question 3 on your incoming passenger card when you return to Australia.

Unless another concession applies, for example concessions on personal clothing (excluding furs), you may need to pay GST on goods you bring back into Australia. This happens when the value of those goods, combined with any other goods you import for which another concession doesn’t apply, exceeds the passenger concession allowance External Link .

Penalties may apply if you fail to declare these items.

What retailers are required to do

When a customer requests a full refund you should check their invoice to determine if they have already claimed under the Tourist refund scheme External Link . If a claim has been approved the invoice will contain a stamp from the ABF.

Customers applying for a refund when they have already obtained a TRS refund are not entitled to receive a refund for the GST/WET portion of the invoice.

To obtain a full refund, a customer must provide proof that the GST/WET has been repaid when they declared the goods on their return to Australia.

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Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) – common questions

I want to claim for someone else.

The person who is travelling must have bought the goods and must be travelling. You cannot make a TRS claim for someone else such as partner, relative or friend.

Providing a valid tax invoice

A valid tax invoice must be in English and contain the following:

the document is intended to be a tax invoice
the seller's identity
the seller's Australian business number (ABN)
the date the invoice was issued
a brief description of the items sold, including the quantity (if applicable) and the price
the GST amount (if any) payable – this can be shown separately or, if the GST amount is one-eleventh of the total price, as a statement such as 'Total price includes GST'
the items on the invoice where GST is included and the items that are GST free.

Tax invoices for sales of $1000 or more must also include the buyer's identity, for example their full name or passport number.

Original tax invoices are required to process your claim. Photocopies, reprints and duplicates are not accepted and will result in that invoice being rejected.

You have 60 days to lodge a claim from purchase

The 60 days starts from the day after you purchased the item.

I have an electronic tax invoice

You can make a TRS claim with a valid electronic tax invoice. If the value of your electronic tax invoice is $1000 or more, it must contain your identity. You should be prepared and print out a copy of your electronic tax invoice in case live processing is not available..

Electronic tax invoices can only be accepted when live claim process is available. You may have to use a Drop Box form which requires paper original invoices to be submitted. Electronic invoices will not be accepted when using drop box.

My goods are oversized or restricted

You must have goods available for inspection by an ABF Officer. Your goods must be sighted by an officer at ABF Client Services before check-in. If your goods have not been sighted, your claim can be rejected.

I have a domestic flight before my international flight

If you wish to make a TRS claim and you have oversized or restricted goods, you must advise the check-in agent at the domestic airport that you want your bags tagged only to the port from where you will be departing Australia.

You will then need to collect your luggage at the domestic terminal, transfer to the international terminal and have your goods sighted.

Once your goods have been sighted you must proceed to the departures area and complete check-in procedures for your international flight.

You then need to make your TRS claim, see Making the claim .

I am transiting through Australia

Transit passengers cannot make a TRS claim.

My goods are not in the packaging

You can remove your goods from the packaging and use the goods before you depart. You can choose to leave the container/packaging behind as long as the officer can verify the goods against the corresponding tax invoice when the TRS claim is processed.

You cannot claim on goods wholly or partially consumed in Australia such as food, drinks, health supplements and perfumes.

TRS facility opening hours

In international airports there are no set operating hours of the TRS facilities. If there is a departing international flight from the airport you are leaving, the TRS will be open for you to make a claim.

TRS facilities at seaports are usually available between one and four hours before sailing. You must ask the shipping company the location of the TRS facility as it varies depending on the port. Claims must be lodged at your final port of departure from Australia.

You may need to use a drop box to lodge your claim. For instructions when using a drop box, see Making the claim .

Processing time for my claim

There can be long queues at the TRS facility when multiple flights are leaving the airport around the same time. You should aim to be at the TRS facility 90 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of your aircraft.

The use of TRS mobile or web based apps will reduce the time you spend at the TRS counter as the officer will not have to type in your details.

The mobile and web based apps are not available for cruise ship passengers.

