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
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In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know about tax refunds in Indonesia — how it works, how much you can get back, who qualifies, and a step-by-step guide based on my own travel experience. Let's make sure you don’t miss out on the savings! 🛫💼
🧐 What is a Tax Refund in Indonesia?
source from https://www.vecteezy.com/
According to the Indonesian Directorate General of Taxes, tourists who shop in Indonesia pay VAT (Value Added Tax), which is typically 11%.
As a non-Indonesian tourist, you’re eligible to get a portion of this VAT refunded, either at the airport before departing or through designated refund counters. It's like getting cashback just for shopping!
💰 How Much is VAT in Indonesia?
VAT is 11% — quite high compared to some countries. So, yes, it’s definitely worth applying for a refund.
🔙 How Much Can I Get Back?
Typically, you’ll get up to 10% of the purchase price back (after fees). I spent around RM2,200 on shopping in Jakarta and Bali — and got back nearly RM170. 🎉
Cheap Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Bali
- Sehala
- Pergi Balik
- direct cheapest
KUL19:403j 5mTanpa hentiDPS22:45Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Sel, 10 Mac|AirAsia Indonesia€ 38€ 5531% off31% off€ 55€ 38 
KUL18:153j 10mTanpa hentiDPS21:25Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Sel, 10 Mac|AirAsia€ 38€ 5531% off31% off€ 55€ 38
KUL17:553j 10mTanpa hentiDPS21:05Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Sel, 10 Mac|Batik Air Malaysia€ 39€ 5528% off28% off€ 55€ 39- KUL17:553j 10mTanpa hentiDPS21:05Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Kha, 12 Mac|Batik Air Malaysia€ 39€ 39
- KUL17:503j 10mTanpa hentiDPS21:00Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Sel, 7 Apr|Batik Air Malaysia€ 40€ 40
- KUL17:003j 10mTanpa hentiDPS20:10Kuala Lumpur - Bali|Rab, 11 Mac|Batik Air Malaysia€ 40€ 40
KUL1:00 PM3j 5mTanpa hentiDPS2:00 PMKuala Lumpur - Bali|Mon, Mar 2|AirAsia IndonesiaCari Penerbangan LainCari Penerbangan Lain
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.
👤 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
Great399 Ulasan
Nusa Dua Bali|16.74km dari pusat bandar
I brought my family to Bali for a vacation and after comparing several hotels in Nusa Dua, we chose the Courtyard. Overall, our experience was great. The staff, from concierge to front desk, housekeeping, restaurant, and activity personnel, were all warm and professional. The rooms and hotel environment were clean, the internet speed was good, and the facilities were relatively new and well-maintained. The hotel shares facilities with the adjacent Marriott, offering several interconnected and clean pools, and a variety of hotel activities. The breakfast had a wide selection, including noodle soups, but the food quality could be further improved. The Indonesian-themed buffet dinner at the hotel was quite good and I recommend trying it. The hotel's location is also convenient, with convenience stores and small supermarkets nearby. It's about a 700-800 meter walk to the shopping area and the beach, and there's also a shuttle bus. Do note that the shuttle to Bali Collection is shared among several hotels, so you might not always get a seat.Dari€85
Great98 Ulasan
Ubud Bali|22.98km dari pusat bandar
A Peaceful Jungle Paradise – Worth the Escape
Ayung Resort is a hidden gem tucked away in the lush jungle of Ubud. While the location is a bit remote — with travel into central Ubud taking up to an hour due to the single road access — the truth is, you won’t want to leave the resort at all.
The views are absolutely breathtaking, overlooking the mountains and the serene beauty of the surrounding jungle. The entire resort is designed to bring peace and tranquility, with incredible attention to detail in both the architecture and landscaping.
The on-site restaurants were excellent, the service impeccable, and the range of facilities and activities meant everything you needed was right there. Whether you’re after a relaxing escape or a deep connection to nature, this place delivers a 10/10 experience.
