tourist refund scheme invoice

My TRS Claim

tourist refund scheme invoice

Browser not supported

The browser that you are using cannot run the TRS Claim application: it does not properly support html "canvas" elements and so cannot be used to generate a QR code.

Please install a more up-to-date browser, such as the latest version of Chrome , Firefox , or Edge .

  • 1. Disclaimer
  • 2. My Travel Details
  • 3. My Invoices
  • 4. My Payment Details
  • 5. My Claim Code

Step 2 of 5 -

Important note to all claimants.

This web page will assist you to enter information required to lodge a Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) claim.

When you have finished entering your information it will be stored in a QR code. This QR code is your TRS Claim Code, and it must be presented at the TRS location at the airport on the day you depart from Australia.

Creating a TRS Claim 'QR' Code may allow your claim to be processed faster at TRS as your claim information is pre-filled.

Your Privacy

The Department of Home Affairs collects and deals with personal information in accordance with its Privacy Policy.

Your use of this TRS Application is regulated by its Terms and Conditions, including the application's Privacy Statement.

By checking this box, I understand and accept the TRS Application's Terms and Conditions, including the Privacy Statement.

Tax Invoice Requirements

A valid tax invoice includes:

  • the retailer's name, address and Australian Business Number (ABN)
  • a description of the goods that allows us to match the goods to the invoice
  • the purchase price of the goods, including the GST or WET paid (or total price including GST)
  • the date of purchase
  • the invoice must be in English.

Tax invoices for $1,000 or more must also show your name (and only your name) as it appears in your passport.

Edit icon

Tax Invoice s :

edit icon

Invoice Date: Invoices must be dated within 60 days of your Departure Date Invoices cannot be dated in the future Invoice/Receipt Number:

Total for : $

Estimated Refund for ABN: $

The invoices for ABN are not eligible for a refund because they total less than $300.

Total Of All Invoices: $ Estimated Total GST/WET Refund Being Claimed: $

Each abn on the claim must have invoices totalling a minimum of $300. the highlighted abns do not qualify., up to 10 invoices may be added..

* How do you want your refund to be paid, if approved?

 Credit Card

The following credit cards are accepted:

American Express logo

Please note Union Pay debit cards are not accepted.

This application does not collect credit card details. Present your credit card when submitting your claim on departure.

 Australian Bank Account

 Cheque (not recommended)

Cheques may take 2 months to arrive, from date of departure.

Travel Details:

Passport Issuing Country:

Passport Number:

Australian Resident:

Departure Date:

Invoice Date: Invoice/Receipt Number:

Total All Invoices: $

Estimated gst/wet refund in australian dollars being claimed against all invoices (if approved): $, payment details:.

Payment Method:

Present your credit card when submitting your claim on departure.

Account Name:

BSB Number:

Account Number:

Cheque Currency:

Declaration:

I claim the Goods and Services Tax (and Wine Equalisation Tax if applicable) under the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) for the goods described in this TRS claim application.

I confirm that:

  • These goods were acquired by me within 60 days of my departure date, and paid in full for the amounts indicated in this TRS claim on the associated invoices;
  • The goods in this TRS claim will be in my possession and exported by me on the specified date of departure from Australia.

I understand that if I return to Australia with the goods, I may be required to pay applicable duties including GST and WET.

You have finished supplying the information needed to process your TRS claim and it is now saved in the following claim code. Please print or save this claim code.

You may save the claim code by right-clicking it and selecting your browsers Save Image/Picture... option.

To submit your TRS claim, you must present this claim code and any additional claim codes you have created at the TRS location at your port of departure from Australia.

Ensure you have the following items ready to be inspected:

  • The goods you are claiming a refund against;
  • Your Tax Invoice(s);
  • Your passport; and
  • Your boarding pass.

If you cannot present your claim code, your claim will be processed manually.

If when requested by an ABF officer you cannot present some or any of the goods listed above, some or all of your claim may be rejected.

Please note: this claim contains invoices that do not meet eligibility requirements.

To submit your Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) claim, you must present this claim code at the TRS facility at your port of departure.

If, when requested, you cannot present some or any of the items listed above prior to departing the country, some or all of your claim may be rejected.

Tax Invoice Summary

Tax Invoice s . Total:

Estimated Refund (subject to approval)

Terms and Conditions

Privacy statement.

The Department of Home Affairs (Home Affairs) is collecting and using your personal information for the purpose of assessing and refunding the Goods and Services (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) in accordance with section 168 of the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (Cth). Home Affairs may disclose this information to the Australian Taxation Office and any retailers from whom you have attached invoices for the purposes of assessing and determining your eligibility for a GST/WET refund. If a tax refund is due to be paid to you, your personal information will be disclosed to a contracted commercial agency to facilitate the processing of that refund.

Failure to complete this application or provide this information may result in Home Affairs being unable to process your tax refund using this application.

Personal information will be collected, used, stored and disclosed by Home Affairs in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles in Schedule 1 of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

Further information regarding how Home Affairs handles personal information can be found in Home Affairs' privacy policy .

