Singapore Tax Refund Guide – Claim GST Back as a Tourist

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If you're planning a trip to Singapore and love shopping as much as I do, then listen up — because this travel tip will seriously help you stretch your Ringgit! 💸 As a Malaysian traveler, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Singapore offers tax refunds (GST refunds) for tourists on a wide range of purchases.

From Orchard Road’s fashion boutiques to skincare at Changi Airport, you can claim back part of the 9% GST (Goods and Services Tax) on your spending — and yes, it’s easier than you might think! 😍🛍️

Whether you’re visiting Singapore for a weekend getaway, family trip, or quick shopping run, knowing how the Singapore Tourist Refund Scheme works can help you save more while enjoying the Lion City. 🧴👟🎧

✨ Ready to shop smart in Singapore?

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👉 Need internet? Pre-order your Singapore eSIM here

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how Singapore’s tax refund system works, how much you can get back, who’s eligible, and my own step-by-step experience. 💼✈️💳

🧐 What is a Singapore Tax Refund?

When you shop in Singapore, you pay a Goods and Services Tax (GST) — which is 9% as of 2024. But here’s the best part: as a non-resident tourist, you can get a refund on GST for eligible purchases made at participating stores under the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS). 🙌

It’s like a mini cashback reward just for shopping across the Causeway 😄🛒

💰 How Much is GST in Singapore?

GST is currently 9% on most goods. If you’re shopping for luxury items, electronics, or branded skincare, that can add up quickly. Good news is, you can get most of that refunded! 💳💸

🔙 How Much Can I Get Back?

After administrative fees, you can usually expect a refund of around 7%–8%. For example, I spent about SGD 800 (~RM2,800) and got back around SGD 60 (~RM210) — which I happily spent on snacks at Changi Airport! 😆🍫

👤 Am I Eligible for a Tax Refund?

source from https://mytour.vn/

Requirement

Details

Nationality

Non-Singaporeans (Malaysians ✅)

Stay Duration

Less than

365 days

in Singapore

Minimum Spend

SGD

100

at a single participating retailer

Departure

Must leave Singapore via

Changi Airport or Seletar Airport

Goods Status

Items must be

unused and carried out

with you (hand-carry preferred)

🛍️ How Do Tax Refunds Work in Singapore?

Shopping in Singapore is easy, and claiming your GST back is even easier if you follow these steps. Look for “Tax-Free Shopping” or TRS logos at stores.

You can claim your tax back:

  • 💵 At the airport via self-help kiosks or manual counters
  • 📲 Or use the eTRS system (linked to your passport and purchases)

🔥Universal Studios Singapore: Chinese New Year Festival of Fun

Ring in the Chinese New Year with joy, laughter and exciting festivities at Universal Studios Singapore, where the Chinese New Year Festival of Fun brings bountiful fun and fortune for the whole family.

This festive season, the park comes alive with vibrant celebrations, auspicious character appearances and lively shows. Guests can capture unforgettable moments with their favourite characters, enjoy energetic performances, and soak in the cheerful Chinese New Year atmosphere throughout the park.

🔥Singapore Oceanarium - Spring into Waves of Wonder

Dive into Chinese New Year with a Year of the Horse celebration inspired by seahorses—the ocean’s “horses.”

Discover fun facts and festive well-wishes around the oceanarium, catch an underwater dive presentation featuring mythical dragons, and snap a photo with our Manta Ray mascot during special appearances. Wind down your evening with cultural music performances by local ensembles.

🔥Gardens by the Bay Cloud Forest - Spring Blossoms: Gallop into Prosperity

Canter into the Year of the Horse with this festive showcase of Chinese culture featuring iconic blooms, lantern horses and classical Chinese architecture inspired by the serene beauty of China’s iconic Jiangnan Gardens. Wander through moon gates and pavilions as eight majestic lantern horses gambol among the revered “Four Gentlemen” of Chinese art, alongside other vibrant seasonal blooms. Strike the Blooming Drum of Spring for good fortune and welcome the Year of the Horse in style!

