Indonesia Tax Refund Guide – Claim VAT as a Tourist
Oleh Amal
16 Julai 2025
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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KUL18:353j 10mTanpa hentiDPS21:45Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Sel, 7 Jul|AirAsiaMXN$ 1,717MXN$ 2,18321% off21% offMXN$ 2,183MXN$ 1,717- KUL17:553j 10mTanpa hentiDPS21:05Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Kha, 16 Jul|Batik Air MalaysiaMXN$ 1,735MXN$ 2,18321% off21% offMXN$ 2,183MXN$ 1,735
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KUL1:00 PM3j 5mTanpa hentiDPS2:00 PMKuala Lumpur - Bali|Fri, Jun 26|Batik Air MalaysiaCari Penerbangan LainCari Penerbangan Lain
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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
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Great422 Ulasan
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We stayed at Courtyard by Marriott in Nusa Dua, Bali 4 nights, and I must say that the services provided exceeded our expectations. From the customer service representatives at the reception, housekeeping, concierge, and all staff at the Momo Restaurant did their best to make our stay very comfortable and felt welcomed. Thank you and well done to Adi and Ulan at Momo restaurant. Their friendly and welcoming attitude made we feel comfortable during our stay. We booked a king room with a swimming pool view and the room was very spacious, modern, comfortable and quiet. We were upgraded to a premium room with a spa in the room. The swimming pool is the best in this hotel. Since Courtyard by Marriott is sharing the facilities with Marriott Garden, the guests can utilise both swimming pools and restaurants at both hotels. The breakfast was excellent at Courtyard by Marriott, where there are variety of food to choose from and the quality is above average. I like the Asian section of the breakfast the most where you can get freshly cooked noodles soup. The hotel is located 10 mins walk to Bali collection where you can find plenty of restaurants, ranges from Western, Italian, Indonesian, Burmese, Chinese and Japanese cuisine. We will certainly stay at Courtyard by Marriott if we visit Bali again.DariMXN1,853
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Amazing535 Ulasan
Ubud Bali|16km dari pusat bandar
Adorable hotel, really lovely setting, plush gardens, two nice pools, although no pool side service available, not a big deal as pool was just metres from my room. Free daily soft drink mini bar. Huge bed, comfortable size room with all the necessities. Didn’t have breakfast but did order room service, it was good and a reasonable price. Good size supermarket a couple of doors down, many restaurants and shops outside, close to monkey forest, kekak dance place, yoga barn, and the museum/palace are about 20 mins walk. Solo traveller, felt safe.DariMXN2,302
Great294 Ulasan
Kuta Bali|10.22km dari pusat bandar
Amazing stay in Discovery Kartika plaza .. rooms are great and very big , non humid and no mold smell , great bed too .. staff is very attentive and caring and they make sure the guests are happy! Breakfast has a lot variety, (love the pastry) and all the restaurants have great food .. my favorite was Sucobe at the beach where I spend a lot of time .. they have 5 days a week bbq dinners at the beach with amazing show that is really something special !!! Discovery mall is next door great for purchasing some gifts, so the location is very convenient - Will be back !!!DariMXN1,097
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Seminyak Bali|6.6km dari pusat bandar
Great Hotel clean rooms and friendly staff , it’s close to to airport as well and not far away from beachDariMXN210
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Huge resort but staff friendly food fabulous from the 4 or 5 restaurants right on the beach, plenty of lounges around the pools and on the beachfront. Couldn’t fault it at all .DariMXN1,107
Very Good317 Ulasan
Kuta Bali|10.42km dari pusat bandar
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Seminyak Bali|6.77km dari pusat bandar
this hotel is very budget and better than some five-star hotels, very clean room, super view from the window, friendly staff, nice pool. There are many cafes and shops nearby. I really liked the location of the air conditioner, it does not blow on your head and there is no dampness in the room, this is a real salvation in Bali! Breakfasts are normal, for such a price I would even say excellent!DariMXN364
Very Good527 Ulasan
Seminyak Bali|7.98km dari pusat bandar
Staff are nice, hotel is near the beach and accessible. Wifi is good and is not sporadic. I love my entire stay for a week I think. Food and morning breakfast buffet is awesome too! They vary everyday and they are not the same. Close to Mexicola but has not experienced the noise or whatsoever. My entire stay was really pleasant. Accessible to grabs and gojeks too! Will def stay here when Im back in Bali!DariMXN326
Breakfast
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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!DariMXN1,284
Great508 Ulasan
Jimbaran Bali|14.1km dari pusat bandar
I booked a Junior Suite for 3 nights, but the initial experience was quite frustrating. The room had several maintenance issues: the main lights were broken (making the room very dim), the fridge wasn't cold, the kettle wouldn't auto-stop, and both bathtubs had faulty plugs. I was especially disappointed with the service; when the technician came to fix the leaking plug, he simply watched it fail to click into place yet insisted it was ”fixed” and fine. Guests should be able to relax rather than supervising ineffective repairs.
Furthermore, the breakfast experience was poor due to many flies around the buffet area, especially on the fruit and bread. The coffee machine was also extremely slow. I was also let down by the ”gym,” which is just a tiny corner with a single treadmill and no air conditioning.