Warning: The TRS claim code generated by this app is not encrypted and can be read by any device capable of reading a QR code. You bear sole responsibility for the security of the code and its data.

Conditions on the use of this application, the eligibility rules for making a TRS claim, and the process for making a claim are detailed on the TRS information page .

Legal Statement

Making a false or misleading statement to an officer, including by presenting false documents, may result in the application of penalties.

Any goods subject to this TRS claim must be declared if they are brought back into Australia. You may be required to repay the GST/WET refunded under the TRS plus any additional customs duties and taxes payable on the ENTIRE VALUE of ALL the general goods you are importing.

Failure to declare imported goods may also result in the application of penalties (see the TRS Information page).

Invoice Details

What can i claim.

You can claim on most goods provided you can present a valid tax invoice.

You cannot claim against:

  • GST-free goods
  • Services, such as car hire and accommodation
  • Beer, spirits, tobacco and tobacco products
  • Goods consumed in Australia
  • Dangerous goods (goods you can't take out with you on the aircraft)
  • Goods which are not accompanying you on departure including goods you have freighted or posted out of Australia.

For more information refer to the TRS Information page .

Delete icon

Invoice Items:

* Please describe OTHER goods below. Your claim will be rejected if these goods do not meet the TRS requirements.

Amount Paid for Claimable Goods, including GST/WET

  • Flights Flights Flight details --> Airline information --> Baggage information -->
  • Parking & Transport Parking & Transport Parking information --> Book parking --> Parking support --> Passenger pick up --> Passenger drop off --> Parking maps --> Transport options --> Car hire -->
  • Airport guide Airport guide Prepare to travel --> Security screening --> Dine and shop --> Terminal maps --> Terminal transfers --> Assistance --> Facilities and services at T1 --> Facilities and services at T2 --> Facilities and services at T3 -->
  • Shop, Dine & Stay Shop, Dine & Stay Shop --> Dine --> Stay --> Offers --> Duty free click and collect --> Exchange currency --> Tourist refund scheme -->
  • Discover Discover SYD Hub --> Airport upgrades --> tripsim --> SYD Stories -->

UK flag

  • Flight details
  • Airline information
  • Baggage information
  • Parking information
  • Book parking
  • Parking support
  • Passenger pick up
  • Passenger drop off
  • Parking maps
  • Transport options
  • Prepare to travel
  • Security screening
  • Dine and shop

Terminal maps

  • Terminal transfers
  • Facilities and services at T1
  • Facilities and services at T2
  • Facilities and services at T3
  • Duty free click and collect
  • Exchange currency
  • Tourist refund scheme
  • Airport upgrades
  • SYD Stories

Tourist Refund Scheme information

The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) is part of the Australian Government tax system and allows the tax paid on the transaction to be reimbursed to all travellers when travelling out of the country with the goods (subject to certain conditions).

TRS is open to all overseas visitors and Australian residents, except for operating air crew. As you leave the country, you must wear or carry the goods as hand luggage with you to be inspected by the Australian Border Force (ABF) officers unless the goods are oversized or powders, liquids, aerosols and gels restricted to your packed luggage for security reasons.

More information can be found on the Australian Border Force website .

You can claim a refund if:

  • Purchased goods have been made within 60 days of departure
  • Your purchases is AU$300.00 (inc. GST) or more in one store
  • As the travelling passenger, you have paid for the goods
  • Present an original copy of the tax invoice to the ABF officers
  • Other terms and conditions as outlined here

The Australian Government Department of Home Affairs have developed mobile and web Tourist Refund Scheme Applications (App) that allow you to enter the information required to lodge a TRS claim even faster. The information you enter will be stored in a QR code. This QR code is your TRS claim code. You must present it to an officer at the TRS facility on your departure from Australia.

Using the app you can enter:

  • Your travel details
  • Details of the goods for which you are claiming a refund of goods and services tax (GST) and/or wine equalisation tax
  • How you prefer to receive your tax refund
  • Further details can be found here

If your purchase is part of your carry-on luggage

After you have checked in for your flight, please make your way through the Passport Control and Security. The TRS office to right of the Heinemann Duty Free entrance. Please be sure to be there at least 90 minutes prior to your flight departure to allow sufficient time for the TRS Officers to complete your claim.

If your purchase is packed in luggage you intend to check in

If you want to make a TRS claim for powders, liquids, aerosols or gels and / or oversized items (such as golf clubs) that you are not able to take on board because of these limits, take your goods to the Australian Border Force Office for verification before you check in your luggage.

The Australian Border Force Office is located on Arrivals Level of the T1 International terminal near the Swissport office and glass lifts. You will need to do this before you check your luggage for your flight.

Find more information about these restrictions here .

If the TRS offices are closed

Australian Border Force endeavour to staff the TRS offices before all departing International flights. If the counters are closed, you may be able able to submit your claim by filling in a form and dropping your information into the dropbox located at the departures office. You will find this option at the TRS office to right of the Heinemann Duty Free entrance.

A list of terminal and parking maps are available to view and download here .

  • ATO Community
  • Legal Database
  • What's New

Log in to ATO online services

Access secure services, view your details and lodge online.