💸 Types of Tax Refunds in Singapore

source from https://kaizenaire.com/

1. eTRS (Electronic Tourist Refund Scheme)

Most big stores (like Uniqlo, Sephora, Apple, etc.) offer this. You just:

  • Shop and provide your passport
  • The store links your purchase to eTRS digitally — no paper form needed!

2. GST Refund at the Airport

Before departure at Changi or Seletar Airport:

  • Use the eTRS kiosk before check-in
  • Scan your passport and receipts
  • If required, present goods for inspection
  • Choose your refund method: credit card, Alipay, WeChat Pay, or cash (SGD)

💡 Tip: For high-value items like electronics, keep them in your hand-carry luggage for possible checks.

❤️Book flight tickets to Singapore on Trip.com, get the best deals! Don't forget to get Flight Promo Code in advance.

Cheap Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore

  • Sehala
  • Pergi Balik

📊 Singapore Tax Refund Summary Table

Requirement

Description

GST Rate

9%

Refund Amount

~7%–8% after fees

Minimum Spend

SGD 100 per store

Refund Location

Changi / Seletar Airport only

Refund Methods

Cash (SGD), Credit Card, Alipay, WeChat Pay

Eligible Stores

Stores using the eTRS system (ask cashier!)

🧭 How Do I Get a Tax Refund in Singapore?

✅ Step 1: Shop at eTRS-Participating Stores

Look for the “Tax Free” or eTRS logo, or just ask the staff.

✅ Step 2: Provide Your Passport

At checkout, show your Malaysian passport — the system will link your details.

✅ Step 3: Keep Receipts & Carry Items

Keep receipts (just in case), and bring high-value goods in hand-carry bags.

✅ Step 4: Go to the Airport Early

Arrive 2.5 to 3 hours before departure — refunds take time if there’s a queue.

✅ Step 5: Use eTRS Kiosk or Counter

  • Scan your passport or credit card
  • Review purchases, and confirm refund
  • If needed, go for customs inspection
  • Choose your refund method and collect your cash 💵