The amount of time to process your claim depends on the number of invoices and quantity of goods you are claiming. The more invoices you have the longer your processing time will be.

Claiming a refund as a member of the military

Any military personnel, who depart Australia as passengers on military transport can claim a TRS refund on purchases made in Australia.

On the day of your departure, you must present the following items to an ABF officer:

passport and/or military ID along with proof of travel (for example, boarding pass or military orders);
original tax invoice(s);

Note that if your aircraft is departing away from an international terminal, the TRS app cannot be used.

Operating air or sea crew are not eligible to participate in the TRS.

I want a cash refund

The Department does not give cash refunds. You can choose from the following refund options:

deposit to an Australian bank account
payment to a credit card

Refunds will usually be paid within 60 days of the claim being lodged.

Claims for imported goods

A condition of making a TRS claim is that goods must be supplied within Australia.

Foreign goods can be eligible for a TRS refund if the retailer imports the goods into Australia themselves, and then supplies the goods to a customer.

Goods purchased overseas and imported to Australia by you, where import duty and taxes are paid are not eligible.

I forgot to make a claim and have now departed Australia

You cannot make a TRS claim after you have departed.

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Understanding Tourist Refund Schemes and How to Maximize Them

How to get the most out of your refund.

When visiting international tourist destinations, some people get bitten by the shopping bug. Indeed, going abroad can make one curious about new environments and cultures. One way to satisfy this curiosity and learn more about the country you’re visiting is to buy some clothes, snacks, and souvenirs.

However, when you’re surrounded by so much unique merchandise, it can be tempting to buy them all. Fortunately, you can add more items to your shopping list while still staying within your budget if you know how to use tourist refund schemes effectively.

What are Tourist Refund Schemes?

Tourist refund schemes, often known as VAT refund schemes, allow travelers to reclaim a portion of the value-added tax (VAT) or goods and services tax (GST) on purchases made during their trip. Eligible items encompass a wide variety, from luxury goods and souvenirs to electronics and fashion.

The main reason why there are tourist refund schemes is to entice travelers to spend more while abroad. This then stimulates tourism and boosts the local economy. As such, numerous countries have tourist refund schemes implemented into their tourism programs. Some of these countries include:

Netherlands

Keep in mind that tourist refund schemes don’t apply to every shop and purchasable goods in the country you’re visiting. To make the most of these opportunities, below are some things you can do.

Know How Much You Need to Spend

Just because you bought something doesn’t mean that your purchase will immediately be eligible to receive a VAT refund. Each country has different conditions for their tourist refund schemes, but one common requirement that you have to meet is the minimum purchase amount. Whether you’re paying in cash or using your credit card , you have to at least spend a certain amount to qualify. In Australia, you have to spend at least AUD 300 in total from participating stores. Meanwhile, in Thailand, you must purchase at least THB 2,000 worth of goods (for luxury goods, it’s THB 10,000). In Singapore, on the other hand, you have to spend at least SGD 100 to get a refund.

Each spending scheme also has its own set of mechanics, like meeting a maximum spending limit per day or store or reaching the limit by combining the accumulated amount from up to three same-day invoices. As such, it’s in your best interest to research the conditions of the tourist refund scheme of the country you’ll be visiting to give you a good idea of how it works.

Create a Strategic Shopping Plan

Once you know the mechanics of the country’s tourist refund scheme, the next step is to create a strategic shopping plan before you depart. Preparing in advance can help you make informed purchasing decisions, as well as create a shopping itinerary that fits your entire travel schedule.

When creating your shopping plan, you want to focus on researching products that are eligible for refunds and participating stores. This way, you can go straight to buying the items you want. Products that qualify you to get a travel tax refund are typically called standard-rated goods. These include:

Clothing and accessories

Electronics

Cosmetics and perfumes

Watches and jewelry

Souvenirs and handicrafts

Luxury goods

In some countries, alcohol and tobacco products don’t qualify. VAT-exempted goods are also disqualified. Moreover, qualified goods may lose their eligibility if they’re opened and consumed in their country of origin or if you fail to claim your refund during a specific time frame.