Tourist refund scheme

Last updated 21 April 2022

Travellers departing Australia can get a GST or WET refund under the tourist refund scheme (TRS), administered by the Department of Home Affairs and its operational arm the Australian Border Force (ABF).

The scheme applies to goods purchased at prices that include GST or WET, from a retailer with an ABN and registered for GST.

It does not apply to services such as accommodation. GST-free goods cannot get a refund under the scheme, as no GST has been paid.

Crew members of an aircraft or ship are not eligible to claim refunds under the scheme.

A traveller may claim a refund under the TRS if the purchases meet the following requirements.

  • The purchases are from a single business with the same Australian business number (ABN) and total AUD$300 (GST inclusive) or more. For example, if you bought items from one business, even on separate invoices, that together total AUD$300 the goods were purchased within 60 days of departure from Australia.
  • The traveller has original tax invoice/s for the goods.
  • The travelling passenger paid for the goods.
  • Carry or wear the goods on board the aircraft or ship as cabin baggage unless they are oversized or subject to aviation security measures and the airline requires them to be checked in as hold luggage.
  • Present their tax invoices (in English), goods, passport and boarding pass to the TRS facility when departing Australia.
  • Make the claim at the TRS facility at an airport at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time or 60 minutes if travelling on a cruise.

Residents of Australia's external territories, such as Norfolk Island, Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, can also get a GST refund if they export the goods to their home territory as accompanied or unaccompanied baggage or as cargo.

Travellers bringing goods back into Australia for which they have already claimed a TRS refund

You must declare any goods you bring back to Australia, for which a TRS claim was made by you or another person when the goods left Australia. You can do this by declaring the goods at question 3 on your incoming passenger card when you return to Australia.

Unless another concession applies, for example concessions on personal clothing (excluding furs), you may need to pay GST on goods you bring back into Australia. This happens when the value of those goods, combined with any other goods you import for which another concession doesn’t apply, exceeds the passenger concession allowance External Link .

Penalties may apply if you fail to declare these items.

What retailers are required to do

When a customer requests a full refund you should check their invoice to determine if they have already claimed under the Tourist refund scheme External Link . If a claim has been approved the invoice will contain a stamp from the ABF.

Customers applying for a refund when they have already obtained a TRS refund are not entitled to receive a refund for the GST/WET portion of the invoice.

To obtain a full refund, a customer must provide proof that the GST/WET has been repaid when they declared the goods on their return to Australia.

Icon image

Tourist Refund Scheme

Content rating

About this app

Data safety.

Icon image

Ratings and reviews

tourist refund scheme invoice

  • Flag inappropriate
  • Show review history

tourist refund scheme invoice

What's new

App support, more by department of home affairs.

Thumbnail image

  • Central Asia
  • Southeast Asia
  • Eastern Europe
  • Western Europe
  • Central America
  • South America
  • Middle East
  • North America
  • Travel Money Boards

Vagabond Journey – Around The World Travel

Understanding Tourist Refund Schemes and How to Maximize Them

How to get the most out of your refund.

Money

When visiting international tourist destinations, some people get bitten by the shopping bug. Indeed, going abroad can make one curious about new environments and cultures. One way to satisfy this curiosity and learn more about the country you’re visiting is to buy some clothes, snacks, and souvenirs.

However, when you’re surrounded by so much unique merchandise, it can be tempting to buy them all. Fortunately, you can add more items to your shopping list while still staying within your budget if you know how to use tourist refund schemes effectively.

What are Tourist Refund Schemes?

Tourist refund schemes, often known as VAT refund schemes, allow travelers to reclaim a portion of the value-added tax (VAT) or goods and services tax (GST) on purchases made during their trip. Eligible items encompass a wide variety, from luxury goods and souvenirs to electronics and fashion.

The main reason why there are tourist refund schemes is to entice travelers to spend more while abroad. This then stimulates tourism and boosts the local economy. As such, numerous countries have tourist refund schemes implemented into their tourism programs. Some of these countries include:

Netherlands

Keep in mind that tourist refund schemes don’t apply to every shop and purchasable goods in the country you’re visiting. To make the most of these opportunities, below are some things you can do.

Know How Much You Need to Spend

Just because you bought something doesn’t mean that your purchase will immediately be eligible to receive a VAT refund. Each country has different conditions for their tourist refund schemes, but one common requirement that you have to meet is the minimum purchase amount. Whether you’re paying in cash or using your credit card , you have to at least spend a certain amount to qualify. In Australia, you have to spend at least AUD 300 in total from participating stores. Meanwhile, in Thailand, you must purchase at least THB 2,000 worth of goods (for luxury goods, it’s THB 10,000). In Singapore, on the other hand, you have to spend at least SGD 100 to get a refund.

Each spending scheme also has its own set of mechanics, like meeting a maximum spending limit per day or store or reaching the limit by combining the accumulated amount from up to three same-day invoices. As such, it’s in your best interest to research the conditions of the tourist refund scheme of the country you’ll be visiting to give you a good idea of how it works.