Highly recommended for anyone looking to unwind and soak in the true beauty of Ubud without the crowds.Dari€66
Great444 Ulasan
Jimbaran Bali|14.95km dari pusat bandar
Had a satisfying trip with my 10-year-old. They provided a free extra bed for my child. We stayed in Building 2, and there were many Chinese guests, which made us feel safe. The service was excellent; all the staff greeted us, and at breakfast, they even showed us to our seats. However, I felt the breakfast selection wasn't very wide, though what they had was delicious, and there was some Chinese food available. The greenery is fantastic, and the resort is very spacious with several pools. The food was average and quite pricey. The cleanliness was good, but it definitely felt a bit dated. The hotel offers a shuttle service, and there are many activities, which weren't expensive.Dari€108
Great461 Ulasan
Uluwatu Bali|19.37km dari pusat bandar
Pros: The resort is absolutely beautiful. The service is top-tier. Every single person says hello to you and greets you with a warm smile. Room service was delicious and they have a wide variety of menu items that can be delivered within 30 to 40 minutes.
Cons: The location isn’t great. It’s a bit in the middle of nowhere. There were ants (pictured) in my bed the entire time I was there, regardless of daily cleanings. The gym is not fully equipped so if you are really into working out, this is not a good place for you to stay. I felt the gym was a bit of an afterthought, and it did not really reflect the quality of the rest of the resort. At sometimes there would be 12 people in there and there just isn’t enough space or equipment to accommodate more than three or four in my opinion. I’ve stayed at three star chain hotels that had better equipped gyms than this one.
Overall, you will not regret staying here, but you could get a private pool villa in a better location for these prices in Bali.Dari€110
Great454 Ulasan
Ubud Bali|16km dari pusat bandar
Room condition: Very clean, tidied twice a day (morning and evening). The room faced the pool and had a balcony, which was lovely for lounging.
Complimentary minibar: Replenished daily.
Free afternoon tea for two: Since there were three of us, they kindly provided afternoon tea for three.
Extra perks: The popular Pison restaurant is right next door, and guests get a 10% discount during their stay.
Pool: Cleaned every morning by staff, very well-maintained with good water quality.
Twin rooms can accommodate three people without an extra charge if no additional bed is requested. An extra bed, however, would incur an additional fee.Dari€77
Very Good274 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 !!!Dari€57
Business travel
Good377 Ulasan
Seminyak Bali|6.6km dari pusat bandar
There is parking slot available at the hotel for our rented car. The hotel just located beside the main road. So it is quite easier to drive there. As it is quite far from the tourist attraction. In front of the hotel, there is a mini mart.Dari€11
Very Good342 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€45
Very Good305 Ulasan
Kuta Bali|10.42km dari pusat bandar
My first stop in Bali was Kuta, and this hotel was a great choice. It's super close to the airport, which is perfect for late-night arrivals. The hotel offers excellent value for money, and the staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. It's also conveniently located for getting around. If you enjoy walking, it's not a long stroll to Beachwalk, and you'll even pass through Jalan Legian, soaking in the local sights and culture along the way. The hotel does have a pool, but it's on the smaller side, and I didn't get a chance to use it. This isn't really a hotel for just lounging around; it's more suited for travelers who plan to be out exploring daily or those catching a flight, and who don't have super high expectations for their accommodation.Dari€15
Very Good700 Ulasan
Kuta Bali|9.39km dari pusat bandar
The location is great, close to the beach and lively tourist areas. The room is modern, clean, and the bathroom is surprisingly spacious. However, the water pressure and drainage are very poor, and there is often an unpleasant smell. Boiling water took much longer than usual..around 20 minutes. The hairdryer is only 400W…after swimming and washing my hair, it took about half an hour to dry and still wasn’t completely dry, which made it quite frustrating.Dari€31
Very Good354 Ulasan
Seminyak Bali|6.77km dari pusat bandar
Good location, easy to find. There’s a famous massage spot nearby - which I thought was ok only. Several insta famous cafes are nearby too.
I was unwell so I basically stayed in the room throughout my stay. AC was well, shower could be hotter. Sound proofing wasn’t the best. I thought I could hear the party sound at night, not sure if I had heard it correctly.
