How to get VAT refund from Thailand as a tourist ?

Who is eligible for a tourist VAT refund in Thailand?

Tourists visiting Thailand are usually eligible on certain goods purchased during their stay. To qualify for a tourist VAT refund in Thailand, you must meet the following criteria:

• Non-resident status: Tourists must be non-residents in Thailand. This means that they are not permanent residents or citizens of Thailand.

• Goods purchased: The goods purchased must be eligible. This generally includes personal items such as souvenirs, clothing, electronics and other tangible goods.

• Minimum purchase amount: A minimum purchase amount is usually required. This threshold may vary, but is generally set at 2,000 baht per receipt, including VAT.

• Proper documentation: Tourists must obtain the necessary documentation at the time of purchase, including a tax invoice or receipt issued by a VAT-registered shop. The invoice must clearly state the amount of VAT paid.

• Leaving Thailand: Tourists must leave Thailand within a certain period from the date of purchase, usually within 60 days. When claiming the VAT refund, they must also provide proof of departure, such as boarding passes or airline tickets.

• Claiming a VAT refund: Tourists must follow the established procedures for claiming VAT refunds, including submitting paperwork at the airport or designated VAT refund counters before departure.

By meeting the eligibility criteria and following the required procedures, tourists can reclaim VAT on eligible purchases made during their visit to Thailand, saving money on travel expenses.

How much VAT can tourists expect to get back?

The amount of Value Added Tax (VAT) tourists expect to receive as a refund in Thailand is usually 7% of the purchase price. In Thailand, the standard VAT rate is 7% of the value of the goods, and tourists are entitled to reclaim this portion if they meet the requirements.

However, it’s important to note that administrative or processing fees may be deducted from the VAT refund amount. In addition, some refund service providers or retailers may have policies regarding fees or minimum refund amounts.

The actual amount tourists receive may vary depending on factors such as the total purchase amount, any applicable fees, and the specific terms and conditions of the service provider or retailer.

Tourists should familiarise themselves with the applicable rules and procedures for VAT refunds in Thailand to ensure they receive the maximum possible refund while complying with all requirements and guidelines.

What is the minimum purchase amount to qualify for a VAT refund?

Tourists must meet a minimum purchase amount in Thailand to qualify for a VAT refund. The minimum purchase amount can vary, but is usually set at 2,000 Thai Baht per receipt, including VAT.

Each receipt for eligible purchases must be at least 2,000 Thai Baht, including VAT paid. If the total value of the receipt falls below this threshold, the purchase may not qualify.

It’s important for travelers to keep this minimum purchase requirement in mind when shopping and to ensure that their receipts meet the specified criteria to qualify for a VAT refund in Thailand.

What documents do I need to claim a Value-Added Tax refund?

To claim a VAT refund in Thailand for tourists, you will usually need the following documents:

Original invoices or receipts: Tourists must obtain original tax invoices or receipts from participating businesses at the time of purchase. These receipts should clearly state the amount of VAT paid and the VAT registration number of the shop.

Passport: Tourists must present a valid passport as proof of non-resident status when claiming a VAT refund. The passport must match the name on the tax invoice or receipt.

Boarding pass or airline ticket: Tourists must provide proof of departure from Thailand. This can be in the form of a boarding pass, airline ticket or other document showing the date and time of departure.

Completed Value-Added Tax refund forms: Tourists may be required to complete and submit application forms provided by the VAT refund service provider or retailer. These forms typically require information such as the tourist’s name, passport number, address and details of items purchased.

Credit card or payment method details (if applicable): If travelers choose to receive their refund by credit card or electronic transfer, they may need to provide payment method details for processing.

Travelers must retain all original documentation and follow the specific requirements of the refund service provider or retailer to ensure a smooth and successful refund process. In addition, travelers should be prepared to present these documents at the designated VAT refund counter or location before departure from Thailand.

Where can tourists process their Value-Added Tax refund claims in Thailand?

Tourists can process at designated VAT refund counters or offices at international airports, including Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok and other major international airports throughout Thailand.

These counters are usually in the departure area after the immigration and security checkpoints. They are easily accessible to tourists before boarding their flights out of Thailand. Some airports may have several providers, so tourists should look for the counters operated by the company they used for their purchases.

In addition, tourists can also process at certain downtown VAT refund offices or authorised retail outlets participating. However, processing at downtown locations may be less convenient than at the airport.

