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
👉 Check hotel deals in Bali here
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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- direct cheapest
KUL15:553j 20mTanpa hentiDPS19:15Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Jum, 20 Nov|AirAsia€ 56€ 7828% offCari28% off€ 78€ 56 
KUL17:153j 10mTanpa hentiDPS20:25Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Jum, 20 Nov|Batik Air Malaysia€ 59€ 7824% offCari24% off€ 78€ 59- KUL18:303j 20mTanpa hentiDPS21:50Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Rab, 11 Nov|AirAsia€ 61€ 7822% offCari22% off€ 78€ 61
- KUL18:303j 20mTanpa hentiDPS21:50Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Sab, 14 Nov|AirAsia€ 61Cari€ 61
- KUL18:303j 20mTanpa hentiDPS21:50Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Sel, 17 Nov|AirAsia€ 61Cari€ 61
- KUL18:303j 20mTanpa hentiDPS21:50Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Isn, 16 Nov|AirAsia€ 61Cari€ 61
KUL13:003j 20mTanpa 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
Very Good200 Ulasan
Nusa Dua Bali|12.86km dari pusat bandar
Hotel Nikko Bali delivered a great holiday for us. Everything from the grounds to the hospitality was top-notch, and we really enjoyed every moment. The only small area for improvement would be expanding the breakfast buffet spread, as it felt a little limited compared to other 5-star resorts. That said, it was still a lovely stay and we’d happily return.Dari€ 87
Great465 Ulasan
Nusa Dua Bali|16.74km dari pusat bandar
This hotel is a true value king under the Marriott brand, offering consistent quality at a highly competitive price compared to other hotels. While it's not directly beachfront, the hotel provides a shuttle service to its private beach, complete with dedicated beach service.
It's conveniently located within walking distance of Nusa Dua's largest shopping mall, and just outside the hotel, you'll find a street filled with dining options, making meals incredibly easy.Dari€ 84
Great855 Ulasan
Kuta Bali|9.2km dari pusat bandar
Excellent hotel, super location. Malls are nearby, plenty of places to walk around and eat. The ocean is just a 5-minute walk for a dip in the waves. It's also the best location for excursions. The pools are fantastic, and there are slides for the kids. The hotel food is very tasty and not expensive. The staff is simply amazing!Dari€ 145
Great825 Ulasan
Nusa Dua Bali|18.83km dari pusat bandar
I have a very pleasant stay here. At 2014 back then when it is still Nikko, my brother had his wedding here and I appreciate the hotel still have their name hang in the wall near Wiwaha Chapel. The room is spacious and clean. The AC works really well. View from our room is so beautiful. Make sure to book the ocean view to enoy the beauty of Bali. We had Mexican dinner at Grain Restaurant, delicious food with Latin live band boost up the mood. Thank you Mrs. Sumerti for the hospitality during dinner. Definitely stay here if I visit Bali!Dari€ 126
Great131 Ulasan
Nusa Dua Bali|14.42km dari pusat bandar
I had a wonderful 5-day stay at Bali Tropical Resort & Spa. The resort is beautifully maintained, with lush gardens, a relaxing beachfront, and a calm, authentic Balinese atmosphere. The staff were consistently warm, attentive, and eager to help, which made the stay feel truly welcoming. Rooms were comfortable and clean, and the food offered good variety with plenty of local flavors. Overall, it’s a great choice for a peaceful, well-rounded Bali getaway.Dari€ 77
Amazing116 Ulasan
Ubud Bali|22.98km dari pusat bandar
This place is absolutely beautiful, completely enveloped in greenery. The service is top-notch, with daily housekeeping ensuring everything is spotless and tidy. The staff are incredibly polite, attentive, and always smiling. Breakfasts are à la carte and absolutely delicious. The views from the restaurant and our room window are stunning. If you love lush greenery and tranquility, you definitely need to visit this hotel. The only minor inconvenience is the cascading layout of the buildings, but there's a quick solution – just call for a buggy, and it arrives fast.
It so happened that we celebrated our wedding anniversary at the hotel (I mentioned this when booking). The complimentary surprise was wonderful – a cake at breakfast, swans made from towels with a rose on the bed along with congratulations, and a bath filled with rose petals! It was all incredibly thoughtful. The cake was amazing. Thank you, hotel, for your kind consideration!Dari€ 60
Business travel
Good406 Ulasan
Seminyak Bali|6.6km dari pusat bandar
The hotel is located in a quiet area with convenience stores nearby, which was very convenient. Room size was comfortable and cleanliness was acceptable. The only downside was the weak water pressure in the bathroom. Staff service was great and friendly throughout the stay. The swimming pool was definitely one of the highlights.Dari€ 11
Very Good421 Ulasan
Sanur Bali|7.01km dari pusat bandar
We made a last-minute decision to visit during the summer holidays and chose this hotel because of its proximity to the beach. I was prepared for an older hotel in an older area, and that's exactly what it was; there were quite a few middle-aged and elderly guests. However, the hotel's pool and garden views were quite nice, and the rooms had been renovated. The showerhead wasn't discolored, and the water quality was fine. Breakfast was acceptable, I'd give it an 80%. Besides the locally grown papaya, nothing else really stood out. We received drink vouchers for the restaurant bar, which was a pleasant place to relax. Bicycles were available for rent, and cycling along the beach was very enjoyable. There's a good restaurant by the hotel beach, with a 4.9-star rating on Google Maps. We ordered three set meals for over RMB 600 (including a significant service charge).
