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?
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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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KUL18:353j 10mTanpa hentiDPS21:45Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Ahd, 20 Sep|AirAsiaDKK 541CariDKK 541- KUL17:503j 10mTanpa hentiDPS21:00Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Jum, 9 Okt|Batik Air MalaysiaDKK 545CariDKK 545
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👤 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
Great459 Ulasan
Nusa Dua Bali|16.74km dari pusat bandar
The hotel is located within a large complex. There are many restaurants just a street away, and it's a pleasant 10-15 minute walk to the Collection mall, or you can use the scheduled shuttle service. The hotel isn't directly on the beach, but they offer regular shuttle rides to and from the seaside. Most of the hotel staff are very friendly, with the exception of a few at the beach. Every time I tried to buy a coconut at the beach, the staff would say they were sold out. And when I tried to order other drinks, they seemed quite annoyed. The room itself was spacious and very clean. They provide four complimentary bottles of water daily, and you can request four more. Any additional bottles after that come with a charge. During breakfast, you can see many small squirrels being fed from little wooden bowls hung on the trees in the restaurant.DariDKK 838
Amazing118 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.DariDKK 469
Great575 Ulasan
Jimbaran Bali|14.95km dari pusat bandar
We chose this hotel for the last two nights of our Bali trip because it offered excellent value compared to many other resorts in Bali and even other InterContinental properties. The resort itself is huge, with a wide variety of facilities including separate adult and family pools, an indoor gym, a calisthenics gym, beautiful ponds, direct beach access, and very friendly staff. On paper, it seemed like a fantastic choice.
Unfortunately, our stay turned out to be extremely disappointing.
We stayed in room number 4127. On our first night, both of us woke up covered in insect bites despite sleeping tucked under the blankets. Around midnight, we had to spray both the bed and ourselves with insect repellent just to get through the night. The following morning, we reported the issue and requested a room change because we were concerned there might be insects in the mattress. Instead, we were only offered fresh bed sheets and a general cleaning of the room.
Sadly, the exact same thing happened again on the second night. We woke up with even more bites and no longer felt safe sleeping in the bed. We strongly suspected there were bugs hiding in the mattress. We ended up leaving the room in the middle of the night and spent the rest of the night in the hotel lobby because we were too afraid to return to bed.
What disappointed us the most was how the situation was handled. We showed the staff numerous photos documenting the bites over both nights, yet the only compensation offered was to waive a small bill (about RMB 55) for an ice cream and a coffee. Considering we lost two nights of sleep, experienced significant discomfort, and had to spend an entire night in the lobby, this response felt inadequate and did not reflect the level of service we expected.
In addition, the hotel itself feels quite dated. Although it has its charm, many areas appear to have aged significantly. The towels were noticeably worn, wooden fixtures were chipped, and the overall condition suggested the property is overdue for a major renovation.
We genuinely wanted to enjoy our stay because the resort has so much potential. The grounds are beautiful, the facilities are plentiful, and the staff we interacted with were polite and friendly. However, the insect issue and the hotel’s response overshadowed everything else. We hope management takes this feedback seriously and thoroughly investigates the mattresses and rooms so future guests do not have the same experience.DariDKK 1,002
Great558 Ulasan
Uluwatu Bali|19.37km dari pusat bandar
My stay at Renaissance Bali Uluwatu started with a hiccup, it ended on such a wonderful note that I would happily return.
Due to a system error, I was given the wrong room type upon check-in, and unfortunately there were no vacant rooms available that day. However, the hotel team handled the situation professionally. The very next day, they upgraded me to their best room category as part of their service recovery, which I truly appreciated.
What made the experience even more memorable was the genuine hospitality. The staff noticed it was my birthday and surprised me during breakfast by singing a birthday song. I was touched, although a little awkward too 😅. A special mention to Manager Aldi, who consistently checked in on me whenever we crossed paths around the hotel to make sure everything was going well. That personal touch made a big difference.
The hotel itself is beautiful—perfect for a relaxing getaway. The sunset views are stunning, the ambience is peaceful, and the spacious grounds make it a great place to unwind. My room was clean and comfortable, the breakfast team was efficient and attentive, and the overall service throughout the stay was excellent.
Thank you to the Renaissance Uluwatu team for turning an initial disappointment into such a memorable experience. Your sincere service recovery and warm hospitality truly stood out. I'll definitely be back!DariDKK 984
Amazing583 Ulasan
Ubud Bali|15.95km dari pusat bandar
An absolutely incredible stay at Alaya Resort Ubud! The resort perfectly balances authentic Balinese charm with modern luxury. Even though it is located right in the heart of bustling Ubud, the hotel environment feels like a completely private, tranquil sanctuary.
