Indonesia Tax Refund Guide – Claim VAT as a Tourist

Gambar Profil Penulis

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

Tambang penerbangan yang dipaparkan dari ${{departCityName}} ke ${{arrivalCityName}} adalah berdasarkan harga purata daripada pelbagai syarikat penerbangan untuk 3 bulan seterusnya, mengikut pangkalan data Trip.com terkini.

Tiket flight ke Bali

👤 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

9.1/10Great99 Ulasan
Ubud Bali|22.98km dari pusat bandar
You can only get here by bike or taxi, there is no entertainment in the hotel itself, only for a couple of nights, I would not recommend taking it for many days! There is nowhere to walk around the territory, although according to the description and reviews it seems that there is) The building itself is a little outdated, the room seems clean, but there is a smell of dampness, I was stuffy and uncomfortable sleeping there! At 6 or 7 p.m the staff wanted to break into our room with cleaning, and the staff opened the door while we were in the room, it is very strange! In the evening the monkeys come, close the balcony, we liked them, no complaints) The coolest thing is the hotel restaurant, the view and staff are 100% perfect!
Dari€65
9.3/10Great476 Ulasan
Jimbaran Bali|14.95km dari pusat bandar
Before coming here, I read a lot of reviews and was a bit conflicted, but after arriving, I realized this is truly the only correct choice for Jimbaran Beach – yes, the *only* one. It's a bit humid during the rainy season, which is understandable. The service is attentive and up to five-star standards. It's quite suitable for families; there's plenty of space for elderly family members to stroll after dinner, I'd estimate a full circuit is nearly 2 kilometers. There's a kids' club to look after your children, and for adults, there are drinks, entertainment, a gym, and a swimming pool – all readily available and generally up to par. The only drawback is that the surrounding commercial area is not as developed as Kuta, so it's more suited for relaxing within the hotel. Also, the hotel is simply huge; for our family, it meant getting lost repeatedly, every single day! Oh, and the hotel is right on the beach, which is clean and offers stunning sunset views. All in all, highly recommended.
Dari€156
9.1/10Great476 Ulasan
Uluwatu Bali|19.37km dari pusat bandar
”A hotel you want to return to!” The hotel is wonderful, but its true treasure is the people who work here. I want to sincerely thank Armaja and Eugenia! These employees are a perfect example of how guests should be treated. They show genuine care, always have a smile, and resolve any requests instantly. Thank you for your big hearts, responsiveness and efficiency! A special shout-out to the chefs: the food at the hotel is fantastic.
Dari€108
9.2/10Great467 Ulasan
Ubud Bali|16km dari pusat bandar
Exceeded all expectations! The hotel has a semi-open design, giving it a really chill and convenient vibe. There are so many famous Ubud restaurants and small shops nearby, and Pison is right next door. It's super easy to get to ATV tours, spas, and the zoo. The biggest surprise was when the handsome, braces-wearing guy at the hotel upgraded us to Alaya Suites, a new property just a few minutes walk from the original Alaya. The new hotel is fantastic, with exceptional service and delicious, freshly prepared breakfasts! We stayed at Potato Head, Anantara, and Bulgari during our trip to Bali, but considering the overall value for money, Alaya costs less than half and offers a unique experience. I would definitely stay at Alaya again next time I'm in Bali. Huge thanks to the hotel and staff for their warm hospitality.
Dari€76
8.8/10Very Good279 Ulasan
Kuta Bali|10.22km dari pusat bandar
Always stay at this hotel for the location. Im feeling its starting to get a bit tired in the rooms. Our shower tiles were very mouldy. A good scrubbing brush and some bleach is really needed. We also checked under the bed to make sure we didn't leave anything behind, I dont think it had been swept in ages. They are now only leaving 2 bottles of water in the room where as before it was 2 in the room 2 in the bathroom. Breakfast is still amazing for choice. The staff are still friendly and helpful. I will still return.
Dari€57
8.9/10Very Good280 Ulasan
Ubud Bali|18.62km dari pusat bandar
Highly recommend this hotel! Great value for money! You get five-star service for just a few hundred yuan. If you're going to Ubud, definitely choose this place, you can't go wrong! 1: Convenient transportation nearby! You can get to Ubud Palace and Monkey Forest within 15 minutes by taxi, and it's less than 2km away if you prefer to walk. 2: The service is the best! You feel right at home! They are very friendly to Chinese guests! 3: The environment is beautiful and serene, nestled in the forest. The front desk gave me a room on the fifth floor, and all I could see was lush greenery! 4: The breakfast is quite abundant, with everything you'd expect and even my favorite congee. Very satisfying!
Dari€75

