Those of you coming to Singapore for holiday, you must read this. Tourist is entitled to a GST refund on goods that you purchase from retailers participating in the Tourist Refund Scheme. The Scheme is only available for goods brought out via Changi International Airport.
Under the the Tourist Refund Scheme, a visitor to Singapore may claim for refund of the GST paid on purchases if you spend a minimum amount of S$100.00 (including GST) at participating shop tha has sign "Tax Free Shopping" or "Premier Tax Free logo".
GST refund proccess
1.
Obtain Tax Refund Cheque. You are greatly advice to ask the shop if they are operating the scheme before make any purchase. Please note that GST refund form is not provided at the Singapore Custom at airport, this form must obtain at the time you purchased
2.
Get the cheques validated. Please proceed to the Customs Inspection Counter to apply for your refund. You are required to produce the goods, original receipt/invoice, completed refund form together with your passport and boarding pass/air ticket in person to the Customs Officer.
3.
Cash it your cheques. After getting the endorsement on the refund form, you should proceed to the respective counters if you are holding "Global Refund Cheque" or "Premier Tax Free Voucher" in Departure Transit Lounge (after Departure Immigration) to submit the forms endorsed by Customs and indicate your refund option. You can collect your cash refund immediately at the counter. For credit card refund, the approved amount will be credited to your specified credit card
You are eligble to refund where:
1. You are not a Singapore citizen or permanent resident;
2. You spend 365 days or less in Singapore in the last 24 months before the date of purchase;
3. You have not been, at any time, employed in Singapore 6 months before the date of purchase;
4. You are not a member of the cabin or flight crew of the aircraft on which you are departing from Singapore; and
5. You are 16 years of age or above at the time of purchase.
6. The goods must be brought out of Singapore via Changi International Airport within 2 months from the date of purchase.
7. For bulky goods or goods to be checked in, please ensure that you proceed to the Singapore Customs GST Refund counter before checking in the goods.
If you are a
student pass holder, you are eligible for GST refund if you purchase the goods not more than 4 months before the expiry of your student pass. However, you must satisfy all the criteria above and intend to depart and remain outside Singapore for a minimum of 12 months.
Please note that the actual amount refunded may be lesser than the GST you have paid as a handling fee for the refund service will be deducted by the Retailer/Central Refund Agency/operator of Central Refund Counter.
