Indonesia Tax Refund Guide – Claim VAT as a Tourist
If you're planning a trip to Indonesia and love shopping as much as I do, then listen up — because this travel tip will help you stretch your Ringgit even further! 💸 As a Malaysian traveler, I was excited to find out that Indonesia offers tax refunds for tourists on eligible purchases. From stylish batik and artisanal crafts to electronics and fashion, you can actually claim back some of the tax you paid — and the process is easier than you think.
Whether you're heading to Jakarta, Bali, or Yogyakarta, knowing how Indonesia's VAT refund system works can save you a good chunk of money. 👜🎨📱
✨ Ready to shop smart in Indonesia?
👉 Book your flight to Indonesia now on Trip.com
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In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know about tax refunds in Indonesia — how it works, how much you can get back, who qualifies, and a step-by-step guide based on my own travel experience. Let's make sure you don’t miss out on the savings! 🛫💼
🧐 What is a Tax Refund in Indonesia?
source from https://www.vecteezy.com/
According to the Indonesian Directorate General of Taxes, tourists who shop in Indonesia pay VAT (Value Added Tax), which is typically 11%.
As a non-Indonesian tourist, you’re eligible to get a portion of this VAT refunded, either at the airport before departing or through designated refund counters. It's like getting cashback just for shopping!
💰 How Much is VAT in Indonesia?
VAT is 11% — quite high compared to some countries. So, yes, it’s definitely worth applying for a refund.
🔙 How Much Can I Get Back?
Typically, you’ll get up to 10% of the purchase price back (after fees). I spent around RM2,200 on shopping in Jakarta and Bali — and got back nearly RM170. 🎉
Cheap Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Bali
- Sehala
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KUL17:503j 10mTanpa hentiDPS21:00Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Sel, 28 Jul|Batik Air MalaysiaTRY 4,006TRY 5,98433% offCari33% offTRY 5,984TRY 4,006 
KUL18:353j 10mTanpa hentiDPS21:45Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Sel, 28 Jul|AirAsiaTRY 4,006TRY 5,98433% offCari33% offTRY 5,984TRY 4,006- KUL18:353j 10mTanpa hentiDPS21:45Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Jum, 31 Jul|AirAsiaTRY 4,283TRY 5,98428% offCari28% offTRY 5,984TRY 4,283
- KUL18:353j 10mTanpa hentiDPS21:45Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Kha, 30 Jul|AirAsiaTRY 4,428CariTRY 4,428
KUL12:5027j 40m1 stopsDPS16:30Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Sel, 28 Jul|Garuda IndonesiaTRY 3,847CariTRY 3,847- KUL12:5027j 40m1 stopsDPS16:30Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Sab, 8 Ogo|Garuda IndonesiaTRY 4,158CariTRY 4,158
KUL13:0027j 40mTanpa hentiDPS14:00Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Mon, Sep 6|Normal AirlineCari Penerbangan LainCari Penerbangan Lain
👤 Am I Eligible for a Tax Refund?
Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
Nationality | Non-Indonesian (yes, Malaysians qualify!) |
Stay Duration | Less than 60 days in Indonesia |
Minimum Purchase | IDR 500,000 (~RM150) per receipt at one store |
Refund Deadline | Must leave Indonesia within 1 month of purchase |
Item Condition | Items must be new and unused at time of refund |
🛍️ How Do Tax Refunds Work in Indonesia?
It’s easy! Just shop at participating stores, keep your receipts and refund forms, and claim your refund at the airport before departure.
Look for shops displaying the “VAT Refund for Tourists” sign. Once you spend at least IDR 500,000 (about RM150) in a day at a single store, you can ask for a tax refund form.
Refunds are claimed at designated counters in major international airports like Soekarno-Hatta (Jakarta), Ngurah Rai (Bali), or Juanda (Surabaya).
Cheap Hotels in Bali
5 star
Great431 Ulasan
Nusa Dua Bali|16.74km dari pusat bandar
This hotel is part of a larger resort complex. You can even feed the squirrels at breakfast! The swimming pool is huge and they offer a kids' club, which was really great.
However, I did find a hair on the bedding when I checked in. After I contacted them, they promptly changed all the linens for me. Overall, it offers good value for money, but it's really best for just lounging at the hotel or on the beach. You can have lunch and dinner at the hotel, or explore the many restaurants on the street outside. The cost of living here is comparable to Sanya.DariTRY 5,698
Great106 Ulasan
Ubud Bali|22.98km dari pusat bandar
This is a premium hotel far outside of Ubud center. Be aware you are about 30 minutes from Ubud if you stay here and there really isn't much to do in the immediate area besides stare at the jungle. Staff was outstanding here with frequent greetings by name and remembering you like a Ritz Carlton.