Create a Strategic Shopping Plan

Once you know the mechanics of the country’s tourist refund scheme, the next step is to create a strategic shopping plan before you depart. Preparing in advance can help you make informed purchasing decisions, as well as create a shopping itinerary that fits your entire travel schedule.

When creating your shopping plan, you want to focus on researching products that are eligible for refunds and participating stores. This way, you can go straight to buying the items you want. Products that qualify you to get a travel tax refund are typically called standard-rated goods. These include:

Clothing and accessories

Electronics

Cosmetics and perfumes

Watches and jewelry

Souvenirs and handicrafts

Luxury goods

In some countries, alcohol and tobacco products don’t qualify. VAT-exempted goods are also disqualified. Moreover, qualified goods may lose their eligibility if they’re opened and consumed in their country of origin or if you fail to claim your refund during a specific time frame.

Fortunately, stores that actively participate in tourist refund schemes are well-versed in the process. In case you have any questions, they can guide you to ensure that you have a fast and smooth refund experience. Some stores also have signs indicating that they participate in the tourist refund scheme, so you immediately know where to go.

Document Your Purchases

Before you can get your refund at the travel tax counters, you have to present the necessary documents to ensure a successful claim. These important papers include original receipts, invoices, and refund forms. Make sure that the details on these documents match those on your passport and other travel documents. In some countries, they’ll be looking for the business number on the invoice to ensure that the store you’ve bought the product from is registered under the tourist refund scheme.

Be Aware of Administrative Fees

While tourist refund schemes offer financial benefits , it’s important to be aware of potential administrative fees associated with the refund process. Some schemes may deduct a small percentage as a processing fee, so factoring these charges into your calculations will ensure you have an accurate estimate of your final refund amount. In the UAE, for example, tourists will receive 85% of the total VAT while the remaining 15% will be deducted as the administration fee.

With many countries implementing tourist refund schemes, shopping at international destinations will definitely be a fun experience. Keep these tips in mind so you can purchase a wide variety of goods and still be able to enjoy plenty of savings.

About the Author: Other Voices

' src=

Leave a Comment

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Next post: 4 Ways to Make the Most of Your Vacation

Previous post: An American in Italy: The Most Exclusive Luxury Destinations

  • Jack on On Shutting Down My NYC Film Company
  • Rob on On Shutting Down My NYC Film Company
  • VBJ on World Travel Is Dirt Cheap … If You Don’t Have Any Baggage
  • VBJ on The Next Destination Could Lead Into My Next Era Of Travels
  • VBJ on Christmas Holiday Car Accident In Connecticut

Post Stream

On shutting down my nyc film company.

And getting ready to move on.

World Travel Is Dirt Cheap … If You Don’t Have Any Baggage

Apparently, the ultimate travel hack is to be able to travel with nothing.

The Next Destination Could Lead Into My Next Era Of Travels

Where I go next could determine my geographic whereabouts for the next five years.

On Finding The Next Big Project

I know it when I know it.

The Solar Eclipse That Wasn’t: Fieldnotes From The Path Of Totality, Rochester, New York

We traveled to the place where I grew up to watch the total solar eclipse. It was kind of like that scene in Spaceballs where they’re combing the desert.

Traveling To Rochester To Watch The Solar Eclipse Of 2024

Traveling into the traffic inferno of a solar eclipse.

20 Years Of Travel Blogging

A look back at two decades of Vagabond Journey.

What Happens When Travelers Get Stuck In A Place

I found a really special kind of place but it may be time to be moving on.

Happy ‘What Have You Done Lately?’ Day

Getting back on the path.

A Recap Of My First Trip To Cuba: Did I Miss Something?

Yes, I definitely need to return.

Ghost Cities of China

tourist refund scheme invoice

Duty-free with TRS for Australian residents

December 5, 2023

In a departure from common international practices, Australia allows both residents and travellers duty-free purchases under the Tourist Refund Scheme. Buy the goods, get an invoice and you can claim the duty back on the purchase as you depart. Even if you plan to return to Australia with the purchased goods, you can still claim back the tax.

Introduction

In a departure from common international practices, Australia allows both residents and travellers duty-free purchases under the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) . Even if you plan to return to Australia with the purchased goods, you can still claim back the tax.

I dropped my phone before a recent overseas trip and so I claimed back the duty on its replacement when I travelled. This made the phone slightly cheaper to purchase outright and somewhat softened the blow of breaking a 9-month-old phone.

When travelling overseas it is possible to claim back the tax on purchases made within Australia totalling $300 or more including GST using the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS). With an invoice and an international boarding pass you can claim the tax back even if you have already opened the packaging or started using the item.

This post recounts my latest TRS experience, but keep in mind that rules and regulations can change, so it’s advisable to check with Australian Border Force (ABF) beforehand.

What you need to make a claim

You must purchase the goods within 60 days of departure, obtain a tax invoice and spend at least $300 including GST. It is possible to buy the goods in multiple transactions so long as the total of all invoices for each retailer is $300 or more.

You could buy three different items from JB HiFi on three different invoices so long as all the ABNs matched across all three invoices.

