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
- Pergi Balik
- direct cheapest
KUL16:303j 10mTanpa hentiDPS19:40Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Ahd, 6 Sep|Batik Air MalaysiaTWD 3,192TWD 4,80234% offCari34% offTWD 4,802TWD 3,192 - KUL17:553j 10mTanpa hentiDPS21:05Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Sab, 19 Sep|Batik Air MalaysiaTWD 3,248TWD 4,80232% offCari32% offTWD 4,802TWD 3,248
- KUL17:553j 10mTanpa hentiDPS21:05Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Ahd, 13 Sep|Batik Air MalaysiaTWD 3,253TWD 4,80232% offCari32% offTWD 4,802TWD 3,253
- KUL17:553j 10mTanpa hentiDPS21:05Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Kha, 17 Sep|Batik Air MalaysiaTWD 3,253CariTWD 3,253
- KUL16:303j 10mTanpa hentiDPS19:40Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Jum, 18 Sep|Batik Air MalaysiaTWD 3,253CariTWD 3,253
KUL18:353j 10mTanpa hentiDPS21:45Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Ahd, 13 Sep|AirAsiaTWD 3,457CariTWD 3,457
KUL13:003j 10mTanpa 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
Great454 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.DariTWD 3,670
Amazing115 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.DariTWD 2,780
Great560 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.DariTWD 5,673
Great559 Ulasan
Uluwatu Bali|19.37km dari pusat bandar
The hotel is located on a hill, quite high up, so you definitely need a car to get around. There's one road that's in terrible condition – avoid it at all costs. The hotel is a bit older, so the rooms aren't brand new, but they are comfortable enough. The bathroom is as spacious as the bedroom, which is great. Breakfast was plentiful but not particularly tasty (a common issue in Bali). I bought a voucher for 800 RMB including breakfast for two during a promotion, and using it in June made it a really good deal. However, if it were 1000 RMB per night, I think there would be better options available.DariTWD 5,019
Amazing571 Ulasan
Ubud Bali|15.95km dari pusat bandar
Facilities: Natural, Balinese style
Cleanliness: Excellent
Ambiance: The room's fragrance was fresh and perfect.
Service: Very attentive
We canceled another hotel and switched to this one. The location is excellent; a small path next to it leads directly to the back entrance of Yogabarn, and the popular Pison restaurant is right next door. Ubud's bustling shopping street is also nearby. If you're looking for plenty of activities, this is a top choice. Breakfast was delicious. The hotel's toiletries—shampoo, conditioner, and body wash—smelled wonderful, and I even bought a set before leaving. Unfortunately, the lotion was out of stock. My question now is: How can I purchase it, and can it be shipped domestically? How can I contact you?DariTWD 5,043
Great303 Ulasan
Kuta Bali|10.22km dari pusat bandar
Amazing hotel with beautiful garden and pool with a waterfront view next to Discovery Mall. The hotel has been nicely renovated recently but the room is still the dated décor nevertheless clean and comfortable.
Hotel staff are friendly and service has been excellent.
The breakfast spread was very good. We are so glad we chose this hotel where we could conveniently go over to the mall next door along the waterfront.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay.DariTWD 2,765
Business travel
Good424 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!DariTWD 402
Very Good412 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.DariTWD 2,841
Very Good333 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.DariTWD 492
Great747 Ulasan
Kuta Bali|9.39km dari pusat bandar
I had a wonderful stay here. The location is excellent — close to the airport, the beach, and shopping centers. The service was top-notch.
That said, the breakfast buffet wasn't for me; I didn't find much on offer that suited my taste. I also stayed two nights and ran into a bit of a crowd late at night on the ground floor — other guests were having a party, drinking and shouting.