Cheap Hotels in Singapore

5 star

9/10Great1095 Ulasan
Singapore River Singapore|2.11km dari pusat bandar
Great location! There's an MRT station not too far from the hotel, and the Singapore River is right behind it. You can walk about 1.5 km along the river to Clarke Quay, and even reach the National Gallery. The room itself was quite spacious, and I appreciated having purified drinking water. Personally, I'm not a fan of bathtubs, and the tissues disintegrated too easily when wet, which was a bit inconvenient. However, the hotel breakfast was excellent and had a great variety.
DariRUB 20,283
9.1/10Great2129 Ulasan
Orchard Road Singapore|3.66km dari pusat bandar
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I stayed for 4 nights during my trip to Singapore and it was a truly satisfying experience. The biggest advantage is definitely the location. It's just a few minutes' walk to Orchard Road and close to Orchard MRT, which made shopping and sightseeing incredibly convenient. There are also many shopping malls and great restaurants nearby, making it easy to get around. The room was spacious and very clean, and the bed was so comfortable that I could relax easily every day. The room was well-maintained, and I appreciated the complimentary mini-bar, bottled water, and coffee. Above all, the staff were incredibly friendly. From check-in to check-out, their responses were quick, and they always greeted me with a bright smile, making my stay very pleasant. The breakfast offered a wide variety of delicious options, and I could see why the hotel's Carousel restaurant is so famous. If I visit Singapore again, I would definitely choose this hotel. I highly recommend it, especially for those planning a shopping and sightseeing trip.
DariRUB 13,459
9.7/10Amazing1931 Ulasan
Marina Bay Singapore|0.99km dari pusat bandar
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 I had a wonderful stay at Marina Bay Sands. The room was spacious, clean, and offered stunning views of the Singapore skyline. The staff were friendly, professional, and made the check-in and check-out process smooth. The infinity pool was definitely the highlight of the stay, and the facilities were well maintained. The location is excellent, with easy access to shopping, dining, and attractions. Overall, it was a luxurious and memorable experience, and I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Singapore.
DariRUB 61,839
9.1/10Great1939 Ulasan
Marina Bay Singapore|1.78km dari pusat bandar
First off, the location is incredibly convenient. Getting around is a breeze, and we could walk to most attractions. Even after a concert at 11 PM, we could easily take the subway back, and the walk felt very safe. Secondly, the room was bigger than expected, which was a real treat in high-density Singapore. The facilities were new, and they provided complimentary bottled water. The front desk staff were absolutely wonderful – so warm and attentive. The hotel's overall environment was fantastic too, very quiet and clean. I'll definitely choose this hotel again next time I'm in Singapore. Five stars!
DariRUB 16,288
8.7/10Very Good1871 Ulasan
Marina Bay Singapore|1.34km dari pusat bandar
Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! It's so good, I have to say it three times! I booked a Bay View King Room, and before arriving, I was a bit worried after reading some reviews. But it turned out to be truly outstanding! The room was clean. For the same price, you can't compare it to what you'd get back home, but this is Singapore! The hygiene, convenient transportation, and surrounding environment are all top-notch, absolutely superb! It's right next to Funan Mall! Across the street are St Andrew's Cathedral and a museum. It's a maximum 15-minute walk to Merlion Park (900 meters from the hotel), 5 minutes to the Old Hill Street Police Station building, Clarke Quay, 15 minutes to Fort Canning Park's Tree Tunnel, 20 minutes to various museums and Chinatown. Plus, it's only a 3-minute walk to City Hall MRT station – incredibly convenient! Ya Kun Kaya Toast is right inside Funan Mall, and Song Fa Bak Kut Teh is directly opposite the Old Hill Street Police Station, so convenient! The hotel service was also excellent. On check-in day, we met a guy who spoke Chinese, and he arranged a room for us directly facing Marina Bay Sands – absolutely beautiful! Next time I visit Singapore, I'll definitely stay at Wyndham again! P.S.: The colorful building in picture 3 is right behind the hotel. If you keep walking in that direction, you'll find the Fort Canning Park Tree Tunnel!