“You cannot claim on goods wholly or partially consumed in Australia such as food, drinks, health supplements and perfumes” ( Tourist Refund Scheme: Common Questions ). This also only works for goods purchased in Australia from an Australian business.

You should make sure that you have:

  • the article/goods you are claiming for (you can even use it beforehand)
  • boarding pass/proof of international travel
  • an ABN , retailer name and address
  • your name (and only your name) as it appears in your passport
  • description of the goods
  • the amount of GST paid
  • the date of the purchase

For more details on this you should check the Australian Border Force TRS page and the associated Common Questions page .

I bought a phone and used it for over a week before flying out and claiming the duty on it. Importantly, just the phone was required at claim time - you do not need the original packaging - just the item you are claiming on so “long as the officer can verify the goods against the corresponding tax invoice when the TRS claim is processed” ( TRS Common Questions ).

In some cases it is possible to put the goods in your checked luggage at the airport or where they must be handled as dangerous goods, but it is best to have them with you at the time of the claim. This way the border agent can sight the goods and verify them against your invoices. It has been a source of spurious claims and fraud in the past so having it handy to show them is a good idea.

How much will you get back

Before making a purchase you can calculate the amount that you will get back by taking the total price and dividing that by 11 (assuming GST is still at the current rate of 10%). For example, with a purchase amount of $1,600 it would be a refund of $145.45 ($1,600 / 11 = $145.45).

There is also a GST calculator on the Australian government Moneysmart financial advice website.

After the purchase you can refer to the GST amount indicated on the invoice for the product to determine how much you stand to claim back.

How to claim

On the day of departure you need to find the TRS desk at the airport with time to spare as all claims need to be processed no later than 30 minutes before your flight. Depending on your luck there can be long queues for the TRS service so it is a good idea to complete this step as soon as you have cleared security.

It is best to fill out the claims online beforehand and you might be able to use a dedicated queue, which could well be quicker. This is especially true where you have multiple invoices. If you don’t and they are busy then they may ask you to step out of line, complete the claim online and then return to the back of the queue.

I only had one and they processed it at the desk, but he reminded me to use their phone apps or the website in future. He also asked me to show him the phone I had bought. This was simply a visual check and he did not even hold the phone let alone check the IMEI number against the invoice.

The staff you are claiming from here are Australian Border Force officers - in fact I saw the same officer that processed my claim checking passports on my return to Australia.

Keep the receipt you are issued for the refund by the officer in case you need it upon your return to Australia. I just tucked it into my Australian passport so I would have it handy at arrivals.

When you return

If you bought the items as gifts for family overseas and the items are not returning with you then the usual border process applies, but if you do bring the items back into the country with you then you might need to declare them.

On the Incoming Passenger Card (IPC) you must declare that you have goods that you purchased tax-free in Australia if the total of all goods you are returning with is over $900. That is all goods, which means those purchased during the trip and those you claimed under TRS at the point of departure. At the time of writing this is completed on the first page of the card as question 3 under “Are you bringing into Australia:”.

Don’t forget that this is effectively statutory declaration/affidavit and the penalties for falsify or incorrectly completing it can be high. It is definitely cheaper to declare and pay back any GST owing than to get caught mis-declaring and cop a fine.

As you pass through the border control desks at the airport you will be asked why you have declared and you need to tell them you made a TRS claim. I simply said that I had claimed for a phone on departure and the border officer directed me to the exit. That was it. I did not need to pay any tax back or, in this case, even show the goods in question on return.

If you do get stopped and they check the value of the goods then it is important to know that you cannot bring more than $900 of general goods into the country duty free as an adult and $450 as a child.

Pooling your duty-free allowance with others

When travelling with family you can pool your goods allowance so for two adults travelling together that is $1,800 for example. This is where a family is defined as:

A family includes a person and his or her de facto partner (including same-sex couples) and any of their children under 18 years of age; or a husband and wife, and any of their children.

Paying back the duty

If you have claimed over your allowance then you may have to pay back the GST that you claimed through the Tourist Refund Scheme on arrival in Australia.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that unless you’re a regular customer or otherwise flagged for high value items that, generally, the border officers will allow you through without checking too thoroughly. That is not to say they won’t check and you should be prepared to pay back the GST if you’ve brought in more than the allowance.

It should be noted that despite what forum users might write to the contrary there is in fact no consideration for depreciation on the items when they return. You will pay back the GST amount that you claimed on the item.

If the item is over the allowance then you will pay back all the GST on that item or items exceeding the allowance. You cannot just pay back the GST on the amount that exceeds the duty-free allowance.

So in the case of a single person with a phone that cost $1,500 including GST originally ($1,363.64 excluding GST) they would pay back the full GST amount of $136.36 because the total excluding GST exceeds $900. They could not just pay back the GST amount on the portion of the price over $900 and they would need to pay the whole GST amount. However, if the item was $990 including GST ($900 excluding GST) then on return you would not need to pay or declare (so long as it was the only duty-free item you had in your possession) because at the time of importation it is deemed to be $900 for tax purposes.

In my case I had pooled my allowance with my partner and the phone was well within that combined duty-free allowance should they have checked.