Show more

Business travel

8/10Very Good376 Ulasan
Seminyak Bali|6.6km dari pusat bandar
It is 4 star hotel but the stay that I had was not up to that par. Our toilet seat has stain, and the shower room is smelly when we used the shower. The water spray is way too strong that we have to call them to fix on it. The sound proof is not good, you can hear people around you and the hotel staff did not come and warn them to lower the noise. They also didn’t have bell boy who can assist, probably work on shift hour.  Although I have a great service with them for room service, however the cleanlines and the noise experience that I had, made me not to come back to this hotel again.
Dari€11
8.6/10Very Good355 Ulasan
Sanur Bali|7.01km dari pusat bandar
As a five-star hotel, it's not perfect, but given the great price, it's acceptable. The beach is just a few steps from the hotel's pool, and it seems to be a public one, as there's a boardwalk along the entire waterfront, perfect for a stroll. There are plenty of lounge chairs by the sea, and the sand is nice. However, the beach isn't ideal for swimming, though you can still take a dip if you want to.
Dari€46
8.5/10Very Good312 Ulasan
Kuta Bali|10.42km dari pusat bandar
Ah, ”Eden Hotel” in Bali! It seems you're likely referring to one of the Grandmas Plus Hotels in Bali, specifically Grandmas Plus Hotel Seminyak or Grandmas Plus Hotel Airport. They are popular budget-friendly options in Bali. To give you a good review, I can summarize what people generally say about them, but if you stayed at a specific Grandmas Plus Hotel, let me know which one (e.g., Seminyak, Airport, Legian), and I can tailor the review even more. Here's a general overview of what people often say about Grandmas Plus Hotels in Bali, combining common feedback: Grandmas Plus Hotels, Bali (General Review) Overall Impression: Generally, Grandmas Plus Hotels are well-regarded as excellent value-for-money options, especially for budget travelers, solo travelers, and those looking for a convenient location. They often receive high ratings for their service and cleanliness. What people like most: * Excellent Location: This is a consistent highlight. * Seminyak: Very close to Seminyak Beach (often cited as a 5-minute walk) and within easy walking distance to shops, restaurants, and bars. This makes it ideal for those wanting to explore the vibrant Seminyak area. * Airport: Convenient for early flights or quick stopovers due to its proximity to the airport. * Friendly and Helpful Staff: Many guests praise the staff for being amicable, attentive, and going out of their way to ensure a comfortable stay. They often mention the staff's smiles and willingness to help. * Cleanliness: The rooms and common areas are consistently described as sparkling clean and well-maintained. * Value for Money: Guests frequently mention that the price paid for the amenities and location is a great deal. * Breakfast: Often receives positive remarks for being good, and sometimes even offering a ”different gourmet food selection” daily. * Amenities: While generally basic, they offer essential amenities. Some locations have a pool, and many have a connected restaurant/bar. In-house spas are also mentioned as a plus. * Comfort Rooms (after checkout): Some hotels in the chain offer a ”comfort room” which is a nice touch for guests with later flights. What people like least (or areas for improvement): * Room Size: A very common comment is that the rooms can be ”compact,” ”small,” or ”cramped,” especially for families. While well-designed and clean, they might feel a bit tight for some. * Noise: Depending on the room location, street noise, music, or bar noises can be audible, especially in Seminyak, which is a lively area. * Bathroom Ventilation/Issues: Some reviews mention a lack of exhaust fans in bathrooms, or occasional issues like drainage smells or spots on tiles. * Pool Size/Quality: For the Seminyak location, the pool is sometimes described as ”tiny” or ”very poor” and can get crowded. * Limited Amenities: While good for the price, some guests might miss certain features like mini-fridges or electric kettles in the rooms (though free mineral water is usually provided). Would I recommend this hotel? Based on common reviews, yes, I would recommend Grandmas Plus Hotels, especially if you are: * A budget-conscious traveler. * Looking for a hotel with an excellent, central location (Seminyak) or close to the airport. * Prioritizing friendly service and cleanliness over spacious rooms or extensive luxury amenities. * Traveling solo or as a couple (larger groups or families might find rooms a bit small). They are often described as a great base for exploring Bali, offering a comfortable and practical stay without a hefty price tag.
Dari€16
8.8/10Very Good709 Ulasan
Kuta Bali|9.39km dari pusat bandar
This hotel is located in a bustling area of Kuta, just over a ten-minute drive from the airport. The buildings are arranged around a spacious and beautiful courtyard with three pools, perfect for Western vacationers. The breakfast at the restaurant is good. The rooms are spacious, and the bathrooms are enormous. The hotel offers a peaceful retreat despite being in a lively area, and the price is reasonable. The front desk and room service staff are proactive and friendly. There are numerous dining and shopping options right outside the hotel.
Dari€31
8.6/10Very Good358 Ulasan
Seminyak Bali|6.77km dari pusat bandar
Great hotel, right in the of Seminyak. A lot of restaurants bars and clubs nearby. Changgu and Seminyak-Legian beaches are easily reachable by scooter from that place. Hotel is very clean, new and comfortable amenities, service is great! Pool is fine, cleaning is also perfect. I recommend!
Dari€14
8.4/10Very Good476 Ulasan
Seminyak Bali|7.98km dari pusat bandar
Location wise is super strategic, the breakfast was good and the staffs are friendly (expected as Balinese hospitality in general is a win). The room is neat, the mattress is clean, towels need to change it has discoloured thou. The matress is acceptable. What’s not acceptable is the bathroom smells, the sewage is so bad, the toilet is has smells of a fish market and whenever I flush the toilet, the odor of the water is really bad. Lastly, the noises at wee hours like 3am onwards, u can hear bagging on the door, shoutings from drunken party animal and an “explicit” sound from next door. NOT recommended for family with younger or teen children.
Dari€15

