VAT Refund when you buy goods in Thailand

Breaking down stereotypes, let’s say that Thailand has more than just sunbathing, bathing and relaxing in Thai massage salons. There is shopping here, too! Thailand, like many other countries, encourages foreign tourists to shop. To this end, the mechanism of VAT Refund for tourists in Thailand, called Vat Refund for tourists has been developed.

The amount of value added tax in this country is 7 percent. You must agree that it is not a little. For example, out of the 10,000 baht you will receive a refund of 600 baht. The fee will be 100 baht. Your sales in Thailand shopping with our tips will be profitable!

If you’re at Bangkok airport and don’t know the way, ask at the information desk.

Small introduction

The VAT refund mechanism is quite simple, but it is not useful for everyone, but for those foreigners who make repeated and not the cheapest purchases in stores in Thailand. The service of arranging Vat Refund in Thailand is offered by all major retail outlets. Any Thai supermarket or a large store has a department above which the sign “Vat Refund” is located. If the department does not have this information sign, the staff will always tell you where the VAT refund desk is in the store. Always have your passport with you – its absence will be a reason for refusing to process a Vat Refund.

Take care of your passport in a foreign country and don’t think about losing it! But if you do, the article “Taking action if you lose your passport in Thailand” is useful.

The Vat Refund counter at Suvarnabhumi Airport

What you need to know about VAT refund in Thailand

The VAT refund (Vat Refund) will be given to you when you return home at Thai airports, such as at Bangkok International Airport. If you want your money back, fly by airplane.
Forms for a 7% tax refund must be filled out in the store immediately after purchase. Do not forget about it.
The amount of the purchase should not be less than 2,000 baht and you should spend a total of at least 5,000 baht for the trip. In some stores, the checkout is made for the amount of all receipts.
Save all receipts and documents – it’s important, why lose money?
If you are vacationing with your family in Thailand, make all purchases for one person, and to do this show their passport (photocopy) at the Vat Refund. In this way it will be easier for you to collect the necessary minimum amount for the refund.
The rules, VAT refund only for jewelry (buy silver in Bangkok). If you want a VAT refund, don’t buy untreated gems ( buying pearls in Phuket). It is better to please yourself or your beloved with beautiful Thai jewelry.
Tax refunds in Thailand are possible if 60 days have not yet passed since the purchase. Check the dates on your receipts.
The service is only available to tourists. If you are a member of the crew of an airplane that flies to Thailand, it does not apply to you.

Location of Vat Refuld desks at Bangkok airport

How does it go?

In the mall, the forms: VAT Refund Application for Tourist and Delivery order / Tax invoice are filled out with your passport details. These papers and your passport must be shown to an employee of Thai customs before checking in for the flight. By the way, the goods themselves and the integrity of their packaging may be checked. After the customs officer stamps all the receipts, you can proceed to the check-in and passport control.

VAT Refund Application for Tourist and Tax invoice forms

In the departure area you will find a counter with a Vat Refund sign. That is where the VAT refund will be issued. The refund is given in Thai Baht and can be spent immediately at the Duty Free stores. If the refund amount is less than 30,000 baht, the money can be returned to you in cash, credit card or check. If you exceed the amount – only a card or check.

If you found this article about VAT interesting, you may also be interested in other similar material about taxes on buying or selling a home in Thailand.