Tax refund as tourist is the easiest way to claim back some cash from all the splurging, and the good news is that tax refund in Thailand is quite simple! This is definitely my best #MidYearLobang to recommend to my fellow Zesties 🤭🍋
‼️ TAKE NOTE: you can only apply for tax refund for purchases above 2000 THB.
🛍️ STEP 1: SHOPPING!! 🛍️
REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR PASSPORT when you have planned to shop! you are required to show your passport to qualify for a tax refund.
when you have hit the minimum spend (2000THB):
1. either the cashier will ask if you’d like to apply for tax refund or you can ask the cashier if tax refund is possible in their store. most major international brands will have tax refund.
2. there is a yellow sheet that the store staff will either fill up for you after asking for your passport, or they will ask you to fill up by yourself.
🔍 STEP 2: CUSTOMS INSPECTION 🔍
the customs inspection area is available at their 10 intl airpods, but I know the one for the Suvarnabhumi Airport is all the way at the other end of airport (a bit of a walk especially with your luggage).
If the TOTAL VALUE of all your purchases is above 5000THB, you will be required to show your goods to the Customs officer for inspection. Thus, you should do this BEFORE checking in, in case all your goods can’t be carried on.
If your total value is not above 5000THB, you just need to show the yellow tax refund sheets with the receipts.
Once approved, your yellow sheets will be stamped! Make sure all sheets are STAMPED, if not you can’t quality for the tax refund. Now you can head over to check in and then passport control 🙂
🤑 STEP 3: GET YOUR $$$ 🤑
Head over to the VAT Refund for Tourists after checking-in and passport control. I believe there are 2 of these offices in the Suvarnabhumi Airport. They may be a bit of queue, so make sure you prepare ample time for this.
You’ll just need show the STAMPED yellow sheets with the receipts and the staff will process accordingly. I got my refund in cash (thai baht) which I used to buy souvenirs in the airport 🙂
I got a total refund of 420THB (around
SGD$16) which I think is not bad considering that I didn’t make any luxury purchases. I claimed purchases from Converse, Zara and Uniqlo!
I found the whole process quite fuss-free and efficient, but just make sure to ensure you include ample time for it!