Tourists should allow sufficient time before departure to complete the VAT refund process, as queues at VAT refund offices can sometimes be long, especially during peak travel periods. All the necessary documents can help speed up the refund process and ensure a smooth experience.

What are the time limits for submitting VAT refund claims?

In Thailand, tourists must submit their VAT refund claims within a specific time frame. Generally, the deadline is within 60 days of the date of purchase.

This means that tourists must process before the end of the 60 days from the date of purchase. Travelers must know this deadline and plan their VAT refund process accordingly to meet it.

Please submit on time to avoid losing VAT refund eligibility for these purchases. Therefore, travelers should prioritize completing the necessary procedures and documentation within the prescribed timeframe to ensure a successful refund process.

What are the specific procedures for obtaining a VAT refund in Thailand for tourists?

Getting a VAT refund in Thailand for tourists involves several special procedures:

Step 1. Shopping at participating merchants: Tourists should shop at stores that participate in the program. These stores usually display signs indicating their participation and can inform customers about the process.

Step 2. Make eligible purchases: Tourists should make purchases of eligible goods such as souvenirs, clothing, electronics, and other tangible goods for personal use or consumption.

Step 3. Obtain tax invoices or receipts: At the time of purchase, tourists must request and obtain original tax invoices or receipts from participating retailers. These receipts should indicate the amount of VAT paid and the VAT registration number of the shop.

Step 4. Fill out forms: Tourists may be required to complete VAT refund application forms provided by the VAT refund service provider or retailer. These forms usually require information such as the tourist’s name, passport number, address, and details of the items purchased.

Step 5. Presenting documentation at VAT refund counters: Before leaving Thailand, tourists should visit the designated VAT refund counters or offices at international airports or downtown locations. Tourists must present their original tax invoices or receipts, passport, boarding pass, or airline ticket, and completed refund forms at these counters.

Step 6. Verification and processing: Officers will verify the documents and process the refund based on the eligible purchases and the amount paid. Depending on the refund method (cash, credit card, or electronic transfer), tourists will receive their refunds accordingly.

Step 7. Departure from Thailand: Tourists must depart Thailand within the specified timeframe after completing the process. They may be required to provide proof of departure, such as boarding passes or airline tickets, as part of the refund process.

Following these specific procedures and ensuring that all required documentation is in order, tourists can successfully obtain VAT refunds for eligible purchases made during their visit to Thailand

Are there any restrictions or limitations on the types of goods eligible ?

There are restrictions and limitations on the types of goods eligible in Thailand. In general, the following guidelines apply:

• Goods for personal use: Goods eligible for refunds are usually for personal use or consumption by tourists. These include clothing, electronics, souvenirs and other tangible goods.

• Non-consumable goods: Items not consumed during the tourist’s stay in Thailand, such as clothing, accessories and electronics, are generally eligible.

• Eligible purchases from participating merchants: Tourists must make purchases from retailers participating in the VAT refund program. Not all shops in Thailand offer VAT refunds, so tourists should look for retailers that display signs indicating their participation in the program.

• Services and consumables: Services such as accommodation, meals, transportation and consumables such as food and beverages are generally not eligible.

• Customs restrictions: Certain items may be subject to customs restrictions or limitations when leaving Thailand. Tourists should familiarise themselves with the customs regulations of Thailand and their home country to ensure compliance.

• Minimum purchase: There is usually a minimum purchase requirement to qualify for a VAT refund. Tourists must ensure that their purchases meet the minimum threshold set by the VAT refund scheme.

• Exclusions and exceptions: Some items may be excluded from VAT refund eligibility, or there may be exceptions based on specific regulations or guidelines. Tourists should check with the retailer or VAT refund service provider for any exclusions or exceptions that may apply to their purchases.

By adhering to these restrictions and limitations, travelers can ensure that their purchases qualify for a VAT refund in Thailand and maximize their savings during their visit.

Is there a limit to the number of VAT refund claims a tourist can make during their visit to Thailand?

In general, there is no specific limit on the number of VAT refund claims a tourist can make during his or her visit to Thailand. If tourists meet the eligibility criteria for VAT refunds on their purchases, they may submit multiple refund claims for different transactions.

However, travelers should remember that each VAT refund claim must meet the minimum purchase requirement and comply with all necessary documentation and procedures. Travelers should also know each refund claim’s administrative requirements and processing times.

While there is no limit to the number, they should exercise discretion and ensure that their purchases qualify for refunds and follow the guidelines set out by the VAT Refund Programme in Thailand.