DariRUB 17,572
9.3/10Great2149 Ulasan
Marina Bay Singapore|1.47km dari pusat bandar
I stayed at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay during a solo business trip to Singapore, mainly because I had meetings near Marina Bay Sands. The hotel checked many boxes for me, especially its convenient location, Halal certified breakfast buffet and walking distance access to train stations. The reception area on Level 4 immediately left a strong impression. The interior is beautiful and filled with greenery, somewhat reminding me of Gardens by the Bay. It feels modern, relaxing and very photogenic / Instagrammable at the same time. I appreciated the convenience of online check in and check out. During check in, I was assisted by Yarik, who was extremely friendly and welcoming. He thoughtfully gave me a room facing Marina Bay Sands, which I truly appreciated. Thank you again, Yarik. The room itself was spacious for a solo traveller. Everything was very clean, and I really enjoyed the bathtub and toiletries provided. Another thing I loved was the coffee selection in the room. There were different coffee strengths available, from mild to very strong, which was perfect for someone like me who enjoys coffee a lot. I visited the hotel gym as well. It is not huge, but good enough for a basic workout. Since I am an Anytime Fitness (AF) member, I also walked to the nearby Suntec City AF branch, which was very convenient from the hotel. The location is excellent. Promenade MRT Station and Esplanade MRT Station are both within about five minutes’ walk, and the Merlion Park area is nearby too, making it easy for me to go jogging. Breakfast was fantastic with many choices. I especially loved the blended juice with ginger and cinnamon. On checkout day, although my late checkout request was initially declined by Lydia at the reception counter because the hotel was full, the team later managed to accommodate my request after I explained my situation. Thanks as well to Yi Quan for assisting during checkout. Overall, this hotel was amazing. I genuinely enjoyed the stay, especially the thoughtful service and the Halal certified breakfast buffet.
DariRUB 28,851
9.2/10Great4104 Ulasan
Marina Bay Singapore|1.49km dari pusat bandar
The hotel's location is excellent, offering distant views of Marina Bay Sands and the Merlion. Downstairs, you'll find a mall and the subway, making it incredibly convenient for visiting attractions. The facilities are also great. I stayed for two nights and was quite satisfied with both the bathroom and the bedding.
DariRUB 19,045
8.3/10Very Good1798 Ulasan
Orchard Road Singapore|3.93km dari pusat bandar
This hotel in Singapore sees a lot of foot traffic. The doorman at the entrance, who was quite elderly, told me to push my luggage up the ramp myself instead of offering to help, even though I'm a woman. However, I saw him assist other foreign guests with their luggage multiple times, which made me wonder if I was overthinking it. The hotel is located at one end of Orchard Road, very close to the Botanic Gardens, which are within walking distance. While it's not very close to the MRT, there's a bus stop right outside. If you're coming from the airport, you can take a direct bus, though it takes a bit longer. The first Chinese staff member who assisted me spoke very standard Mandarin and was very easygoing. Many airline crew members stay at this hotel. The rooms are a bit small, and so are the beds. The hotel pool looks exactly like it does in the photos!
DariRUB 14,178