Of course, it goes without saying, that I am not a border agent or a specialist in tax matters so you should verify everything beforehand and make your own decisions .

Thats it! Have a great flight and enjoy the little extra bit of spending money for your holiday.

Government agencies communicate via .gov.sg websites (e.g. go.gov.sg/open) . Trusted website s

Look for a lock ( ) or https:// as an added precaution. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Tourist Refund Scheme

Duty Free Concession and GST Relief

Declaration and Payment of Taxes

Prohibited and Controlled Goods

Guide For Travellers

Three Quarter Tank Rule

The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) is administered by Singapore Customs on behalf of the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). The scheme allows tourists to claim a refund of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) paid on goods purchased from participating retailers if the goods are brought out of Singapore via Changi International Airport or Seletar Airport.

For more information on the scheme’s qualifying conditions and tourist eligibility criteria, please refer to IRAS’ webpage on Tourist Refund Scheme .

Where can I claim GST refund?

GST refund, subject to conditions of the scheme, can be claimed at these locations:

  • Changi Airport
  • Seletar Airport

How do I process my GST refund?

Before departing from the airport, please proceed to the electronic TRS (eTRS) self-help kiosk to apply for your GST refund. You will need to scan your physical passport to retrieve all eTRS transactions tagged to your passport.

  • For check-in items: Before checking-in your purchases, proceed to the eTRS self-help kiosks located at the Departure Check-in Hall (before Departure Immigration) to apply for your GST refund.
  • For hand-carry items: Proceed to the eTRS self-help kiosks located at the Departure Transit Lounge (after Departure Immigration) to apply for GST refund.

Customs Inspection: If you are notified at the kiosk to present your goods for physical inspection at the Customs Inspection Counter, you will have to present the following items in person :

1) Goods which you have purchased;

2) Original invoice/receipt issued by the retailer clearly stating the price, description of the goods, serial number (if any); and

3) Physical passport and boarding pass/confirmed air ticket.

Additional Information:

  • You should be submitting your GST refund claim at the terminal where you will be checking in your purchases or where your flight will be departing from.
  • Singapore Customs does not issue eTRS transactions nor process any refund (cash or non-cash). To check if you have been successfully issued with eTRS transactions by participating retailers or for updates on the refund status of your eTRS transactions, please visit touristrefund.sg to register and login to your e-Service account.

All refunds (cash or non-cash) are processed by Global Tax Free Pte Ltd (the approved Central Refund Counter Operator), not Singapore Customs.

For enquiries relating to the status of your approved refund, please contact:

Global Tax Free Pte Ltd

Tel: (+65) 6513 3756 ( Weekdays from 9am to 6pm ) Tel: (+65) 6546 5074 ( Weekdays after 6pm, Weekends and Public Holiday ) Email: [email protected] Website: touristrefund.sg

Refunds are not allowed on :

Services (like car rental, entertainment, dry cleaning, etc.);

Goods which are wholly or partly consumed in Singapore;

Goods purchased for business or commercial purpose;

Goods exported by freight;

Accommodation in hotel, hostel, boarding house or similar establishments; and

Goods not presented for inspection.

Do note that the following acts constitute serious offences which result in penalties and possible imprisonment:

Making a false declaration in the refund application to Singapore Customs; and

Taking goods out of the Departure Check-in Hall/ Transit Area or passing the goods to someone else, after the refund application has been approved.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

TRS (Rejected) Tourist Refund Scheme : Tax invoice request

I recently bought a few items from Apple Highpoint, Apple Pty Ltd, Highpoint Shopping Centre, Maribyrnong Victoria 3032.

I live in  India  and travelled to Australia when I bought these items.

I wanted to get a TRS  (Tourist Refund Scheme)  claim as I am supposed to get back the VAT paid as I am not Australian.

When I went to the TRS office in Melbourne Airport they  rejected the claim  saying the email receipt you are showing is not a tax invoice and they will need the same.

I reason for rejection stated was "Not an original tax invoice".

How can I get the "Original tax invoice"?

Posted on Nov 2, 2022 11:13 PM

SravanKrA

Posted on Nov 2, 2022 11:26 PM

You are addressing this to another user and not to Apple in this forum.

Apple Support Community Forum

This is Apple Support Community forum, primarily for a user to user interaction for information & idea sharing between users, if need be, extend support on technical know-how in handling Apple products from a more experienced fellow user, This is not the right forum to discuss with Apple Inc.