Fortunately, stores that actively participate in tourist refund schemes are well-versed in the process. In case you have any questions, they can guide you to ensure that you have a fast and smooth refund experience. Some stores also have signs indicating that they participate in the tourist refund scheme, so you immediately know where to go.

Document Your Purchases

Before you can get your refund at the travel tax counters, you have to present the necessary documents to ensure a successful claim. These important papers include original receipts, invoices, and refund forms. Make sure that the details on these documents match those on your passport and other travel documents. In some countries, they’ll be looking for the business number on the invoice to ensure that the store you’ve bought the product from is registered under the tourist refund scheme.

Be Aware of Administrative Fees

While tourist refund schemes offer financial benefits , it’s important to be aware of potential administrative fees associated with the refund process. Some schemes may deduct a small percentage as a processing fee, so factoring these charges into your calculations will ensure you have an accurate estimate of your final refund amount. In the UAE, for example, tourists will receive 85% of the total VAT while the remaining 15% will be deducted as the administration fee.

With many countries implementing tourist refund schemes, shopping at international destinations will definitely be a fun experience. Keep these tips in mind so you can purchase a wide variety of goods and still be able to enjoy plenty of savings.

About the Author: Other Voices

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Goods that Qualify for GST Refund

Central Refund Agencies and Independent Retailers

All goods on which GST is charged ("standard-rated goods") are eligible for refund except :

Goods wholly or partly consumed in Singapore;

Goods exported for business or commercial purposes;

Goods that will be exported by freight; and

Accommodation in a hotel, hostel, boarding house, or similar establishments.

Services are not eligible for GST refund under the Tourist Refund Scheme.

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Purchase of clothing and footwear costing $110 or more per item or pair. Items costing less than $110 are exempt from sales tax.
Receipts from beauty, barbering, hair restoring, manicures, pedicures, electrolysis, massage, and other, similar services;
Receipts from the sale of services by or use of facilities of weight control salons, health salons, gymnasiums, and similar establishments
Sales of credit rating and credit reporting services;
Gas, electricity, refrigeration, steam, telephone, and telegraph services;
Detective, cleaning, and maintenance services

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WORLD-CLASS SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

Prior to the introduction of eTRS, tourists had to fill in different forms from participating retailers if they wanted a GST refund on their purchases. In addition, they had to queue at a Singapore Customs’ counter for their goods to be inspected, before proceeding to a different queue at the Central Refund Agencies’ (Global Blue and Premier Tax Free) counter in the airport to receive their refund.

Today, with the adoption of eTRS, tourists can enjoy hassle-free and secure tax-free shopping in Singapore.Introduced by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) in 2011, the eTRS is a cutting-edge digital refund scheme that allows tourists to claim their GST refunds using a seamless, digital refund system. It is also the first government system in the world that allows retailers and multiple GST refund agencies to operate on a common platform.

SELF-HELP FOR FASTER AND EASIER REFUND CLAIM

Tourists can now claim their GST refund using self-help kiosks located at airport terminals and cruise centres before leaving the country. At the self-help kiosks, tourists can conveniently retrieve details of their purchases using the eTRS tickets or credit cards (if they have used the card as tokens to link all their purchases). Tourists no longer have to queue at Singapore Customs, unless there is a need for goods inspection

SINGLE PLATFORM FOR GREATER CONVENIENCE

Designed with a single-platform to link up GST-registered retailers, Central Refund Agencies and the Central Refund Counter Operator, eTRS reduces tourists’ contact points at the airport and time spent on making a refund.

From the point of purchase at GST-registered retailers, tourists’ purchase details in Singapore are transmitted to the Central Refund Agencies, before they are sent to IRAS’ eTRS Central Database. For independent retailers that are not affiliated with any Central Refund Agency, purchase details are transmitted directly to the eTRS Central Database

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Manned desks: 5 minutes, kiosks: 3 minutes, estimated time to submit application.