Because I enjoy regular outings I actually found the location quite inconvenient as an hour a day would have to be devoted just to getting to and from Ubud.
The room I got was enormous and included a dining room, sitting room, bedroom, large bathroom. The in room amenities were great including a free restocking mini bar with snacks (no alcohol) and a large smart TV. The bed was huge, soft, and comfortable.
The bathtub was a downside as it was quite small by western standards (not as small as a japanese tub though). I'm not a very big individual at 173cm and I felt it was too narrow and not long enough. Perhaps suitable for petite individuals only. Be aware of that if like me and many Americans you prefer baths over showers.
The property is very large and you will likely want to regularly use the phone to request the on site golf cart shuttles to get around it as otherwise you will spend much of your time walking uphill from the rooms to the amenities near the entrance like the restaurant and pool.DariTRY 4,288
Great539 Ulasan
Jimbaran Bali|14.95km dari pusat bandar
when the staff greeted me with “welcome home” when i first arrived, i was initially puzzled, but as i continued my stay with intercon bali, i understood what they meant by welcome home. most times, the service was exceptionally warm. mbak Dela in the club intercontinental lounge was professional and gave a level of service which is very thoughtful and personal. i would not hesitate to stay with intercon bali again. it was such a luxurious experienceDariTRY 9,253
Great541 Ulasan
Uluwatu Bali|19.37km dari pusat bandar
Such a great deal! Just over 600 for a night, including breakfast, and the hotel even upgraded my room. The service was excellent too! I really regret not booking more nights. The breakfast was delicious and there was so much variety. Normally, this kind of room would cost over 1000 a night. Such incredible value for money!!DariTRY 7,282
Amazing549 Ulasan
Ubud Bali|16km dari pusat bandar
This was our first time visiting Bali, and we chose Ubud as our first stop. Honestly, we didn’t expect too much… until we arrived at Alaya. 🤍
Alaya truly exceeded all our expectations in every way possible.
First of all, we are so grateful to be upgraded from Alaya Resort to the newly opened Alaya Suites (only opened for 3 months!). It was such an unexpected surprise and honestly one of the experiences that made us fall in love with Ubud.
Our original booking did not include breakfast, and we planned to add it on the spot. But with the upgrade, breakfast was included for us as well. We kept wondering if there would be any hidden charges or extra payment later 😂 but NO - Alaya sincerely invited us to experience their new suites, and we really appreciated that kindness.
The breakfast was amazing too! It’s not buffet style, but “eat all you can” with freshly made dishes upon order, which honestly made the food taste even better. Everything was delicious, and btw… the latte was really good ☕️
Another thing we truly loved was the staff. Everyone served with such genuine care and kindness. Their attitude and hospitality made us feel so comfortable and welcomed throughout our stay. Thank you so much to every staff member who helped us during our stay - you guys were amazing 🤍
The room looked exactly like the photos online (search Alaya Suite) - super clean, spacious, comfortable, with huge mirrors and such a relaxing atmosphere.
And the location? PERFECT. Ubud traffic can get quite busy, so staying here and being able to walk almost everywhere made everything so much easier.
Of course, nothing is 100% perfect, so just a small note:
- The soundproofing could be better as we could hear our neighboring room talking and laughing late at night.
- The gym facilities are a little limited.
But honestly, we really loved our stay here, and this will definitely be the first hotel we revisit when we come back to Ubud again soon 🤍
Thank you for everything,
from room 308 | 10–13 May 🥳DariTRY 7,130
Great296 Ulasan
Kuta Bali|10.22km dari pusat bandar
I had a wonderful time at Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel. The property is a bit dated but incredibly well-maintained. The grounds and gardens are outstanding, the pools are fantastic, and the staff is very kind and welcoming. Being directly on the beachfront, it offers prime access to beautiful sunsets and the sea. Plus, the location is relatively close to both the town center and the airport. I honestly couldn't suggest a better place to stay. Highly recommended!DariTRY 3,645
Business travel
Very Good405 Ulasan
Seminyak Bali|6.6km dari pusat bandar
Sense hotel's location was very quite easy to go anywhere. Its located nearby local supermarket, seminyak beach, Babi guling Pak Malen, Babi guling Pak Genyol, Popella gellato ice cream, Krishna, etc. The room was very clean, Aircon worked very well. The room got hot water for shower inside bathroom, but they don't have any hairdryer, and fridge inside. The wifi wasn't worked at all, and Its a bit hard to find my phone's signal, when I slept inside the room. They said they will fixed it, but its still not fixed. Overall, the rest of the facilities was great. The room was comfortable for a solo traveler like me.DariTRY 629
Very Good397 Ulasan
Sanur Bali|7.01km dari pusat bandar
Bali is probably the country I've visited the most. I just love this place. Every time I come here, I stay at this hotel. It's great value for money! It's right on the beach, so you can swim for several hours every day. And the best part is that there's a Rip Curl station right next to the hotel! They offer lessons for both regular surfing and kitesurfing!DariTRY 4,039
Very Good320 Ulasan
Kuta Bali|10.42km dari pusat bandar
Really nice hotel, excellent value. I was only there for 1 night, but wish it was longer. Great location nearby the airport and plenty around the local area.
