As a tourist visiting Thailand, you can easily claim a VAT refund on your purchases. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Step 1: Shopping – Make your purchases at stores displaying the “VAT Refund for Tourists” sign. Spend at least 2,000 baht (including VAT) in a single store on the same day. Check that your passport number is correctly recorded on the tax invoices.
Step 2: Customs Procedure – At the airport on your departure day, present the goods you purchased to the Customs officers. If the total value of your purchases is 5,000 baht or more, the Customs officers will stamp your tax invoices. For luxury goods worth 10,000 baht or more per item, you must carry and present them to the VAT Refund officer after passing through immigration.
Step 3: Refunding – Show the Customs-stamped tax invoices for luxury goods worth 10,000 baht or more per item. Claim your VAT refund at one of the following locations: Counter VAT refund at the airport, Thailand VRT Application (mobile app), Post office (for purchases of 30,000 baht or more), or Downtown agents.
Remember, you must take the purchased goods out of Thailand within 60 days from the date of purchase. Enjoy your shopping and safe travels!