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Business travel

8.7/10Very Good1749 Ulasan
Bugis Singapore|2.32km dari pusat bandar
This hotel is centrally located, very convenient to the MRT and bus stops, making it easy to get around even on foot. As it's surrounded by several academies, it's a paradise for young people with plenty of shopping malls and restaurants. The rooms have basic amenities, but they are thoughtfully designed, such as the hot water dispenser in the room, and shared irons, ironing boards, fridges, and microwaves on each floor. There are also coin-operated laundry facilities, which are very useful given Singapore's hot weather. The laundry room is connected to the gym, a nice touch so you can work out while waiting. For short stays, they don't clean the room daily. The air conditioning is excellent. The bathroom, however, doesn't have a wet/dry separation.
DariRUB 7,767
8.7/10Very Good1549 Ulasan
Bugis Singapore|1.94km dari pusat bandar
This was another stay at Hotel Royal @ Queens, and over different visits I’ve now spent close to 20 nights here. That alone says a lot about how comfortable and reliable this hotel has been for me whenever I’m in Singapore. One of the biggest advantages is the room size. For Singapore, the rooms are impressively spacious, especially at this price point, making it excellent value for money. The location is hard to beat. With MRT stations, bus stops, popular hawker centres, Bugis, Chinatown, shopping streets, and many of Singapore’s attractions all within easy reach, it’s an ideal base whether you’re travelling for business or leisure. I also enjoyed the swimming pool on the 4th floor, which is a great place to unwind after a long day. The only area that could use some improvement is the gym. It’s functional but quite basic, and upgrading the equipment would make the overall experience even better. The hospitality continues to be the reason I keep returning. A special shout-out to Mani and Lin Lin at the front desk for always being welcoming, efficient, and genuinely helpful. They consistently make guests feel at home, and the entire hotel team deserves credit for maintaining such friendly service. A lovely bonus is the beautiful church located directly opposite the hotel entrance, adding a peaceful charm to the surroundings. Overall, Hotel Royal @ Queens continues to be one of my preferred places to stay in Singapore. Spacious rooms, an unbeatable location, warm hospitality, and great value keep bringing me back, and I look forward to staying here again.
DariRUB 13,954
8.4/10Very Good3229 Ulasan
Lavender Singapore|3.37km dari pusat bandar
My overall experience staying at V Hotel was quite good. The hotel's location is very convenient, close to the MRT station, making it easy to get to Singapore city center, attractions, and the airport. There are also many restaurants, coffee shops, and convenience stores nearby, offering great amenities. Although the room wasn't particularly large, it was clean and tidy, well-equipped, and the bed was comfortable. The air conditioning and hot water supply were also stable. The hotel staff were friendly, and the check-in and check-out processes were quick and efficient. They were also helpful when I encountered issues. Considering accommodation prices in Singapore, V Hotel offers excellent convenience, quality of stay, and overall value for money, making it ideal for business travelers or independent tourists. If I visit Singapore again, I would consider staying here and would recommend it to travelers who prioritize convenient transportation and good amenities.
DariRUB 9,699
8.1/10Very Good1007 Ulasan
Singapore River Singapore|1.77km dari pusat bandar
Nice hotel next to Singapore River in Robertson Quay, clean sound proof loft style rooms good for relaxing with big windows and separate floor for working area If you are interested in nature & want to see otters live you can walk along river around sunset time and find their nest 10mins away from hotel:) Great service from staff who are doing their best always to accommodate my requests, with special thanks to: Shanthi & Ashlinn :)
DariRUB 13,542
8/10Very Good868 Ulasan
Singapore River Singapore|1.87km dari pusat bandar
I had been here several times, staying at both wings. I like the pool. This time, like the previous time..the wifi wasn’t working well but this time, it has caused some “major” issues and inconvenience! I can’t be reached for hours! I called reception for help and eventually they sent staff to my room to settle the issue for me! Thankful and grateful for that. All the rest are good for a short stay.
DariRUB 14,579
9.1/10Great1871 Ulasan
Orchard Road Singapore|2.1km dari pusat bandar
The stay was really pleasant. Check in was easy and fast. We were surprised when we found out they serve free ice cream from 3-6pm daily. My child was the one feeling so happy from this. The room was great too, clean and comfy. My child enjoy the stairs and the bed was very nice, we had a good sleep. The snack bars were free, including the packet of drinks in the fridge. Superb hotel to stay with, with location nearby to mrt and buses. Will definitely go there again for staycation!
DariRUB 12,504
8.7/10Very Good859 Ulasan
Bugis Singapore|2.81km dari pusat bandar
Had a wonderful 3-night stay! The hotel is clean, comfy, and super close to Bugis and nearby MRT/bus stations. Shoutout to the hotel manager and front desk—when another guest's cigarette smoke got into our room, they immediately stepped in, deionized the room, and offered compensation. Excellent customer service! Highly recommend and will definitely be back.
DariRUB 8,474
8.4/10Very Good2110 Ulasan
Harbourfront Singapore|3.39km dari pusat bandar
I had a wonderful stay at this hotel! The view from the room was absolutely beautiful and made the experience even more enjoyable. Everything was spotlessly clean, which really added to the comfort. The location is also perfect—very convenient and close to VivoCity and Sentosa, making it easy to visit Universal Studios and explore the area. Highly recommended for both leisure and convenience!
DariRUB 13,058