However, there were some downsides:
1. The hairdryer was broken. I specifically went to the front desk to ask for a replacement, but nothing was done. Luckily, it was summer.
2. Service discrimination favoring Caucasians. When queuing for eggs🍳, a Caucasian lady behind me asked for soft-boiled eggs. The chef, with an ingratiating smile, went out of his way to cater to her request, spending considerable time and completely ignoring my🍳, which was ahead of hers. Only after he finished serving the Caucasian lady with a bow did he turn to my eggs, which were already overcooked. He just made an awkward sound and offered no apology.
3. For an Indonesian hotel costing over RMB 1000 a night, I discovered upon leaving that there were green crayon marks on the quilt (near the foot end) (see picture). Are they so stingy with linen that they won't discard it?Dari€ 52
Very Good350 Ulasan
Kuta Bali|10.42km dari pusat bandar
Front desk very friendly and helpful, the green color tone in the room and toilet is very nice (personally).
This is the 4th hotel in this trip, and this hotel providede the best quality of sleep, very comfortable.
The floor is a bit oily after in contact with water, not sure if its something i did, slightly uncomfortable to walk in.Dari€ 13
Very Good772 Ulasan
Kuta Bali|9.39km dari pusat bandar
This hotel boasts a spacious property, and from the moment you step in, you're enveloped in a holiday atmosphere. It features a restaurant, an outdoor pool, and is surrounded by lush, vibrant greenery.
The room facilities are simple but complete, and the hygiene is excellent. Our room thoughtfully included an extra bed for the child, which was surprisingly comfortable. The hotel is relatively close to the airport, taking about 28 minutes during busy times. Overall, it offers great value for money in the Kuta area.Dari€ 33
Very Good450 Ulasan
Seminyak Bali|6.77km dari pusat bandar
The staff were very friendly, helpful, and genuinely service-minded. They were also happy to recommend places and things to do around the area, which we really appreciated.
Unfortunately, there were several issues that significantly affected our stay. During the daytime, there was some burning happening around the nearby rice field, and the smell came directly into our room. It became uncomfortable enough that we had to leave the hotel for a few hours and only came back in the evening.
The biggest problem, however, was the air conditioning. In the middle of the night, the room became extremely cold even though we had not intended to make it that cold. We were surprised to find the air conditioner running at 17°C with the fan at maximum speed. We had to wake up several times to adjust the temperature, and because of this we could not sleep properly until early morning.
The Wi-Fi was also very poor. Once our phones connected to the hotel Wi-Fi, the internet was practically unusable, so we eventually had to disconnect and use our own roaming mobile data instead.
Overall, the staff and service were good, but the air conditioning and internet problems seriously affected the comfort of our stay. If these two issues were fixed, the experience would be much better.Dari€ 17
Very Good598 Ulasan
Seminyak Bali|7.98km dari pusat bandar
We stayed for 5 nights. The first night, we couldn't sleep due to noise from the nightclub in our room, but we changed rooms the next day. The rooms are nice, clean, and spacious. Breakfast was varied and very delicious. The staff were very helpful and friendly. The location is good, close to the beach, and there's a shopping mall, laundry service, and scooter rental nearby. The pool isn't great for swimming, but it's fine for relaxing by during breakfast. It's a nice hotel if you plan to stay at night and explore during the day, but it's not a hotel for all-day activities. We had a good stay, thank you.Dari€ 15
Breakfast
Amazing582 Ulasan
Uluwatu Bali|19.37km dari pusat bandar
This beautiful hotel has a vantage point of the entire Uluwatu region as far as seeing the aircraft landing into the airport. Everything is spectacular, especially the upper and lower infinity pools. Breakfast is bountiful. The best thing is you get free shuttle and access to the RoosterFish Beach club, which is great if you want a change of scenery at Pandawa beach. A lot of guests stay here because of this perk. Top notch service as everyone greets you with a smile. Seeing that I was travelling alone and staying only for one night, Aldi at the front desk made sure I had a great stay and gave me an amazing upgrade to their seaview terrace room, which really elevated my whole stay as I used the sundeck to sunbathe. I am genuinely grateful and will always remember my wonderful time at the Renaissance Uluwatu!Dari€ 134
Very Good408 Ulasan
Ubud Bali|21.48km dari pusat bandar
My stay at Kenran Resort Ubud was mixed. I had specifically booked a room with a terrace on the 2nd or 3rd floor, but when I arrived, I was given a room on the 1st floor instead. Unfortunately, the room had a very strong mold smell, which made the first night quite unpleasant.
