Most of us Filipinos would always set a shopping money in our overall travel budget. This is to buy some mementos for the trip or maybe a pasalubong for friends and relatives back home. Some also make sure to buy some necessities that are cheaper abroad than here in the Philippines (Hello, BOC! 😉)
Do you know that you can save much more when you maximize your shopping by buying on stores that offer Tourist Tax Refund? Tourist Tax Refund is like shopping tax-free only, you will pay for the tax first and refund it afterwards. Not all countries offer tourist tax refund. Also, tourist tax refund guidelines may differ from one country to another when availing it.
Australia
Known As: Australian Tax Refund Scheme
Tourist Tax Refund Qualifier: Spend at least AUD300 from a supplier with the same Australian Business Number
Tourist Tax Refund Rate: 10%
How to claim refund: Go to the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) area at any Australian airport after security check. Show them the following: airline ticket, boarding pass, item purchased, and original paper invoices. Refund will be made using credit card. No cash will be given. Except the refund 2-3 weeks after making the claim.
More details: https://www.abf.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/tourist-refund-scheme
Japan
Known as: Japan Tax Free Shop
Tourist Tax Refund Qualifier: Spend at least JPY5,000 (or at most JPY500,000) from a single store on a single day
Tourist Tax Refund Rate: 10%
How to claim refund: If your total purchase amounts to JPY5,000 or more on a single receipt at a single store, the refund will automatically be deducted from your total payment. If your total purchase is accumulative receipts of JPY5,000 or more on a single store, you can process your refund at any Japanese airport.
More details: https://tax-freeshop.jnto.go.jp/eng/shopping-guide.php
Singapore
Known as: Tourist Refund Scheme / GST Tax Refund
Tourist Tax Refund Qualifier: Spend at least SGD100 from the supplier with the same GST registration number on the same (three cumulative receipts accepted)
Tourist Tax Refund Rate: 7%
How to claim refund: Refund can be availed at Singapore Changi Airport GST Refund counters or Self-Help Kiosk. Refund can also be claimed at stores that has a refund counter (Mustafa Shopping Center has one)
More details: https://www.visitsingapore.com/en_ph/travel-guide-tips/tourist-information/gst-tax-refund/
South Korea
Known as: Tax Refund
Tourist Tax Refund Qualifier: Spend at least KRW30,000 in a single store (at most KRW5,000,000)
Tourist Tax Refund Rate: 10%
How to claim refund: If you purchase KRW30,000 in a single store in a single day, tax refund will automatically be deducted in your total purchase. You can also avail the refund at Incheon Airport’s tax refund counter or tax refund kiosk.
More details: https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SHP/SH_ENG_1_1.jsp