Show more

Breakfast

8.9/10Very Good315 Ulasan
Ubud Bali|21.48km dari pusat bandar
We had a lovely 4 nights stay at Kenran Resort in Ubud. The rooms were spacious, clean, and beautifully designed with a calming atmosphere. The staff were consistently warm, welcoming, and helpful throughout our visit. The pool is a highlight — stunning views and a perfect place to unwind. The resort also offers two restaurants on-site, which was convenient. Breakfast was decent, though we felt it could use a bit more variety. One thing to note: the location is a bit far from central Ubud, and local Gojek drivers often hesitate to come here. This means relying on the hotel's transport service, which comes at a premium. Overall, a peaceful retreat for those looking to relax away from the busy center.
Dari€74
9/10Great352 Ulasan
Jimbaran Bali|14.1km dari pusat bandar
The hotel is very close to the beach, just a five-minute walk away. There are also a few restaurants nearby. The room was very clean, and there's an open-air swimming pool on the sixth floor where you can watch the sunset. You can even see the giant statue at Garuda Wisnu Kencana in the distance. Very nice! 👍
Dari€30
9.5/10Amazing1003 Ulasan
Nusa Dua Bali|19.15km dari pusat bandar
Facilities: The infrastructure is absolutely top-notch, meeting ultra-five-star standards. The in-room facilities are exquisite and high-end, especially the toothbrush and toothpaste, which were the most comfortable I've ever used, even better than Ayana Resort. The pool water temperature is constant year-round (although Bali is a tropical region where low temperatures aren't an issue, there are times when it can be a bit chilly at 20+ degrees Celsius). Overall, the pool is very comfortable. The kids' club is decent, but the beach is just average. Cleanliness: The cleanliness is acceptable and meets the five-star standard. Environment: The environment is a magnificent, cliff-palace style, grand and unique, perfect for photos! Service: This is where I have to complain. As an ultra-five-star hotel, compared to Ayana in Bali and Wana Belle in Koh Samui where I've stayed before, it's just... I'm not talking about service attitude; in Bali, where world-class hotels converge, any hotel costing over 500 RMB will have good service. What I'm referring to is practical, convenient service for guests. For example, if you're hungry, there should be something to eat (I'm not talking about midnight, but normal dining hours). Here, you must make reservations for dining. If you don't book, there's no table. You constantly have to think about when you're going to eat. If you're late or forget, it's too late, you won't get to eat, you'll go hungry, or have to bother going out to find food. I'm on vacation to relax and be spontaneous. You can say there aren't many good tables, but you need to provide sufficient dining options. Although the hotel has 470 rooms and a large flow of guests, at Ayana, which has nearly 1000 rooms in its entire resort complex, not counting the villa area, I could always go and eat whenever I wanted, as long as it wasn't a popular restaurant like the Rock Bar. At least you were guaranteed not to go hungry if you wanted to eat. Second point! Ayana's app service is truly fantastic. With such a large guest flow, they manage to provide real-time online responses, which is extremely friendly for guests who don't speak the local language. The app also has a map, shuttle bus times, reservations, and so much more, excellent! And Wana Belle, where I stayed before, goes without saying; considering the price point, the service is one-on-one. Mainland guests even get added on WeChat for one-on-one Chinese customer service, which is simply the best! I came to this Kempinski with extremely high expectations and left disappointed. I had booked for four nights but only stayed one. The inability to get a reservation for food wasn't even the final straw. I was having breakfast