Yes, tourists can claim GST (or VAT) refunds on goods purchased in many countries, including Australia and Singapore, provided they meet specific criteria like spending minimum amounts (e.g., AUD$300 in Australia, SGD$100 in Singapore) and departing within a set timeframe. The process typically involves using an electronic system (eTRS), presenting original receipts, and showing purchased items at airport customs before departure.
The United States Government does not refund sales tax to foreign visitors. The foreign country in which you paid the Value Added Tax (VAT) is responsible for refunding the tax.
If you are a non-resident visitor to Canada, you cannot claim a rebate of the GST/HST that you paid for purchases made in Canada.
The Australian Government's Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) allows international travellers to claim a refund on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET). The government pays this on eligible purchases you make in Australia and take offshore when you meet certain conditions.
You must present the purchased items, original receipts, and your passport at the GST Refund Counter before check-in at the airport. ⚠️ Not all retailers allow receipts to be combined, and some may not offer refunds on both general and consumable goods. Always check in advance to avoid disappointment.
Tourists buying goods from retailers who participate in the electronic Tourist Refund Scheme (eTRS) may claim a refund of the GST paid on purchases made in Singapore.
You should contact the retailer or refund agent about claims for refunds of VAT. Revenue does not administer the Retail Export Scheme or give refunds directly to tourists. Retailers or refund agents can direct enquiries to their Revenue office.
Claiming a GST refund at airport
After filling out the claim, you will receive an auto-generated QR code. You still need to present your goods, passport, boarding pass, original tax invoices, and the QR code to the TRS Facility. So make sure you have everything with you in your carry-on luggage.
The GST laws makes standardised provisions for making a refund claim. Every claim has to be filed online in a standardised form which will be acknowledged (if complete in all aspects) in 14 days. The claim for refund of amount lying in the credit balance of the cash ledger can be made in the monthly returns also.
Here's the GST refund application documents checklist you'll need before applying:
VAT refunds let tourists get back Value Added Tax paid on goods they buy in countries like the EU, requiring forms from stores, proof of export (customs stamp at the airport before checking bags), and claiming the refund at airport desks, usually for unused items taken home, though the US doesn't offer this. The process involves getting an exemption form, keeping goods unused with tags on, getting customs to validate forms (often pre-security), and then processing the refund with operators like Global Blue, allowing for cash or credit card returns minus fees.
You are eligible for this credit if you are a resident of Canada for income tax purposes at the end of the month before and at the beginning of the month in which the CRA makes a payment (read When your GST/HST credit is paid). In the month before the CRA makes a quarterly payment, you must be at least 19 years old.
International Flights:
Most international flights from India are GST-exempt, but the domestic portion of the journey (such as a connecting flight within India) may still incur GST, which businesses can claim as input credit.
Step 1: Go to the official GST portal. Under the 'Services' section, click on 'Refunds' and then select 'Refund Pre-Application Form'. Step 2: Fill in all the required information on the form and click 'Submit'. You will receive a confirmation message on the screen.
You can claim a GST refund in the following situations, when additional tax is paid or deposited due to errors or omissions. When dealers and deemed export goods or services are subject to refund or refund. Refunds can also be made for purchases made by UN agencies or embassies.
You can claim GST credits if: you intend to use your purchase solely or partly for your business, and the purchase does not relate to making input-taxed supplies. the purchase price included GST. you provide or are liable to provide payment for the item you purchased.
Unlike VAT, which is charged at multiple stages, GST is collected by the seller when the final consumer makes a purchase. For example, if a consumer buys a product, they pay GST on the final price, and the seller remits the entire tax amount to the government. There are no input tax credits for previous stages.
The Proposed 90% Provisional Refund Rule
From November 1, 2025, the GST Council will allow businesses under IDS to claim a 90% provisional refund upfront. Here is how it works: Quick relief: 90% refund credited within days, not months. System checks: Automated risk checks ensure faster, low-intervention processing.
The amount of refund claimed must be more than Rs. 1,000. You must claim the refund within the time limit specified in Section 54(1), i.e., within two years from the relevant date. You must furnish all the relevant documents, such as invoices, payment receipts, etc., to support the claim for a refund.
But if you do more extensive shopping, the refund is worth claiming. And the process is fairly easy: Bring your passport along on your shopping trip (a photo of your passport should work), get the necessary documents from the retailer, and file your paperwork at the airport, port, or border when you leave.
If you paid duty/GST to the overseas supplier at time of purchase, contact the supplier about a refund. You can only apply to Customs for a refund on duty/GST where payment was made to: New Zealand Customs Service.
VAT refunds let tourists get back Value Added Tax paid on goods they buy in countries like the EU, requiring forms from stores, proof of export (customs stamp at the airport before checking bags), and claiming the refund at airport desks, usually for unused items taken home, though the US doesn't offer this. The process involves getting an exemption form, keeping goods unused with tags on, getting customs to validate forms (often pre-security), and then processing the refund with operators like Global Blue, allowing for cash or credit card returns minus fees.
Main Reasons VAT Refunds Are Rejected (And How to Avoid Them)
No refund is possible without a (digital) customs stamp. If you are leaving the EU via Vienna International Airport you will be issued with a digital customs stamp. After deduction of a handling fee by the tax-free provider, the refund amounts to up to 15% of the purchase price.