Visiting Singapore? Here’s how to claim your GST refund
Not to boast, but in Singapore, when we say “smart shopping,” we really mean it! Tourists who do some retail therapy here can potentially get some of their money back via the Tourism Refund Scheme.
Whether you’re a jet-setting tourist or a savvy shopper, knowing the ins and outs of GST refunds in Singapore can be a game-changer. So let this be your essential guide to tourist refunds and claiming your cash back in the Lion City.
What is the GST Refund Scheme?
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In Singapore, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) refund scheme allows eligible tourists and visitors to claim a refund on the GST they paid on goods purchased in Singapore and subsequently taken out of the country.
Tourists spending over S$100 on goods inclusive of GST qualify for a 7% GST refund.
By taking advantage of the GST refund, tourists can stretch their shopping budget further, allowing them to indulge in more purchases or allocate their funds to other experiences during their visit to Singapore. Now does that sound attractive or what?
Who qualifies for a GST refund?
— Media from jewelchangiairport
Only non-resident tourists can claim the GST refund, available exclusively at Tourism Refund Scheme-participating stores.
There are certain conditions to be able to qualify for a GST refund as a tourist in Singapore:
✔ Not be a citizen or permanent resident of Singapore
✔ Exit Singapore via Changi Airport or Seletar Airport only
✔ Make the purchase within two months before the tax refund application
✔ Be over 16 years old at the time of purchase
✔ Not be classified as a Specified Person* at the time of purchase or refund claim
✔ Not be a departing airline crew member
✔ Spend a minimum of S$100, including GST, on your purchase. You can combine up to three same-day invoices from retailers with the same GST registration number to reach this amount.
✔ Buy the product and ask the retailer to record your information for a tourist refund.
✔ Show your passport to the retailer for digital capture of your passport information at purchase. Bring the original passport copy.
✔ Request your refund at the eTRS kiosk at Changi or Seletar Airport.
✔ Leave the country within two months of purchase.
✔ Take the goods with you within 12 hours of refund approval.
✔ Get your refund from approved operators within two months of GST approval.
*A Specified Person includes those with work, dependent, long-term visits, student passes, or foreign affairs-issued IDs.
What items are eligible for a GST refund?
— Media from _cynthiaprathap_vlogz
Electronics, fashion, alcohol, confectionery, and all other standard-rated goods subject to GST are refund-eligible.
Apart from these, most products from tax-free stores qualify for a GST refund if you meet the claiming requirements (more on this in a bit).
To identify if a shop in Singapore participates in the Tourism Refund Scheme (TRS), look for the TRS logo displayed prominently at the entrance or cashier counters of the store.
Additionally, you can inquire with the store staff if they offer GST refunds for tourists and if they are part of the TRS program.
GST refunds are not eligible for services, goods consumed in Singapore, goods for business/commercial use, goods exported by freight, accommodations, or goods that are not inspected.
Where can you claim your GST refund?
— Media from irassg
GST refunds meeting scheme conditions can be claimed at airport eTRS kiosks or via the mobile app with Global Blue or Tourego.
How to Claim GST Refunds for Checked Items
Where: At the eTRS kiosk near the Departure Check-in Hall at Changi Airport
How:
- Follow the on-screen instructions to initiate the refund process.
- Scan your passport and make the necessary declarations.
- Select your preferred refund method.
- Verify your refund request.
- Receive your refund through your chosen method.
Refund method options:
- Credit card refund for transferring your refund directly to your card or bank. Process it at the eTRS kiosk, and receive the money within 10 days upon a successful claim.
- Cash refund for receiving your GST refund in cash at Changi Airport’s Departure Transit Lounge
- Alipay refund. Only available to Chinese citizens, this option can be processed in the kiosk. To claim, scan your Alipay QR code from the mobile app, and receive automatic credit.
- Bank cheque to receive your refund directly. Provide your name and address at the eTRS kiosk, then drop the slip in the cheque refund box.
How to Claim GST Refunds for Hand-Carry Items
Where: At the eTRS self-help kiosk at Changi Airport before your flight
How:
- Follow the on-screen instructions to start the refund process.
- Scan your passport and declare your purchases.
- Choose your preferred refund method.
- Verify your refund request.
- Collect your refund immediately for options like Alipay and cash return. For bank cheques or credit card refunds, expect processing within 10 to 14 banking days.
After applying for your GST refund, the kiosk will inform you if a customs inspection is necessary. Present the purchased goods, original receipt, passport, and air ticket to customs.
Ensure the receipt clearly lists the goods’ descriptions, prices, and serial numbers (if applicable).
How to Claim a GST Refund in Singapore via Apps
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It’s also easy to claim a GST refund in Singapore via apps. Simply do the following steps:
- Download the designated app (such as Global Blue or Tourego).
- Follow the app’s instructions to register and provide the necessary details.
- Scan your receipts and passport information.
- Submit your refund request through the app.
- Choose your preferred refund method.
- Await processing, and receive your refund accordingly.
Claiming a GST refund in Singapore via apps typically takes a few minutes to complete the process, depending on the efficiency of the app and the accuracy of the information provided.
Once the refund request is submitted, processing times may vary, with refunds usually credited within a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the chosen refund method and the service provider’s processing timeline.
What to Do If Your GST Refund Is Not Approved
— Media from lychee_boy
If your GST refund is not approved, you can take the following steps:
- Check for errors: Review your application to ensure all information provided is accurate and complete.
- Seek assistance: Approach the staff at the refund counter or kiosk for clarification and assistance. They may be able to identify any issues with your application.
- Provide additional information: If requested, provide any additional documentation or information that may support your refund claim.
- Appeal: If you believe your refund was wrongly denied, you can request an appeal. Follow the instructions provided by the refund service provider or seek guidance from the customs department.
- Explore alternatives: If your refund claim remains unsuccessful, consider exploring alternative options or seeking advice from relevant authorities or consumer protection agencies.
You can also request redeclaration through DHL Express. The DHL GST Helpdesk will guide you on the next steps to meet GST refund requirements.
What happens to those deliberately making false declarations for a GST refund?
— Media from irassg
IRAS penalises foreigners making false GST refund declarations. The eTRS system detects and reports unusual claims to IRAS.
Serious offences include making false declarations and transferring approved refunds to others after leaving the Departure Check-in Hall or Transit Area.
Convicted GST refund fraud results in 1) a penalty three times the refunded tax amount, 2) a fine of S$10,000, or 3) up to 7 years in jail.