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According to Singapore's government regulations, tourists who fly into Singapore and make purchases worth at least SGD 100 will be eligible for a 7% tax refund at the airport. This initiative is designed to boost tourism and shopping in this Asian nation. However, refunds are only available at stores that display the tax refund sign, and you must keep your receipt for the airport procedures.
Make your Singapore trip even more budget-friendly and exciting by flying with the budget airline of the Lion City – Tiger Air. With affordable flights from Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi to Singapore, you can also enjoy great shopping deals during your visit.
Contact the Tiger Air nationwide ticketing hotline to inquire about flight schedules and ticket prices.
Tax Refund for Shopping During Your Trip to Singapore
Tax refund procedures for purchases made at GST refund stores in Singapore can be processed at two airports: Changi International Airport and Seletar Airport. To be eligible for the Goods and Services Tax (GST) refund, purchases must total SGD 100 or more.
Thanks to the Electronic Tourist Refund Scheme (eTRS), the process for claiming GST refunds while visiting Singapore has become faster and simpler. With this program, tourists just need to choose a credit or debit card to use for making tax-free purchases at any participating store in Singapore.
This payment card will allow you to easily access all the transaction details when you proceed to claim your GST refund at the eTRS Self-Help Kiosks located at the airport.
Additionally, you can use the eTRS vouchers provided at the point of purchase to complete your tax refund process at the airport terminal. However, you can still use any credit or debit card, or even pay with cash if preferred.
4 Steps to Complete Your Tax Refund Procedure
1. At the Store
When shopping at participating eTRS retail stores, use a credit or debit card to link all your purchases together. Be sure to request an eTRS voucher and the original receipt before leaving the store.
2. Before Departure
At this stage, you need to clearly determine whether the items you purchased at the GST refund stores will be checked luggage or carry-on baggage.
If all items are checked luggage, you must first process your GST refund at the eTRS self-service kiosks located in the departure check-in area (before going through customs), using your payment card or eTRS voucher. Be mindful of the process, as you won’t receive a refund if you’ve already checked in your luggage before completing the tax refund procedure.
If you plan to carry the purchased items with you, head to the Departure Transit Lounge (after clearing customs) with your items and process the GST refund at the eTRS self-service kiosks.
3. At the eTRS Self-Service Kiosk
First, you'll need to use the credit/debit card you used for payment to query all your purchase information. Scan each individual TRS voucher to retrieve details about your purchases and follow the instructions on the eTRS self-service kiosk to claim your GST refund.
At this stage, you may be asked to present the purchased goods, the original receipt/invoice, and your boarding pass/flight ticket confirmation or the cruise itinerary confirmation at the customs inspection counter.
4. Receiving Your Tax Refund
If you're departing from Changi International Airport, you'll receive your tax refund via credit card or cash.
When departing from Seletar Airport, you'll be refunded via credit card or bank cheque.
Methods and timelines for receiving your tax refund:
If you opt to receive your refund via credit card, you can proceed directly to your flight after completing the declaration. The refunded amount will be credited to your card within 10 days.
If you choose to receive your tax refund in cash, visit the Central Refund Counter located in the Departure Transit Lounge (after completing customs clearance) with your approved notification form to collect your cash refund.
If you opt for a bank cheque refund, you'll need to provide details such as the payee's name and email address on the approved notification form. Drop the form into the designated cheque refund box. The cheque will be sent to you within 14 days of submitting the approved notification form.
For more related articles, >>>>> Budget Travel Tips for Singapore