Room was very spacious and well equipped.
The stand out was the food from the room service, which was very inexpensive, and was exceptional (pictured), would highly recommend.
Staff all polite and friendly.DariTRY 643
Very Good724 Ulasan
Kuta Bali|9.39km dari pusat bandar
We like the hotel and we had pleasant stay. The pool and the room were very good. The door to the balcony couldn’t close but after contacting reception , they sent staff come to fixit straight away.
The night we stay was Tuesday. The hotel had buffet dinner with dance. We heard the music from the pool and went there for dinner. They said that if will be until 10PM. But when we agreed to come, buffet almost gone, I asked few time why no more food? They asked what I want they will make. Thats not the way buffet supposes to be.
And the music and dance often break very long. Form when I joined until I nearly full, no music or dance. I asked the man who stayed outside to invite customers in: what’s giọng on?
He went to ask them to play music. But the dancers only started after 10 minutes. They danced 10 minutes and break again.
I was very upset. That night was my last night in Bali.
The next morning breakfast buffet was much nicer.
I hope the hotel can manage the dance better to let customers enjoy. And FYI, that night music and dance finished at 8:30PM. Not 10PM like they told me. I posted some photos with full of food and some empty for your reference . thanDariTRY 2,019
Very Good397 Ulasan
Seminyak Bali|6.77km dari pusat bandar
We stayed at D’prima Hotel Seminyak for 3 nights during a shopping-focused trip, and the location was exactly what we needed — right in the center of Seminyak with easy access to shops, cafes, and everything within walking distance. The room was spacious with a very large, comfortable bed, which made it easy to relax after long days out. The hotel is not new and you can notice this in details like the bathroom fixtures and some general wear, but everything was clean and overall comfortable. For the price, it’s a solid budget-friendly option in a great area, especially if you plan to spend most of your time exploring rather than staying at the hotel. If you’re looking for a simple, well-located place to sleep while enjoying Seminyak, this is a good choice.DariTRY 1,051
Very Good538 Ulasan
Seminyak Bali|7.98km dari pusat bandar
I had a wonderful stay at this villa. The staff were welcoming, professional, and always ready to help. The room was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, with great amenities that made the stay relaxing. The location was convenient and close to many attractions and restaurants. Breakfast was fresh and delicious, and the overall atmosphere of the villa was calm and pleasant. I truly enjoyed my experience and would definitely recommend this villa to anyone looking for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.DariTRY 1,141
Breakfast
Very Good339 Ulasan
Ubud Bali|21.48km dari pusat bandar
Bali's Must-Stay Hidden Gem in Ubud ✨ Sthala, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Ubud Bali is truly rejuvenating! Tucked away amidst rainforest terraces, it's surrounded by lush greenery, far from the hustle and bustle, offering ultimate privacy.
The resort grounds are stunning, enveloped by jungle, river valleys, and rice paddies. The popular infinity pool directly overlooks the rainforest and mountains – every photo is a masterpiece. The rooms are spacious and tidy, with a layout that perfectly captures the Balinese resort vibe, making for a comfortable and relaxing stay.
The staff are incredibly attentive and friendly, always available when needed, and the resort's shuttle service makes getting around very convenient. Breakfast offers a wide variety of delicious options, including authentic Indonesian dishes. The SPA experience is also superb; a massage amidst the forest is incredibly blissful.
Waking up naturally to birdsong, you're fully immersed in nature – it's so peaceful and healing. This is definitely my top choice for a Ubud getaway, absolutely worth the trip. I'll be back again!DariTRY 3,548
Great522 Ulasan
Jimbaran Bali|14.1km dari pusat bandar
The room is spacious and very bright, well-equipped, and the hotel cleans it daily and restocks supplies. The location is excellent, making it very convenient for getting around. There's a 7-Eleven downstairs and a small shopping mall, and you can even see the Twin Towers from the window.DariTRY 2,075
Amazing1127 Ulasan
Nusa Dua Bali|19.15km dari pusat bandar
Our recent stay at The Apurva Kempinski Bali was unfortunately one of the most disappointing luxury hotel experiences we have had.