Service Description Through this service, the FTA in cooperation with Planet (the service provider for the Tourist Tax Refund Scheme), refunds the VAT to tourists upon departing the UAE.

• Planet’s tax-free manned validation desks at exit points: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week* • Self-service Kiosks: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week**

* If the manned desk is at exit points such as land borders and sea ports, the standard timings of the location, as determined by the relevant border authority would apply.

**If the Kiosk was in a location that is not open for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, such as shopping malls, the standard timings of the location would apply.

Service Fees Details - AED 4.80 for each tax-free tag - Deduction of 13% from the VAT amount requested
Estimated Time to Submit Application Manned desks: 5 Minutes, Kiosks: 3 Minutes
Estimated Time to Complete Application by the FTA Bank Card Refunds: 9 Days, Cash Refunds: 3 Minutes
Required Documents and Forms • Original valid passport or GGC national ID card (based on the requirements to enter the UAE) – Copies are not accepted. • Original tax invoices with the tax refund tag affixed to it. Your name on the receipt should match your name as per your travel document. * • Purchased goods (please present your purchased goods to Planet staff located at Planet's manned validation desks before you check in your luggage). • Valid ticket or confirmed booking evidencing your departure from the UAE (in cases of departure through air or sea borders). • Online boarding pass if using kiosks located at shopping malls or hotels (departure must be within 24 hours). *If tax-free transaction is digital (through Planet's POS Issuing 2.0 solution adopted by select merchants), presentation of tax-free tags and original tax invoices is no longer applicable.

1. Purchase of goods eligible for refund from retailers registered under the Tourist Tax Refund Scheme, there are three types of register retailers issuing different kind of tax invoices: • A retailer issuing a Paper Tax Invoice and Tax-Free Tag, you need to keep Tax invoice and tax-free tag and present it if required. • A retailer issuing Paper Tax Invoice with a Digital Tax-Free Tag (QR code), you need to keep Tax invoice and present it if required. • A merchant adopting the Paperless Method by issuing digital Tax Invoice, you can track your tax-free transactions by using Planet Shopper Portal, after your purchasing is completed you will receive a link via SMS that direct you to the shopper portal. 2. At the time of departure from the UAE, you may initiate validation of your tax-free transactions by scanning your passport or GGC national ID card at the following locations: a. Planet's self-service kiosks located at exit points. b. Planet's self-service kiosks located at leading shopping malls or hotels (to use self-service kiosks located at leading shopping malls and hotels, an online valid boarding pass where your flight is departing within 24 hours is required to initiate the validation process). c. Planet’s tax-free manned validation desks located at UAE's exit points (airports, land borders and sea ports if you are departing within 6 hours). Your purchased goods may require inspection by Planet staff which can only be done at Planet's Validation desk located at UAE's exit points. 3. If inspection is required, please present the tax-free tag(s), original tax invoice(s) and purchased goods at Planet’s validation desks located at UAE's exit points when you are leaving the country. 4. Upon successful validation of your transactions, select your preferred refund method (Credit Card or WeChat or Cash). 5. In case if you choose the cash refund, make sure to visit the cash partner (participating currency exchange offices in the Tourist Refund Scheme) after the immigration desk.

1. Can a person other than registered passport / GCC national identity card holder initiate or complete the validation process? No one other than registered passport / GCC national identity card holder can initiate or complete the validation process. 2. What is the timeframe within which the validation process must be completed? Once tax-free tags are issued, they must be validated within 90 days. The tourist must depart the UAE within 6 hours of completing the validation process. Failure to do so will result in the cancellation of the validation approval, and the validation process will need to be repeated.