Similar questions

  • Tax refund I plan to buy a MacBook Pro in Berlin and I'm dual citizen of Serbia (non-EU) and Hungary (EU) and I was trying to get the answer can I get the VAT back and saw bunch of stupid answers and ways of thinking, even comparing examples from USA on some other post and decided to ask again. I saw a bunch of examples of people from non EU buying stuff in EU and getting VAT back over GlobalBlue and Customs (I also did that couple of times, but not with Apple) but I'm not sure does Apple cooperates with them? I also saw Apple store lists on their (GlobalBlue)site... Additional 15-20% off is not much but makes the difference if you can buy better MacBook Pro :D 9827 6
  • Need assistance before buying a new MacBook Pro Hello, I live in Israel, and unfortunately we don't have an official Apple store here. 😔 Next month, I will visit London, and I will be staying in town from Monday morning until Thursday noon. I have 2 questions and I would love if you can answer them. I want to buy a new MacBook Pro 16 and upgrade some components. I was told (Friends only), that if I place an order from the site *(When I'm still in Israel)* and collect it from the store in London , I will not receive a VAT refund invoice as I normally request from the store when I come to purchase without ordering first. Suppose i have made such a move, and I do order from the site, and come to collect from the store, on the day of computer collection from the store I can talk to someone and ask for the VAT refund? If the answer is negative about receiving the invoice, can I come to the London store on the morning of 2/12, order the upgraded specification, and ask them to have the computer ready by Thursday noon because I'm a tourist returning to Israel? The flight back to Israel is at 5/12, 9:10 pm. Thanks 😊  119 1
  • Tax refund for products shipped outside US by a freight forwarder I've read posts saying if a product is sent to a US address, there's no tax refund even if the final destination is outside the U.S. But on Amazon, I found that you are eligible for tax exemption and refund if the U.S. address is a freight forwarder and they send you a Bill of Lading showing the final delivery location is outside the U.S. and the Bill of Lading also references your order number. Is this application to Apple store? and what is the process if yes. 809 5

Loading page content

Page content loaded

Nov 2, 2022 11:26 PM in response to srijangupta

tourist refund scheme invoice

  • Skip to navigation
  • Skip to main content

Popular searches

Your previous searches.

  • Integrated Cargo System (ICS)

Your privacy and TRS Australia

All personal information provided by travellers will be retained by the Department of Home Affairs (the Department), and used to assess their eligibility for the TRS.

The Department can share a traveller’s personal information with:

  • the Australian Taxation Office
  • any retailer that provides a tax invoice that is included as part of a TRS claim
  • a contracted commercial agency who is facilitating refunds on behalf of the Department
  • any domestic law enforcement agency.

The Department will collect, use, store and disclose personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles in Schedule 1 of the Privacy Act 1988 . See how the Department handles your personal information, in our privacy policy

Need a hand?

IMAGES

  1. A Quick Look at Tax (Tourist) Refund Schemes

    tourist refund scheme invoice

  2. Electronic Tourist Refund Scheme (eTRS)

    tourist refund scheme invoice

  3. Claim Tax Back with Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)

    tourist refund scheme invoice

  4. The TRS explained: your guide to Australia’s GST refund scheme

    tourist refund scheme invoice

  5. Guide: Australia's GST Tourist Refund Scheme, TRS

    tourist refund scheme invoice

  6. GST Guide on the Electronic Tourist Refund Scheme (eTRS)

    tourist refund scheme invoice

VIDEO

  1. Туроператоров хотят освободить от НДС: Минфин предложил поправки к НК РФ

  2. अष्ट्रेलियाबाट बाहिर जादा एयरपोर्टमा पाईन्छ पै’सा, यस्तो छ नियम TRS, Tourist Refund Scheme Australia

  3. How to get tourist refund scheme in Australia 2024 #sydney #tourist #australia

  4. Chương trình hoàn trả lại cho khách (Tourist Refund Scheme TRS)

  5. Tourist Refund Scheme City Validation

COMMENTS

  1. My TRS Claim

    To submit your Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) claim, you must present this claim code at the TRS facility at your port of departure. Ensure you have the following items ready to be inspected: The goods you are claiming a refund against; Your Tax Invoice(s); Your passport; and; Your boarding pass.

  2. Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)

    Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) - common questions I want to claim for someone else ... Tax invoices for sales of $1000 or more must also include the buyer's identity, for example their full name or passport number. Original tax invoices are required to process your claim. Photocopies, reprints and duplicates are not accepted and will result in ...

  3. Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)

    This does not submit your claim. as a military personnel passenger on a military transport, claim a TRS refund. If you are calling the TRS from outside Australia: +61 2 6245 5499. You can claim a refund of the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax (WET) that you pay on goods you buy in Australia.

  4. The TRS explained: your guide to Australia's GST refund scheme

    The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) allows travellers to claim a 10% rebate on the price paid for almost anything bought in Australia. That 10% is initially paid up front in the form of the broad-based 10% GST (Goods and Services Tax), but when you leave Australia on a flight or cruise you can get that 10% back in full as an Australian GST refund.

  5. Use our TRS apps

    To lodge your TRS claim in Australia with our apps you must: enter your travel details. enter details of the goods for which you are claiming a refund of Goods and Services Tax (GST) and/or Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) enter how you prefer to receive your tax refund. show the QR codes, your original paper tax invoices and present your goods at ...

  6. Guide: Australia's GST Tourist Refund Scheme, TRS

    The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) allows travellers departing from Australia to claim a refund on tax payable on eligible goods in Australia. This refund applies to the 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST), as well as the Wine Equalisation Tax (WET). You can only make a TRS claim for certain goods, and there are some exclusions to the scheme.

