How it works, broadly
Visitors on a short-term stay can claim a refund on the value-added tax paid on eligible purchases at participating stores, provided a minimum spend threshold is met per receipt. Look for a "Tax Free" or "Tax Refund" sign in participating stores — most large retailers, department stores, and many smaller shops in tourist-heavy areas participate.
The two ways to actually get your refund
- Immediate/instant refund — some stores deduct the tax directly at the point of sale for purchases under a certain threshold, meaning you simply pay the reduced price and there's nothing further to do.
- Refund at departure — for larger purchases, you'll typically get a refund form or receipt in-store, then process the actual refund at a kiosk or counter at the airport before or after security, depending on the current process at your departure airport.
Practical tips
- Keep all tax-free receipts and forms together — you'll need them at the airport.
- Build in extra time at the airport specifically for the refund process, especially during peak travel periods when refund counters queue up.
- Some purchases may need to be shown unused/unopened at the refund counter — don't unbox or use big-ticket items before you've processed the refund if that's a requirement for your specific purchase.
Tip: Refund thresholds and processes can change — confirm the current minimum spend and process at the specific store when you make a purchase, rather than relying on a fixed number.