3. Which bank cards are eligible for receiving a refund? Refunds may be processed to Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Union Pay cards. Refunds processed by Planet to the credit/debit card will normally be in AED. The card issuing company or bank determines the foreign exchange rate to be applied on the refund. 4. What if the card refund amount was not received within 9 calendars days? If the card refund is not received within 9 calendars days, the issuing company or bank must be followed up with. 5. Who can be contacted for any queries? You may contact Planet Tax Free's Customer Happiness Centre via email at [email protected], or alternatively, on +971 4 586 4700 from 9 AM to 12 AM GST. 6. How can I track the request through the Shopper portal? • Open your smartphone camera app. • Point it at the QR code on the tax-free tag. • Open the URL link that appears on your smartphone’s web browser. If your tax-free transaction is issued by a merchant who has adopted the Paperless Tax Free Issuing solution, you will receive an SMS with a URL linked to the Shopper Portal. Click on this link and enter the relevant information to login to the Shopper Portal.

1. The tourist should have entered the UAE on a tourist visa. 2. You must be 18 years and above and not a resident in the UAE. 3. The tourist must export validate their tax-free transactions within 90 days from the date of the tax invoice, at the time of their departure from the UAE. 4. The tourist must physically present the tax invoice, tax free tags and relevant goods, if requested by Planet staff. 5. Tourists may request a refund within one year from the date of export validating their tax-free transactions. 6. The maximum amount of cash refund is AED 35,000. 7. Retailers should be registered with the tourist refund scheme. 8. A VAT refund is applicable only for the goods that are eligible under the Tourist Refund Scheme. 9. The goods are not fully/partially consumed in the UAE.

10. Minimum purchase of AED 250.

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Automatic Refunds and No More Hidden Fees: D.O.T. Sets New Rules for Airlines

The Transportation Department issued new requirements on refunds when flights are canceled or delayed and on revealing “junk” fees before booking. Here’s what passengers can expect.

A blue airport screen showing extensive cancellations and delays is shown in close up with a man standing in front of it.

By Christine Chung

The Transportation Department on Wednesday announced new rules taking aim at two of the most difficult and annoying issues in air travel: obtaining refunds and encountering surprise fees late in the booking process.

“Passengers deserve to know upfront what costs they are facing and should get their money back when an airline owes them — without having to ask,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement, adding that the changes would not only save passengers “time and money,” but also prevent headaches.

The department’s new rules, Mr. Buttigieg said, will hold airlines to clear and consistent standards when they cancel, delay or substantially change flights, and require automatic refunds to be issued within weeks. They will also require them to reveal all fees before a ticket is purchased.

Airlines for America , a trade group representing the country’s largest air carriers, said in a statement that its airlines “abide by and frequently exceed” D.O.T. consumer protection regulations.

Passenger advocates welcomed the new steps.

Tomasz Pawliszyn, the chief executive of AirHelp, a Berlin-based company that assists passengers with airline claims, called it a “massive step forward and huge improvement in consumer rights and protection” that brings the United States closer to global standards in passenger rights.

Here’s what we know about the D.O.T.’s new rules, which will begin to go into effect in October.

There’s now one definition for a “significant” delay.

Until now, airlines have been allowed to set their own definition for a “significant” delay and compensation has varied by carrier . Now, according to the D.O.T., there will be one standard: when departure or arrival is delayed by three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international flights.

Passengers will get prompt refunds for cancellations or significant changes for flights and delayed bags, for any reason.

When things go wrong, getting compensation from an airline has often required establishing a cumbersome paper trail or spending untold hours on the phone. Under the new rules, refunds will be automatic, without passengers having to request them. Refunds will be made in full, excepting the value of any transportation already used. Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in the original form of payment, whether by cash, credit card or airline miles. Refunds are due within seven days for credit card purchases and within 20 days for other payments.

Passengers with other flight disruptions, such as being downgraded to a lower service class, are also entitled to refunds.

The list of significant changes for which passengers can get their money back also includes: departure or arrival from an airport different from the one booked; connections at different airports or flights on planes that are less accessible to a person with a disability; an increase in the number of scheduled connections. Also, passengers who pay for services like Wi-Fi or seat selection that are then unavailable will be refunded any fees.

Airlines must give travel vouchers or credits to ticketed passengers unable to fly because of government restrictions or a doctor’s orders.