The views from the property are stunning—waking up to the lush greenery and the peaceful rice terraces is exactly the kind of tropical escape you hope for in Bali. I stayed in an Alaya Room, which was beautifully designed, spacious, and impeccably clean.
What truly set this stay apart, however, was the staff. Every single team member went above and beyond to ensure the trip was perfect. They were genuinely warm, highly attentive, and showcased the absolute best of Balinese hospitality. Highly recommend this resort to anyone looking for a serene getaway!DariDKK 973
Great300 Ulasan
Kuta Bali|10.22km dari pusat bandar
We had a wonderful stay at this hotel. The entire property was kept very clean, and all the staff were extremely friendly. There were pool activities starting at 11:00 a.m., which made the stay even more enjoyable. I had heard that the hotel could be noisy, but I didn’t find it noisy at all. There were live bands performing in the garden, and it created a fun and lively atmosphere. The shampoo provided is a combined shampoo and conditioner, so if you prefer using a separate conditioner, I recommend bringing your own. I also appreciated that there were USB ports for charging smartphones, which was very convenient. At the shopping mall next door, you can watch a Kecak dance performance every evening from 6:00 p.m. It’s free to watch, and the performance is truly impressive. It’s definitely worth seeing, especially considering that it’s free.DariDKK 503
Business travel
Good420 Ulasan
Seminyak Bali|6.6km dari pusat bandar
I chose Sense Seminyak Hotel mainly because of its strategic location—it’s right in front of Eiger and adidas stores, which made shopping super convenient for me. After that, I easily took a Gojek ride to Seminyak Beach to catch the sunset.
The location is definitely a big plus, with everything you need nearby. It’s also a popular choice among travelers because the price is very reasonable for what you get.
A great option if you’re looking for convenience, good value, and easy access to shopping and the beach!DariDKK 72
Very Good415 Ulasan
Sanur Bali|7.01km dari pusat bandar
Prama Sanur Beach Bali is an established resort offering great value for money. Its biggest draw is the private beachfront, perfect for catching stunning sunrises, cycling, and enjoying water sports right from the hotel. The pool is large and surrounded by lush greenery. However, since the hotel has been around for a while, the rooms and bathrooms show their age. Overall, it's a good choice for budget-conscious travelers who prioritize a wide range of facilities and relaxing sea views, and aren't overly particular about the newest amenities.DariDKK 426
Very Good342 Ulasan
Kuta Bali|10.42km dari pusat bandar
Overall, my stay was just okay – it was what you'd expect for the price, nothing special but no big surprises either. On the plus side, the service was decent; staff members always greeted me, and check-out was quick. However, there were a few minor issues in the room. The air conditioning was a bit noisy, which might bother light sleepers. Also, the shower had low water pressure and the temperature fluctuated. Cleanliness was acceptable, typical for a standard business hotel. All in all, it's decent value for money if you don't have high expectations.DariDKK 98
Very Good744 Ulasan
Kuta Bali|9.39km dari pusat bandar
Clean and nice room. Buffet Breakfast is good. You can ask for fresh cooked noodles and omellet. The pool is clean ad big. Location is perfect. Near the beach, shopping, restairant and massage.DariDKK 246
Very Good434 Ulasan
Seminyak Bali|6.77km dari pusat bandar
Everything was great, service, room, room view and location. I loved my experience staying in this hotel, if I visit Bali next time probably gonna stay here again. Convenient to go everywhere located heart of Seminyak, staffs were incredibly polite and friendly. My room view was just amazing, 5 star directly. I have some recommendation on breakfast option, it would be better if breakfast had variety of options, felt a bit limited but still delicious. Thank u for my stay comfyDariDKK 143
Very Good563 Ulasan
Seminyak Bali|7.98km dari pusat bandar
I had a great stay at d’primahotel Seminyak. The room was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained. The staff were friendly, welcoming, and always ready to help. The location was convenient, with many cafés, restaurants, and popular spots in Seminyak just a short distance away. As a solo traveler, I felt safe and enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere. It was excellent value for money, and I would definitely stay here again on my next trip to Bali.DariDKK 156
Breakfast
Very Good374 Ulasan
Ubud Bali|21.48km dari pusat bandar
We stayed at Kenran Resort Ubud by Soscomma and had a truly peaceful experience. Even though it was rainy during our stay, the quiet mountain setting made it feel even more calm and serene. The atmosphere was perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature.