I raised the issue with the staff, and only after a fairly long discussion did they agree to move me to another room the following day. Once I was moved to the 3rd floor, the experience changed completely. The room was much better, and the views from the resort were genuinely beautiful.
My main advice to future guests would be to check the room carefully when you arrive, especially if you are placed on the 1st floor. Based on my experience, I would personally avoid the first-floor rooms.
The breakfast was another weak point for me. The menu felt limited and could definitely be improved.
Overall, the resort has amazing views and a lot of potential, and my stay became very enjoyable after moving to the 3rd floor. However, the first-day room issue and the breakfast quality stopped it from being a great experience from the beginning.Dari€ 71
Very Good606 Ulasan
Jimbaran Bali|14.1km dari pusat bandar
The hotel is very close to Jimbaran Beach, only a 6-7 minute walk away. Plus, there's a really good Indonesian restaurant right outside the hotel that's not too expensive.
The hotel facilities themselves are a bit old, but they're well-maintained. The infinity pool on the top floor is very comfortable and offers great views :)
At night, there's a night market on the road outside the hotel. It's crowded, but there's also a lot of traffic, so walking can be dangerous. I didn't try the food, so I don't know if it's good, haha.
This hotel is part of ASR Ascott, but I enquired beforehand and they don't offer any special member benefits. So it's cheaper to just book through a third-party platform :)Dari€ 26
Amazing1201 Ulasan
Nusa Dua Bali|19.15km dari pusat bandar
I finally got to stay at the Kempinski, which I'd been looking forward to! It's an absolutely wonderful hotel, from the magnificent lobby to the spectacular view of the Indian Ocean from the lobby. There was one time after check-in when the elevator stopped on the way to our room, but it was promptly reported to a supervisor and maintenance was performed, which put us at ease. We also received apologies via WhatsApp and at check-out, leaving us with the impression that this is a very trustworthy hotel. Besides the excellent facilities like the restaurants and room cleanliness, the staff's hospitality was also outstanding. This is definitely the hotel I want to stay at again next time I visit Bali.Dari€ 305
Very Good175 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!Dari€ 90
Great227 Ulasan
Jimbaran Bali|15.75km dari pusat bandar
Perfect place for a family, room is clean and smells the best. I am very picky about hygiene so the fact that I say this is a big deal, trust me.
I didn't find any mosquito in the room. But the hotel left some baygon just in case if you need it.
Amenities is stocked up.
The turn down service was nice too but i wish they left us with a little treat to make it more special
Food is great, the chocolate hour was a nice touch, but i wish they also include at least some water for the children, every drink is extra during this hour. We did request for it to be delivered to our room as our daughter was not in the mood for going down to the restaurant but she really wanted the chocolate, i was alone so I was not possible to leave her by herself…but they denied it, i guess this is a red light for me.
As for the pools, you got options for every age. For the first time my daughter swam for 5 hours! It was just that amazing.
But there is one accident that was unexpected, the swii (floating board with battery) died during the use, my daughter is 4 so yes she was panicked as the pool was deep. Luckily I had a feeling it would happen and I happen to be just behind her. I don’t want to imagine if i was not there next to her…
The service was impeccable and the fact that it is located next to samasta makes our stay a lot more easier. As we wait for check in we had a lunch there and a little shopping. There is a cultural dance in the evening that was a very welcoming sight!
It was about 5-10 mins walk to jimbaran beach, you dont need a buggy for it as the buggy has specific schedules.
If you are looking for a place to dine with Jimbaran beach view and amazing seafood but does not want to go with the crowd, Sundara restaurant behind the hotel was perfect.
My daughter and I had the best Jimbaran fish here, and I am a local! The restaurant belong to FS hotel. So yes the price is high but the food and service is amazing, also you don’t need to go far! The location if this hotel was perfect for a family.
The kids play was good but could be better, honestly if this was marketed as family hotel i think they can put a little more effort in keeping the kids corner updated. There is also a specific section for kids dining area with TV and kids utensils, but somehow is a bit dark.
The food was perfectly separated for halal/no pork. It was the perfect mix between local food and western, i had the best bakso there.
As for room, We had a suite room overlooking the pool, and the fact that we are on 2nd floor makes it so easy to go to restaurant and the pool as it was only 1 stair away.
the hotel was fully booked. I wish to add another night but unfortunately all the rooms are sold out.Dari€ 89
💸 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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