The vouchers or credits will be transferable and can be used for at least five years after the date they were issued.

Fees for checked baggage and modifying a reservation must be disclosed upfront.

Airlines and ticket agents are now required to display any extra fees for things like checking bags or seat selection clearly and individually before a ticket purchase. They will also need to outline the airline’s policies on baggage, cancellations and changing flights before a customer purchases a ticket.

The rules, which apply to all flights on domestic airlines and flights to and from the United States operated by foreign airlines, have varying start dates.

For example, automatic refunds must be instituted by the airlines within six months. But carriers have a year before they’re required to issue travel vouchers and credits for passengers advised by a medical professional not to fly.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Christine Chung is a Times reporter covering airlines and consumer travel. More about Christine Chung

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places: Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai: Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto: The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland: The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas: Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

IMAGES

A Quick Look at Tax (Tourist) Refund Schemes
Electronic Tourist Refund Scheme (eTRS)
Tourist Refund Scheme by Department of Home Affairs
Tourist Refund Scheme
GST Guide on the Electronic Tourist Refund Scheme (eTRS)
REFUND FASTER / GET CASH IMMEDIATELY

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अष्ट्रेलियाबाट बाहिर जादा एयरपोर्टमा पाईन्छ पै’सा, यस्तो छ नियम TRS, Tourist Refund Scheme Australia
How to get tourist refund scheme in Australia 2024 #sydney #tourist #australia
Shop tax free #shorts