  7. Tourist Refund Scheme

    The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) is part of the Australian Government tax system and allows the tax paid on the transaction to be reimbursed to all travellers when travelling out of the country with the goods (subject to certain conditions). TRS is open to all overseas visitors and Australian residents, except for operating air crew. As you ...

  8. Tourist refund scheme

    On this page. Travellers departing Australia can get a GST or WET refund under the tourist refund scheme (TRS), administered by the Department of Home Affairs and its operational arm the Australian Border Force (ABF). The scheme applies to goods purchased at prices that include GST or WET, from a retailer with an ABN and registered for GST.

  9. Tourist Refund Scheme

    This is the Department of Home Affairs' Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) Mobile application (the app). The app will allow you to enter the information that is required to lodge a TRS claim. The app will save the information to your mobile device, allowing you to edit the claim over multiple sessions. When you have finished entering your information ...

  10. Understanding Tourist Refund Schemes and How to Maximize Them

    Once you know the mechanics of the country's tourist refund scheme, the next step is to create a strategic shopping plan before you depart. ... These important papers include original receipts, invoices, and refund forms. Make sure that the details on these documents match those on your passport and other travel documents. In some countries ...

  11. Tourist Tax Refund Australia Guide [Updated 2024]

    Cash refunds are not available under the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS). Only original invoices are accepted; photocopied, reprinted, or duplicate invoices are not valid for claiming refunds. Goods must be taken with you; shipping goods separately is not permitted. You can Not Claim Tourist Tax Refund:

  12. Tourist refund scheme

    The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) allows Australians and overseas visitors to claim a refund (subject to certain conditions) of the goods and services tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) paid on goods bought in Australian and then taken out of Australia. .As you leave the country, you must wear or carry the goods as hand luggage with you ...

  13. Tourist Refund Scheme

    The Tourist Refund Scheme office is operated by the Australian Border Force and is located on Level 1. TRS is open to all overseas visitors and Australian residents, except for operating air crew. ... and present them along with your tax invoice, passport and international boarding pass to the TRS facility;

  14. Tourist Refund Scheme

    The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) lets you claim a refund on the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax ... Be sure the retailer will provide you with a tax invoice for each relevant purchase (all stores registered for GST will be able to give you a tax invoice, and a refund cannot be given without it) ...

  15. Tourist Refund Scheme

    The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) is an initiative of the Australian Government and allows the tax paid on the transaction to be reimbursed to all travellers (including Australians), when travelling out of the country with the goods. The refund is redeemable at the International Terminal of Brisbane Airport at the Australian Border Force Tourist ...

  16. How to claim TRS before you depart Brisbane Airport

    Whether you're a travel shopaholic or just love a bargain, you need to know about Australia's Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS). The TRS puts extra cash back in your pocket before you depart on certain purchases from your time Down Under that were over $300.00. International travellers (including Australians) can claim a GST (Goods and Services Tax) and WET (Wine Equalisation Tax) refund for ...

  17. Duty-free with TRS for Australian residents · Simon Holywell

    December 5, 2023. In a departure from common international practices, Australia allows both residents and travellers duty-free purchases under the Tourist Refund Scheme. Buy the goods, get an invoice and you can claim the duty back on the purchase as you depart. Even if you plan to return to Australia with the purchased goods, you can still ...

  18. Selling

    Participation in the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) If you have an Australian Business Number (ABN), are registered for the GST and can produce a valid tax invoice, you are eligible to participate in the scheme. No registration to the TRS is required. A TRS sale is the same as a normal sale. However, your customers will need an original tax invoice.

  19. Tourist Refund Scheme

    The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) is administered by Singapore Customs on behalf of the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). The scheme allows tourists to claim a refund of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) paid on goods purchased from participating retailers if the goods are brought out of Singapore via Changi International Airport or ...

  20. Making the claim

    get a claim form from an ABF officer at the TRS Facility. complete the form with your name, address, total number of invoices submitted, refund payment option and signed declaration (failing to complete this form accurately may result in your claim being partially or wholly rejected) place the white TRS copy of the form and ALL original paper ...

  21. IRAS

    The Tourist Refund Scheme is a voluntary scheme - not all retailers in Singapore operate the scheme. GST-registered retailers may choose to operate the scheme on their own or engage the services of Central Refund Agencies. Currently, there are 2 Central Refund Agencies in Singapore: Global Blue Singapore Pte Ltd.

  22. TRS (Rejected) Tourist Refund Scheme : Ta…

    TRS (Rejected) Tourist Refund Scheme : Tax invoice request. I recently bought a few items from Apple Highpoint, Apple Pty Ltd, Highpoint Shopping Centre, Maribyrnong Victoria 3032. I live in India and travelled to Australia when I bought these items. I wanted to get a TRS (Tourist Refund Scheme) claim as I am supposed to get back the VAT paid ...

  23. Your privacy and TRS Australia

    Your privacy and TRS Australia. All personal information provided by travellers will be retained by the Department of Home Affairs (the Department), and used to assess their eligibility for the TRS. The Department can share a traveller's personal information with: the Australian Taxation Office. any retailer that provides a tax invoice that ...