The breakfast and tea were absolutely delicious, and everything felt fresh and thoughtfully prepared. A wonderful place to unwind and recharge in Ubud. 🌿✨DariDKK 525
Very Good578 Ulasan
Jimbaran Bali|14.1km dari pusat bandar
The hotel's location is excellent; we could watch the beach sunset from the 6th-floor restaurant. After the sun set, it was just a convenient 5-minute walk to the nearby beach, and the evening glow was beautiful. The breakfast was plentiful, with both Western and Indonesian options. I highly recommend the coconut milk beef soup; its flavor was uniquely wonderful. For dinner, we ate at the 6th-floor restaurant while watching the sunset. We ordered grilled fish, but they didn't have the one on the menu and substituted it with blue marlin. It was grilled so tough it was hard to chew and had no flavor. So, the next evening, we went to the convenient Village Hotel next to the Fox Hotel for dinner, and it was delicious. Just about ten meters out of the hotel alley, at the intersection, there's a small shop selling various souvenirs, which are quite cheap and worth a look. The bottled water provided by the hotel felt like it was refilled, so I didn't dare to drink it. We bought large bottles of water from the small shop for drinking and brushing our teeth. The hotel was very nice; even though they were fully booked, they still allowed us to check out an hour late. Around 1 PM, the hotel lobby was breezy and quite cool.DariDKK 207
Amazing1180 Ulasan
Nusa Dua Bali|19.15km dari pusat bandar
Good day! This was our first time visiting this hotel. Overall, we were satisfied with our stay. Let's start with the pros: nice spacious rooms, a great view, wonderful pillows, and delicious breakfasts. The beach is beautiful with easy access to the water.
Now for the cons: 1. The hotel is starting to show its age and needs renovation, especially the common areas. 2. Beach cleaning was slow. 3. It was difficult to find a sun lounger; if you didn't claim one early in the morning, you risked being without one. There were also issues with towels. 4. The restaurants were very expensive, about three times pricier than those at Bali Collection. There was an incident with our room, and it took a while to resolve the issue. However, to the hotel's credit, they offered us a complimentary meal at the Chinese restaurant as a nice gesture. Also, there's absolutely nothing for teenagers to do; there are no entertainment options for them (no table tennis, no billiards) – nothing at all.DariDKK 1,771
Very Good176 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!DariDKK 817
Great203 Ulasan
Jimbaran Bali|15.75km dari pusat bandar
🛎️ Check-in & Staff: Staff were friendly all over the hotel. Check-in was smooth — our room wasn't ready yet, but they kindly offered us a complimentary tea hour at the Khatha Lounge while we waited. A lovely touch.
🛏️ The Room: Spacious, and they had the sofa bed set up for our family in advance. However, our first room was on a corridor that acts as the main pass-through to all other rooms — nearly every guest walks past your door. It was very noisy, especially at night, and got much worse in the evenings with guests staying up for the World Cup games. I had to go to reception very late at night to request a change. Tip: avoid rooms 1502–1510.
👍 To their credit, reception handled it well and moved us to a quieter floor away from the elevator. So in the end, just 1 noisy night out of our 5-night stay.
🏊 Pool: Very large — essentially 4 connected pools, including a dedicated kids' pool (around 40 cm deep) with slides. Perfect for children.
🍳 Breakfast: Very good with a wide variety of options.
💆 Spa: Very nice and clean.
Verdict: A warm, family-friendly resort with excellent facilities and staff who genuinely fix problems when they arise. Would stay again — just request a room away from the main corridor.
#MövenpickJimbaran #Bali #FamilyTravel #JimbaranDariDKK 951
Amazing170 Ulasan
Sanur Bali|6.62km dari pusat bandar
We had a wonderful stay at Andaz Bali. The resort is beautiful, peaceful, and very well maintained, with a great balance of modern comfort and Balinese character.
We stayed in the lagoon access suite, which was definitely a highlight of the trip. Having direct access from our terrace into the lagoon was fantastic, and being able to swim all the way to the main pool made the experience feel really special. The suite itself was spacious, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed.
The staff were consistently warm, friendly, and attentive. Alacarte buffet breakfast offered a great variety of local and international options and hand crafted juices and smoothies. Everything we tried throughout our stay was excellent.
Overall, Andaz Bali is a fantastic resort for a relaxing getaway. The combination of the beautiful grounds, excellent service, and the lagoon access suite made for a memorable stay. One of the best, if not the best in Sanur. We'd happily return.DariDKK 1,783
💸 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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