However, once the hotel finally agreed to a room change, the stay became much more pleasant. The Junior Suite design is actually fantastic—having double tubs and dual TVs is a great concept when everything is operational. The mattress was exceptionally comfortable, the AC was strong, and the location is excellent, being just a short walk to the beach.DariMXN561
Amazing1108 Ulasan
Nusa Dua Bali|19.15km dari pusat bandar
The room was great, with an excellent sea view. They provided a generous amount of snacks, nuts, and drinks, all of which were delicious. The private pool was quite large and the water temperature was perfect. Overall, the hygiene was very good, although the bathtub seemed a bit unclean and needed an extra rinse. The glass bottled drinking water was difficult to open, and the cap was sharp, posing a risk of cutting fingers. However, the toilet and shower facilities were very modern and functional, which I particularly appreciated. The body lotion in the room was excellent; I even bought a bottle from the hotel shop to take home, and it wasn't expensive. Check-in was smooth, with a dedicated staff member greeting us in the lobby and escorting us to the executive lounge to complete the process. The à la carte breakfast in the executive lounge was high quality, and the buffet selection was also very tasty, with a great variety of delicious breads. The executive lounge's afternoon tea was also very rich and satisfying. The complimentary lobby afternoon tea required a day in advance reservation, but the presentation was exquisite, and we enjoyed it on the balcony area of the lobby, which offered great views and comfortable, non-hot conditions. The hot pot at Baiyun Restaurant, included in our package, was also excellent. The dishes were clean and high-end, and the various meats and seafood were authentic and of superior quality. We tried the special herbal chicken soup base, which had a pure and rich flavor. All the staff we encountered throughout the hotel were enthusiastic and friendly, actively thinking for the guests. Overall, the experience exceeded our expectations, and our whole family was very satisfied.DariMXN5,136
Very Good176 Ulasan
Nusa Dua Bali|14km dari pusat bandar
A fantastic hotel on the eastern part of the island.
It is more suitable for a quiet family vacation and for those who prefer beach relaxation over surfing and parties. It is located quite far from the center of the island's main activity. The hotel has excellent infrastructure. The room was large, spacious, clean, and had everything needed. The breakfasts were excellent and very varied. The hotel staff is wonderful and very friendly. I would especially like to highlight the bartender Dede, who was very courteous and helped me repeatedly in planning my activities in Bali. The hotel has a private beach and various pools to suit any taste. I definitely recommend this wonderful hotel.DariMXN1,966
Very Good150 Ulasan
Jimbaran Bali|15.75km dari pusat bandar
The room was clean and well-maintained, though some minor details felt a bit dated, like a creaky floorboard, but everything else was great. The facilities were excellent, with 4 pools that the kids absolutely loved, a gym, a kids' club, and even a 4 PM chocolate hour – catering to all needs for both adults and children in the family. The service attitude was also fantastic; we were greeted with smiles everywhere we went. Prices were reasonable too; a dinner for two adults and one child was around 420, similar to what you'd pay outside. Best of all, no bugs! This was a huge plus for my child, who is terrified of insects. They also had daily traditional dance performances, which the kids found both entertaining and intriguing.DariMXN2,420
Great164 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.DariMXN5,908
💸 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
❓1. Who is eligible for a tax refund in Indonesia?
To qualify, you must: Be a non-Indonesian citizen Stay in Indonesia less than 60 days Spend at least IDR 500,000 (approx. RM150) in a single receipt Depart Indonesia via an international airport Have the original receipt, refund form, and unused items❓2. What kind of items qualify for a tax refund?
Most tangible goods meant for personal use, such as: Clothing & fashion accessories 👗 Souvenirs, handicrafts, artwork 🎁 Electronics, gadgets 📱 Cosmetics, skincare 🧴 ❌ Services, food & beverages, hotel stays, and used/opened items are not eligible.❓3. How much is the refund?
You can get up to 10% back (after admin/service fees). Example: Spend IDR 1,000,000 → Get ~IDR 90,000–100,000 back.❓4. Where can I claim the refund?
At designated VAT Refund counters in major international airports: Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (Jakarta) Ngurah Rai International Airport (Bali) Juanda International Airport (Surabaya) 📍 Go BEFORE immigration check-in for customs approval.❓5. What documents do I need to bring?
Original passport Original receipt(s) Refund form from the shop Unused items (may be inspected) Boarding pass or flight ticket❓6. How is the refund paid?
Refunds can be received as: Cash (IDR) Credit card refund (Rare cases) Bank transfer Note: Cash refund is usually faster, but card refunds may be better for large amounts.❓7. How long does the process take?
The refund process can take 20–60 minutes, depending on airport traffic and number of receipts. Go at least 3 hours before your flight.❓8. Can I get a refund at the store?
No. Unlike some countries (e.g., Korea), Indonesia does not offer in-store or instant VAT refunds. All refunds must be claimed at the airport or specific refund counters.❓9. What if I lost my receipt or didn’t get the refund form?
Unfortunately, no refund can be issued without the original documents. 👉 Tip: Always ask for a refund form when shopping and take photos of your receipts.❓10. Can I combine multiple receipts to reach the IDR 500,000 minimum?
No. The IDR 500,000 minimum applies per receipt and must be from the same store on the same day.
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