We arrived at around 2:30 PM and waited until approximately 3:40 PM before being able to access a room. During this time, we approached reception several times for updates. While the receptionist initially responded, we were later simply told to wait for an email confirmation and show it to staff once received. This felt unusual and far from the proactive service we would expect from a five-star hotel.
When we were finally escorted to our room, we discovered it had been prepared with twin beds despite our confirmed request for a king-bed room. Even the staff member accompanying us appeared surprised. We were informed that the issue would be investigated, and later received a call advising that a king-bed room was available two floors above us but would not be ready until 8:00 PM.
As compensation, we were offered complimentary cocktails at the Cliff Bar until 10:00 PM. However, upon arriving at the bar, we discovered it actually closed at 7:00 PM. This only added to our frustration, as it seemed no one had verified the information before making the offer.
At around 6:30 PM, we again checked with reception regarding our room status and were told it was still not ready. Rather than providing a solution, we were asked whether we wanted a dinner reservation for later that evening. We ended up having dinner while worrying whether we would eventually be able to move into the correct room.
At 8:00 PM, we returned to reception and shared our concerns with another staff member, who escalated the matter to the duty manager. To his credit, he listened to our feedback and offered several goodwill gestures, including lounge access, breakfast, cocktails and eventually airport transportation. However, as we were staying only one night, most of these benefits had limited value.
We were then told to wait while arrangements were made for our room transfer. By 8:20 PM, nobody had arrived, forcing us to call reception once again. Finally, at around 8:30 PM, the duty manager personally escorted us to the new room, which turned out to be an upgraded room with a private pool.
While we appreciated the upgrade, it was difficult to enjoy it after spending almost six hours dealing with delays, room allocation errors, poor communication and repeated follow-ups. The issue was never about receiving extra benefits—it was about receiving the room we booked and experiencing the level of service expected from a luxury hotel.
To the hotel's credit, the upgraded room made the remainder of our stay more enjoyable, and our second day was much better. However, the first day was so poorly managed that it significantly impacted our overall experience. Mistakes can happen at any hotel, but what defines a true five-star property is how those mistakes are handled. Unfortunately, on this occasion, The Apurva Kempinski Bali fell well short of expectations.DariTRY 16,853
Very Good174 Ulasan
Nusa Dua Bali|14km dari pusat bandar
This hotel is a very good choice 👍🏼 I am a little picky, but here’s my review:
Pros:
✅ No damp smell, well ventilated ( I was worried about this)
✅ No insects in the room. There might be some geckos 🦎 (which is normal and expected) but I didn’t see any.
✅ Very clean in general
✅ Comfortable bed
✅ The service is amazing
✅ The staff is very friendly and helpful
✅ The breakfast is very good, there are plenty of choices.
✅ Their restaurant is also very good, in case you don’t want to go out of the resort.
✅ The vibe at the beach is nice and if you like water sports it is also good.
✅ The pool is huge and very nice
✅ Reasonable price (but it will depend on the season and demand)
Cons:
😑 Sound proof can be better, one can hear everyone from the pool (the sound enters from the main door)
😑 The beach is not the best for swimming, and is a bit dirty in general (not the hotel’s fault)
😑 The gym can be better as there are only 3 machines (spinning, treadmill and elliptical) the dumbbells are fine
✅😄 Overall, recommended! I was happy with my stay at this hotel!
It is good to give it a try!DariTRY 5,221
Great166 Ulasan
Jimbaran Bali|15.75km dari pusat bandar
Resort’s vibe is good. Close to airport and Jimbaran beach was just a short walk away. Staff are all very friendly and professional, always greeting and smiling from their hearts. Pillows and bed are very comfortable…had good sleep every night. However, we found ants in the room & toilet. Staff did a check and left us a bottle of insecticide 😅 just in case we found more of them.