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Breakfast

7.5/101836 Ulasan
Singapore River Singapore|1.59km dari pusat bandar
The hotel is very clean and comfortable. It’s well‑located, close to the city centre and just a short walk from the MRT station , very convenient. The staff are friendly and helpful. The only thing to note is that the air‑conditioning throughout the whole building is extremely cold, even when adjusted.
DariRUB 8,273
8.1/10Very Good1203 Ulasan
Sentosa Island Singapore|4.92km dari pusat bandar
Great ambience and beautiful view. So nature and clean environment. Worth to stay and nearby to attractions and beach clubs in Sentosa. Shuttle service also provided to go along the beaches ; Pahlawan beach, Tanjong Beach and Siloso Beach which is also convenient to take bus, train and taxi at nearby station. Easy access transportation in and out from Sentosa Island. Love the seaview and garden view from the rooftop and also just a walking distance to Beach Station in less than 10mins from the resort. This is my 2nd time staycation here and highly recommend for a short gateway and healing by nature in Sentosa Island.
DariRUB 15,239
8.5/10Very Good1558 Ulasan
Novena Singapore|4.21km dari pusat bandar
I was back here after a while..there were some small changes here and there. Yes..keep it up for improvements! I requested for checking out at 1.00pm the next day and told the staff to take note so that their other staff would be aware as well. They said that it would be noted in the system. However, I still received a call just before 12 noon but I did not answer it as I was in the bathroom. Hmmm..oh well.. All else were acceptable for a short stay. Thank you.
DariRUB 8,603
9.1/10Great3156 Ulasan
Orchard Road Singapore|3.66km dari pusat bandar
This hotel offers good value for money on Orchard Road. It's perfectly fine for a solo traveler, but if there are two or more of you, it's better to book separate rooms. I don't recommend the breakfast, but the fitness room is quite good – a decent size with various dumbbell weights, a bench, treadmill, bike, and a stepper, and it doesn't feel cramped. There's a pool, but the view is blocked by other buildings. It's a good option if it's in the late 100,000 KRW range, but I wouldn't recommend it if it's in the mid to high 200,000 KRW range.
DariRUB 10,772
8.3/10Very Good1073 Ulasan
Lavender Singapore|3.73km dari pusat bandar
My first time staying at this hotel. The staff is friendly and helpful. And the bed was so comfortable to sleep on. I have my wonderful sleep and rest after my gym. It will be my second hotel to chill at.
DariRUB 6,989
8.6/10Very Good696 Ulasan
Geylang Singapore|4.46km dari pusat bandar
The room was clean, but for a two-night booking, they only changed the towels. They didn't restock the minibar or coffee, even though it was included in the room. No coffee, no minibar, no drinks replenished, despite being 'included in the room'. The morning reception staff didn't smile and lacked service-mindedness. They weren't very helpful. They only spoke nicely to guests of the same nationality.
DariRUB 7,720
8.8/10Very Good2579 Ulasan
Sentosa Island Singapore|4.6km dari pusat bandar
I was very satisfied with the Indian and Chinese room service staff. The front desk had a young Indian man with short hair who was quite helpful; he gave me a room that, while not pool-view, didn't have any obstructed views. I didn't experience any other hotel services. Overall, the room was small, which was expected, and the location was good – convenient for getting anywhere. During my one-week trip to Singapore, my impression of the country was that the service industry, in general, is quite Western-oriented.
DariRUB 22,593
9.2/10Great647 Ulasan
Singapore River Singapore|1.12km dari pusat bandar
My parents stay here every time they visit me in Singapore. The staff are so amazing and friendly, they always have an excellent stay. The pool is nice and a good size and the rooms are always clean.
DariRUB 15,144

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💡 Tax Refund Tips in Singapore

Here’s what I’ve learned as a fellow Malaysian traveler:

  • 📷 Snap photos of receipts just in case
  • 🧳 Hand-carry big-ticket items like laptops, cameras, luxury bags
  • 🏪 Shop at large chain stores for smoother refund processing
  • 💳 Choose credit card or Alipay for faster refunds (cash may have limits)
  • Don’t leave it till the last minute! Changi can get busy

💸 Is It Worth Getting a Tax Refund in Singapore?

Definitely YES! For Malaysians who shop smart and travel often, the Singapore tax refund system is a great way to save. If you’re already spending on skincare, fashion, or electronics, why not claim some of that money back? 😎🎁

Even a small refund can go a long way — I used mine to buy kaya toast and a kopi before boarding my flight. Worth it lah! 🍞☕💕

🧳 Final Thoughts on Tax Refund in Singapore

Getting a GST refund in Singapore is super worth it — especially if you love shopping like I do! 🛍️ The process is fast, digital, and very tourist-friendly. As a Malaysian who crosses the Causeway quite often, this little hack has become a regular part of my trip planning.

So if you’re heading to Singapore soon, don’t leave that money behind. Shop, scan, and claim your refund before flying home! 🧾💰✈️

👉 Book your flight to Singapore now on Trip.com

👉 Find the best hotels near Orchard Road, Bugis, or Marina Bay

👉 Get a Singapore eSIM or SIM card for instant connectivity

Safe travels and happy shopping! ❤️

FAQs About Singapore Tax Refund

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Amal

Amal

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

Lihat profil

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.

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