COMMENTS

How to get Tax Refund in USA as Tourist for Shopping? [2023]
Below are the options they may offer: Instant Cash: If you want instant cash, it is a 50% processing fee for a tax refund. Check / PayPal: If you want a check or can get a refund to PayPal, then it is 35% of the tax refund. Also you may also be charged $4 USD for every single store or brand purchase.
Tourism Worker Recovery Fund
In November 2021, Governor Kathy Hochul introduced New York State's Tourism Worker Recovery Fund. This $100 million program will provide one-time stimulus payments of $2,750 to as many as 36,000 workers in select tourism sectors who have been displaced from employment because these sectors and jobs were least likely to have returned following the pandemic.
The TRS explained: your guide to Australia's GST refund scheme
The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) allows travellers to claim a 10% rebate on the price paid for almost anything bought in Australia. ... velocityfan98 liked Etihad Airways adds A380 to New York, Paris. APACPete replied to Singapore's Changi Airport is getting a third hotel . JB123 liked BONZA gone belly up - Opportunity for REX. FlyingKangaroo ...
My TRS Claim
This web page will assist you to enter information required to lodge a Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) claim. When you have finished entering your information it will be stored in a QR code. This QR code is your TRS Claim Code, and it must be presented at the TRS location at the airport on the day you depart from Australia. Creating a TRS Claim 'QR ...
DOS Reminds New York Consumers of Travel Rights
The New York State Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) today reminded New Yorkers of their rights when it comes to changing travel plans. In response to increased rates of COVID-19 transmission in certain states within the United States, and to protect New York's successful containment of COVID-19, New York State joined with New Jersey and Connecticut in issuing a travel advisory for ...
How to claim TRS for international travellers
The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) enables international travellers, including Australians who are simply leaving the country for a week (or even a weekend), to reclaim the GST on purchases of up to $900, subject to certain conditions.
CBP Customer Service
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Tourist refund scheme
On this page. Travellers departing Australia can get a GST or WET refund under the tourist refund scheme (TRS), administered by the Department of Home Affairs and its operational arm the Australian Border Force (ABF). The scheme applies to goods purchased at prices that include GST or WET, from a retailer with an ABN and registered for GST.
Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)
This does not submit your claim. as a military personnel passenger on a military transport, claim a TRS refund. If you are calling the TRS from outside Australia: +61 2 6245 5499. You can claim a refund of the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax (WET) that you pay on goods you buy in Australia.
COMPLETE guide to visitor tax refunds in the USA [2024]
Requirements for a refund include presenting original receipts, meeting minimum purchase amounts, making purchases within 30 days of departure, and taking the items out of the U.S. Foreign visitors to the U.S., including those on B1 and B2 visas, contribute to the 79 million international tourists annually. While shopping, they pay sales tax ...
Consumer Alert: New York State Division of Consumer Protection Provides
The New York State Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) reminds New Yorkers of their rights as they plan spring and summer travel. Travel disputes remain one of the top complaints handled by DCP. In 2021, DCP fielded hundreds of complaints from consumers who had to cancel or reschedule their travel plans due to COVID-19.
Seven easy ways to speed through your TRS airport GST refunds
6. Receive your GST refund by bank transfer, rather than by credit card. Approved TRS claims can be paid back to you by electronic funds transfer, cheque, or via a refund onto your preferred credit card. The credit card option may be tempting, but as these are processed as 'credit card refunds' rather than 'credit card payments', most ...
Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)
A condition of making a TRS claim is that goods must be supplied within Australia. Foreign goods can be eligible for a TRS refund if the retailer imports the goods into Australia themselves, and then supplies the goods to a customer. Goods purchased overseas and imported to Australia by you, where import duty and taxes are paid are not eligible.
Understanding Tourist Refund Schemes and How to Maximize Them
The main reason why there are tourist refund schemes is to entice travelers to spend more while abroad. This then stimulates tourism and boosts the local economy. As such, numerous countries have tourist refund schemes implemented into their tourism programs. Some of these countries include: Australia. Singapore. Japan. China. Italy ...
Electronic Tourist Refund Scheme (eTRS)
All goods on which GST is charged ("standard-rated goods") are eligible for refund except: Goods wholly or partly consumed in Singapore; Goods exported for business or commercial purposes; Goods that will be exported by freight; and. Accommodation in a hotel, hostel, boarding house, or similar establishments.
New York State Division of Consumer Protection Provides Consumers Tips
The New York State Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) reminds New Yorkers of their rights as they plan spring and summer travel. Travel disputes remain one of the top complaints handled by DCP. In 2021, DCP fielded hundreds of complaints from consumers who had to cancel or reschedule their travel plans due to COVID-19.
New York City Tourist Tips
The City sales tax rate is 4.5 percent (in addition to the New York State. sales and use tax of 4 percent, plus a 0.375 percent Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District surcharge). Purchase of clothing and footwear costing $110 or more per item or pair. Items costing less than $110 are exempt from sales tax.
PDF ON TOURIST REFUND SCHEME
refund GST to tourist under Tourist Refund Scheme. Retail Outlets who qualifies the conditions as stipulated above are eligible to register and be approved as an Approved Outlets. Registration of Approved Outlet by IGB will be done in the following manner: (a) IGB has announce in the GST portal/RMCD website on when/how to
Electronic Tourist Refund Scheme
Today, with the adoption of eTRS, tourists can enjoy hassle-free and secure tax-free shopping in Singapore.Introduced by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) in 2011, the eTRS is a cutting-edge digital refund scheme that allows tourists to claim their GST refunds using a seamless, digital refund system. It is also the first ...
Federal Tax Authority
5. Tourists may request a refund within one year from the date of export validating their tax-free transactions. 6. The maximum amount of cash refund is AED 35,000. 7. Retailers should be registered with the tourist refund scheme. 8. A VAT refund is applicable only for the goods that are eligible under the Tourist Refund Scheme. 9.
Can you claim the TRS refund at the overseas passenger terminal in
Once you've had the good inspected, they'll give you a form, Once you've checked your luggage in and gone through passport control and security there is the office (near the walk way to gates 8 & 9) where you claim your refund or present your (non-liquid) goods for a refund.
What to Know About the New Rules on Airline ...
Under the new rules, refunds will be automatic, without passengers having to request them. Refunds will be made in full, excepting the value of any transportation already used. Airlines and ticket ...
Tourist Refund Scheme
Your guide to Australia's GST refund scheme. The travel rebate program lets you claim back the 10% sales tax on products bought in Australia.