The spa was very good. The Mexican restaurant on the 8th floor serves delicious food and the ambiance there is great.DariTRY 6,245
Amazing166 Ulasan
Sanur Bali|6.62km dari pusat bandar
We booked a king room with lagoon access and was upgraded to a suite (Thank you Andaz, was a lovely surprise). We had a beautiful, clean and spacious room with a massive patio that backed onto a lagoon connected to the main pool with a sea view. It felt like paradise. There were toads croaking after the rain. We saw cockatoos and many other kinds of bird. Bird sang every morning. We even a monitor lizard swimming in the spa’s lily pond. This place is bathed in nature. Service was friendly and warm from top notch staff. The turndown service every evening was a special touch, and the grounds were immaculately kept! There were almost always staff working away to keep the grounds pristine and lush. We really like the hotel’s layout where it seems (to us) that all rooms provide a good level of privacy and some kind of a view, be it lush beautiful gardens, pool or the beach. Lastly, the à la carte unlimited breakfast was what brought us here (from the flip flop traveller, iykyk) and it did not disappoint. What an amazing treat! Andaz Bali is truly a gem.DariTRY 14,959
💸 Types of Tax Refunds in Indonesia
1. Airport Tax Refund
- Show your original passport, boarding pass, and VAT refund form
- Items must be unused and available for inspection
- Visit the VAT Refund Counter before check-in
- After verification, refund is given in cash (IDR) or to your credit card
2. Downtown Tax Refund Counters (Limited Availability)
- Some tourist-heavy areas like Kuta (Bali) have refund counters
- Refund is processed electronically, credited to your card
📝 Note: There’s no in-store immediate refund like in Korea — all refunds are processed at the airport or designated refund office
📊 Summary Table
Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
VAT Rate in Indonesia | 11% on most products |
Refund Amount | Up to 10% (after service fees) |
Minimum Spend | IDR 500,000 per receipt at same store |
Refund Points | Airport counters (Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, etc.) |
Eligible Stores | Look for "VAT Refund for Tourists" sticker |
Refund Methods | Cash (IDR) or credit card |
1 Day - 2GB/Day
- Data2GB Daily
- Validity1 Day
- PriceFrom RM3.87
7 Days - 2GB/Day
- Data2GB Daily
- Validity7 Days
- PriceFrom RM24.17
10 Days - 30GB
- Data30GB
- Validity10 Days
- PriceFrom RM59.1
🧭 How Do I Get a Tax Refund in Indonesia?
✅ Step 1: Shop at VAT-Refund-Participating Stores
Look for the “VAT Refund for Tourists” sign. Popular areas include Seminyak, Ubud, Grand Indonesia Mall, Plaza Indonesia, and Sarinah.
✅ Step 2: Show Your Passport at Checkout
Ask the cashier for a tax refund form. Your passport is required for processing.
✅ Step 3: Keep Your Receipts, Refund Form, and Items
Don’t open or use the items before flying. You’ll need to show them at the airport.
✅ Step 4: Arrive Early at the Airport
Get to the airport at least 3 hours early — refund processing can take time, especially during peak travel periods.
✅ Step 5: Visit the VAT Refund Counter
Go to the VAT Refund for Tourists Counter before check-in. Show:
- Original passport
- Boarding pass
- Refund form and receipts
- Purchased items (unused)
If all’s good, the officer will process your refund in cash or credit card. 🧾💳
💡 Tips for Tax Refunds in Indonesia
- 📷 Photograph your receipts in case you misplace them
- 🧴 Keep items sealed until after refund claim
- 🏪 Shop in large department stores — easier to get refund forms
- 💳 Request credit card refund for higher-value purchases
- 📅 Claim refund within 1 month of purchase
- 👕 Combine same-day receipts from the same store
🧳 Final Thoughts on Tax Refunds in Indonesia
After experiencing it myself, I can honestly say — the Indonesia tax refund system is totally worth it! Whether you’re shopping for batik, local crafts, or modern fashion brands, that extra cashback can go toward your next adventure or a final treat at the airport. 🎁🍜
As a budget-savvy Malaysian traveler, I found the process clear and easy, especially at major airports. Just remember to shop at participating stores and go early for your refund — then enjoy the extra savings!
Planning your next trip? Don’t forget to:
👉 Book flights to Indonesia now on Trip.com
👉 Check top hotel deals in Bali or Jakarta
👉 Pre-book your Indonesia eSIM for instant connectivity
Selamat berbelanja, and happy travels! ✈️🌴
🙋♀️ FAQs About Indonesia Tax Refund
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❓1. Who is eligible for a tax refund in Indonesia?
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❓2. What kind of items qualify for a tax refund?
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❓3. How much is the refund?
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❓4. Where can I claim the refund?
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❓5. What documents do I need to bring?
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❓6. How is the refund paid?
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❓7. How long does the process take?
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❓8. Can I get a refund at the store?
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❓9. What if I lost my receipt or didn’t get the refund form?
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❓10. Can I combine multiple receipts to reach the IDR 500,000 minimum?
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