with my 3-year-old son, and the staff didn't proactively offer children's tableware. As a result, when my son bit into his milk glass (which had thin walls), it shattered in his mouth. My child, not understanding, chewed on it, and some fragments were swallowed (to be honest, I also had no experience with such a situation and will always proactively ask for children's tableware in the future. Thankfully, he was fine in the end). The hotel doctor also came to see him and apologized, but what's the use? It ruined my mood. Changing hotels, checking out, selecting a new hotel, and checking in – it truly wasted a precious day of my vacation. It was so disappointing. If you can't provide this level of service, then don't take on so many rooms. You've taken on such a large guest flow, and you charge such high prices, yet basic dining isn't guaranteed. If you can make guests go hungry, and can't meet this most basic need, then don't talk about being a good hotel, let alone a 5-star one! All of the above are objective comments, both good and bad. In short, it doesn't suit my vacation needs.
Dari€213
8.8/10Very Good176 Ulasan
Nusa Dua Bali|14km dari pusat bandar
On the first day we arrived at the hotel, our child went into the swimming pool and cut his foot. The hotel called a doctor, who dressed the wound and prescribed antibiotics. However, due to the hotel’s negligence, we had to spend the first week taking care of our child and were unable to even leave the hotel, which caused us significant inconvenience and loss. Although it is a five-star hotel, there were no bathrobes in the room, and no iron or weighing scale available. On the positive side, the staff and housekeeping were very good and friendly.
Dari€95
9.1/10Great115 Ulasan
Jimbaran Bali|15.75km dari pusat bandar
We are a family of two adults, kids aged 16, 12, 6, and 4. We enjoyed a great stay. Highlights were the kids pool foam party, the huge pool area and the rooms. Tips for those staying here: 1. Aim to get to breakfast before 8 am as it starts to fill up after then. 2. Noon your cabana early. They’re not expensive but don’t just book it for the sake of holding onto it. We weren’t able to use any during our stay as we were a bit slow off the mark to book one and there were some that remained unused but booked out. 3. The food is excellent. You cannot miss the chocolate hour. There is also a small shopping area nearby. For amenities and essentials you will need to walk down the road to one of the convenience stores. 4. Make sure the kids see the bird display that sometime appears near the pool. These are parrots brought in by one of the local bird sanctuaries. There was the opportunity to have a photo with these birds. There was also an afternoon reptile display (boa constrictors, geckos etc) near the shopping area next to the hotel. 5. Download and use the Grab app. It’s like Uber for SE Asia.
Dari€112
9.5/10Amazing138 Ulasan
Sanur Bali|6.62km dari pusat bandar
We had a wonderful downtime at Andaz Bali. Location was great for beach walks and yet near to food places and shops for convenience. The property is huge which gave lots of privacy. We tried the breakfast at Andaz and dinner at Fisherman's Club, both were delectable. A wee bit expensive as part of Hyatt Group but well worth it.
Dari€200

Show more

Show more

💸 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.
Disclaimer: This article has been provided by an individual contributor or third party platform. If there is any discrepancy regarding the copyright, please contact us directly and we will delete the content immediately.
Amal

Amal

Traveller, Writer, Sea Lover, Travel Guide, Explore the world

Hi, nice to meet u~ I love traveling and exploring the world, and my dream is to travel around the world! Forever free and happy, I'll be sharing some travel tips that I hope will be helpful.

309 artikel
ChinaMalaysiaTravel TipsTravel Guide
>>
Indonesia tax refund
aaaa