Hotel called me at 11.30am reminding me to check out before 12. They seemed to be quite strict on check in and out timing.Dari€16
Very Good474 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€18
Breakfast
Very Good311 Ulasan
Ubud Bali|21.48km dari pusat bandar
There was an incident in the pool where a guest was sniffing and then spitting his snot from his nose into the pool below. I reported this to reception but they did not ask the guest to stop this filthy behaviour. The reception replied that they couldn't do anything about what guests do in the pool!!!! I could not swim in the pools any more after that, as I felt sick thinking that this person was being so gross and unhygienic. The pool was not busy with us (2 pax) and them (3 pax). They could have easily asked the person to stop this behaviour but didnt. They have so many staff at the time not doing alot so it could have been stopped immediately. Such a shame because it's a beautiful pool and location but that really turned me off swimming in the shared pools, especially the lower one. Otherwise the views from the hotel into the valley jungle were incredible. Staff were very friendly and accommodating as well a Food was good especially the Indian menu, we enjoyed Natti restaurant curries. I would stay here again but maybe at a room with private pool. Also at the time we stayed there was no breakfast buffet available due to low occupancy (Im assuming). We had most meals delivered to our room as the views from the balcony as so spectacular. Also huge space with a big bathtub that look out into the valley jungle. Loved it! Dari€68
Great336 Ulasan
Jimbaran Bali|14.1km dari pusat bandar
Thank you so much to the hotel team for a wonderful stay. The room was clean and comfortable, and the atmosphere was very relaxing. The staff were kind, helpful, and always welcoming. I truly appreciated the warm hospitality and good service. I would be happy to stay here again. I love ASR’s hotelsDari€31
Amazing968 Ulasan
Nusa Dua Bali|19.15km dari pusat bandar
This hotel is huge and magnificent! I booked a two-bedroom villa. Check-in and breakfast are in a separate building, quite a distance from the main building, pool, and beach. The room is spacious and well-equipped. The water quality is decent, but after two nights, the filtered showerhead showed a slight yellowish tint. Breakfast is a mix of buffet and à la carte, pretty standard, nothing spectacular. The Japanese restaurant serves good food, but the Baiyun restaurant is a bit overpriced. The staff are all very enthusiastic and helpful.Dari€222
Very Good176 Ulasan
Nusa Dua Bali|14km dari pusat bandar
The room was exactly as pictured and described. The breakfast wasn't great; there was no congee with noodles, only plain congee, milk, bread, and coffee (which was decent when made fresh). The 'Seafood Carnival' was a disappointment. 🤔 It wasn't as good as the first convenience store to the left across from the hotel. That place has a huge seafood platter for just over 300, and it's incredibly fresh. The lobster and tiger prawns with garlic butter sauce are especially worth trying there. The hotel's seafood tasted like it had been frozen and wasn't very fresh, though the live music and atmosphere were a plus. The seafood platter shown in the picture is not from the hotel.
What truly stands out is the fantastic service and warm smiles from every single staff member. They genuinely care, and I would definitely come back again.Dari€97
Great111 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€107
Amazing135 Ulasan
Sanur Bali|6.62km dari pusat bandar
Andaz is situated in Sanur, which is centrally located in Bali (between Seminyak and Uluwatu), 30 min from the airport. It's a very quiet area compared to Seminyak where we spend most of our time every time we come to Bali. We discovered Andaz a few years ago and were in awe of the property, its landscaping, the beautiful ambiance Andaz has to offer, and it's probably one of the most beautiful resort we've stayed at. The grounds are absolutely dreamy and gorgeous, you feel as if you're in a tropical paradise, a slice of heaven on earth. The rooms are amazing, just beautifully decorated, the interior decorating that's gone into the resort, and every detail is stunning. We absolutely love the breakfast options here, there are just so many to list, a variety of everything, and always a 'yes' to your every request/customization. They really make you feel special and every moment of your trip memorable. There was a small mishap between the room we booked and the room we received (an issue with a 3rd party site, not with Andaz directly), but they were very gracious to compensate us with complimentary massages. The management and staff at Andaz truly made our stay beautiful, everyone was attentive to all of our needs and wants. We will definitely be staying at Andaz again.Dari€180
💸 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.