Overall, it's a good pick.DariTWD 1,847
Very Good420 Ulasan
Seminyak Bali|6.77km dari pusat bandar
I stayed here for a week and had a wonderful time. The spacious room, large bed, and comfortable balcony overlooking the fields made every day enjoyable. I'm truly grateful to all the hotel staff for their kind and friendly service at all times. They were incredibly prompt in handling issues like the faulty security box and running out of toilet paper, which I really appreciated. The breakfast buffet was fantastic, offering not just Indonesian dishes but also bread, desserts, and fruits. I especially loved the terrace seating where I could enjoy the morning breeze and sunshine. The hotel's location is excellent, close to a big beach club and the beach, with convenience stores and restaurants within walking distance, and Grab taxis arriving quickly. This was a truly wonderful trip, and I'd love to stay here again.DariTWD 796
Very Good546 Ulasan
Seminyak Bali|7.98km dari pusat bandar
Our stay in Bali this time was incredibly comfortable and pleasant! A special thanks to Adinda and Anggi, who provided exceptional and thoughtful service throughout our entire stay. They were always patient and helpful with any questions we had, and their attitude was both gentle and professional. The hotel environment was also fantastic – the rooms were clean and tidy, and the common areas were meticulously maintained, making for a truly comfortable stay. I highly recommend this hotel; I'll be suggesting it to all my friends who visit in the future!DariTWD 833
Breakfast
Very Good365 Ulasan
Ubud Bali|21.48km dari pusat bandar
The cliffside infinity pool offers stunning views of the rainforest terraces and valleys, with breathtaking sunrises and sunsets – perfect for incredible photos.
Enjoy ultimate privacy in a secluded rainforest villa, quiet and peaceful, far from the hustle and bustle of Ubud.
The butler service is attentive, there's a 24-hour front desk, free city shuttle, professional spa, and the floating breakfast is amazing.
The rooms are spacious, with Zen-inspired Balinese decor, clean, tidy, and have excellent terrace views.
Forest yoga and rice field trekking provide a healing and relaxing experience, making it ideal for a romantic honeymoon.
Be aware of mosquitoes and geckos: it's inevitable in a rainforest villa, and you might occasionally find small lizards indoors, so definitely come prepared with mosquito repellent.DariTWD 2,874
Great562 Ulasan
Jimbaran Bali|14.1km dari pusat bandar
• Location: Close to the airport and the ocean. Easy access to shops, currency exchange booths, cafes, street food vendors, and massage parlors.
• Room: Spacious with all the essentials: a safe, slippers, toothbrushes and toothpaste, shower gel, and shampoo. The view was of a soccer field and local houses, but it was noisy at night even with the windows closed; we could hear motorbikes racing on the road. The lack of a balcony wasn't an issue; we dried our clothes in the room.
At one point, the air conditioning stopped working, but we reported it to reception, and they fixed it quickly.
The shower drained poorly, likely due to a lack of slope towards the drain.
• Breakfast: Varied, with sliced cheese and cold cuts, a vegetable and salad station, an omelet station, several types of fruit, fried fish, chicken in various sauces, rice, pasta, a self-serve soup station, but the pastries were cold 😓.
I didn't like that smoking was allowed at the tables.
• Pool: Overlooking Jimbaran Bay. Absolutely beautiful. I wanted to explore every corner. The pool looked clean, and all the tiles were intact. There was a bar nearby where you could order drinks and food at reasonable prices.
• Ocean: A straight 5-minute walk down a quiet street. The beach is being cleaned this year. The most beautiful sunsets are only here 😍. The hotel doesn't have its own sun loungers and umbrellas, but you can rent them on the beach without any problems.
Overall, the hotel offers excellent value for money. The cost is affordable for such a great vacation.DariTWD 1,345
Amazing1164 Ulasan
Nusa Dua Bali|19.15km dari pusat bandar
The hotel grounds are expansive and the lobby is quite grand, with a nice aesthetic. However, the rooms and elevators are really showing their age. The lettering on light switches is completely worn off, and you can barely read the labels on the shower gel bottles – I don't know why the hotel hasn't replaced them yet. While the room was spacious, it felt too old for the price. On the positive side, there's an indoor kids' play area and a small water slide, which the children absolutely loved. There aren't any convenience stores nearby, which was a bit inconvenient. Overall, a one or two-day stay is more than enough here.DariTWD 13,514
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!DariTWD 3,693
Great189 Ulasan
Jimbaran Bali|15.75km dari pusat bandar
We really enjoyed our stay at Mövenpick and were very happy with our overall experience.
The hotel itself is beautiful, with a stylish and thoughtful design throughout. Our room was spacious, comfortable, and beautifully designed as well. The service was excellent, and the staff were always friendly, responsive, and genuinely willing to help whenever we needed anything.
The only downside was breakfast. At times, it felt like there were simply more guests than the restaurant and staff could comfortably accommodate, which made the experience a little hectic and the service less smooth than in the rest of the hotel.
Apart from that, everything was wonderful. We truly enjoyed our stay and were very pleased with the hotel, the service, and the atmosphere. Thank you to the entire team for making our time at MövenpickDariTWD 4,238
Amazing169 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.DariTWD 10,361
💸 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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