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?

👉 Book your flight to Singapore now on Trip.com

👉 Find hotel deals in Singapore here

👉 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

8.9/10Very Good1093 Ulasan
Singapore River Singapore|2.11km dari pusat bandar
Stayed here with my mom in Singapore. The room was really new and clean, and the staff were all very polite. The view from the window was beautiful, and the breakfast was delicious with a wide variety of options. The hotel's location is convenient; there's a mall within a ten-minute walk where you can also find places to eat. It's about a 30-minute walk to Orchard Road or two metro stops away.
DariVND 5,287,585
9.1/10Great2091 Ulasan
Orchard Road Singapore|3.66km dari pusat bandar
As our parents are celebrating their golden jubilee, we are upgraded to the premier rooms. They have decorated the rooms and did surprise us. The rooms are at level 12. Rooms are clean and with great views. The breakfast buffet had wide spread of options, there’s a lot of choose from. The only downside is that no ice cream was not provided on that day. Otherwise, I will give them a 10/10. Location is very convenient and connected the the main shopping streets of Orchard Road. It make our staycation a memorable one. We are so happy with the services provided by the front office and carousel restuarant that we decided to book the rooms again during Xmas time. Hope to see them soon.
DariVND 4,327,614
9.7/10Amazing1966 Ulasan
Marina Bay Singapore|0.99km dari pusat bandar
I was a bit disappointed with the hotel during this second visit in June 2026. There was a noisy construction site outside the window, and drilling went on for several hours in one of the neighboring rooms due to renovations. I really wanted to rest after my journey but couldn't, neither in the room nor on the terrace. They couldn't find another room for me, but they tried to smooth things over, which is a plus for the hotel. This time, there were no welcome fruits, no second evening housekeeping service, and no replenishment of amenities, tea bags, or candies. Breakfast was good. The view was excellent; I watched the tree show from my room. Overall, considering the room price, I had hoped for better. My first visit was more enjoyable. It's best to go to the pool right when it opens at 6 AM – there are minimal people then. However, it's heavily chlorinated; even after washing, the smell wouldn't come out of my swimsuit. It was convenient that my room was in the same tower, so I could go to the pool in my bathrobe and slippers. There's free bottled water at the pool and a restaurant for snacks.
DariVND 18,320,747
9.1/10Great1929 Ulasan
Marina Bay Singapore|1.78km dari pusat bandar
Here's a review of the hotel: **1. Prime Location & Great Value for Money** * **Excellent Location, Convenient Transportation:** This hotel boasts a superb central Singapore location, surrounded by numerous attractions. According to sources, it's about a 15-minute walk to Clarke Quay, a 16-minute walk to Merlion Park, and only a 5-minute walk to St. Andrew's Cathedral. With a nearby MRT station, getting around is incredibly easy. * **Abundant Surrounding Amenities:** Directly opposite the hotel is Chijmes, and within walking distance, you'll find famous landmarks like Raffles City Shopping Centre and Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, offering a vast array of dining and shopping options. * **High Value for Money:** Among luxury hotels of its caliber, this hotel is considered to offer excellent value for money, with prices starting from approximately ¥1179 per night, making it a preferred choice for many travelers. **2. Spacious and Comfortable Accommodation Experience** * **Spacious and Tidy Rooms:** The hotel features 940 guest rooms. Guest reviews frequently mention the 'spacious rooms' and 'clean rooms,' providing a comfortable resting space for travelers. * **Well-Equipped Facilities:** Each room is equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, a smart TV, free Wi-Fi, and a safe, catering to both leisure and business travelers. **3. Diverse Dining and Services** * **Multiple Dining Options:** The hotel houses several restaurants, including the elegant Cantonese restaurant Hua Ting and Café Mosaic, which serves international cuisine, along with a café and a bar, satisfying various taste preferences. * **Attentive Service:** The hotel offers 24-hour room service, and guest reviews consistently praise its 'warm and helpful service.' Additionally, the hotel provides recreational services such as a fitness center, swimming pool, and massage facilities.
DariVND 5,237,264
8.7/10Very Good1790 Ulasan
Marina Bay Singapore|1.34km dari pusat bandar
I was quite worried after reading the reviews, but my overall experience was good. First off, the location is really excellent. It's super convenient for dining and getting to Clarke Quay, which was perfect for me since I was on a business trip and didn't have much extra time for sightseeing. I could just walk a few steps and take photos of those colorful windows. I stayed in the North Tower, and it wasn't on a high floor. When I checked in, I asked for a room with a good view, and they gave me a city view. I didn't bother asking for anything else and just settled in. There wasn't much to see view-wise, but at least there wasn't any outside noise. The North Tower is closer to Clarke Quay, while the South Tower is closer to the MRT and Funan mall. Cleanliness was also fine, and I didn't even need to use my universal adapter. The staff were very friendly. After reading reviews, I specifically brought cash for the deposit, so I could get it back immediately upon checkout 😂. The only thing that wasn't great in the room was a small step at the bathroom entrance, so you had to be careful.
DariVND 4,528,898
9.3/10Great2109 Ulasan
Marina Bay Singapore|1.47km dari pusat bandar
Our flight arrived early, and we got to the hotel around 8 AM. Luckily, our room was already prepared, so we were able to check in right away. After a refreshing shower and a short rest, we headed out to explore – it was an absolutely fantastic experience. The hotel room has a balcony with an amazing view; we could see the Marina Bay Sands, the Singapore Flyer, and the Merlion from there. On the 4th floor, there's a Peach Blossoms restaurant, which holds a Black Pearl rating. The food was delicious, but as expected, it was quite pricey. The subway station is just a few minutes' walk downstairs, making it very convenient for both taking the subway and getting a taxi.
DariVND 8,984,249
9.2/10Great4078 Ulasan
Marina Bay Singapore|1.49km dari pusat bandar
The location is great, right in the Marina Bay area, and all rooms have balconies with views overlooking Marina Bay. The twin beds are quite spacious. However, the overall design of the room and lobby isn't particularly memorable. The direct connection to the mall is a big plus; it's great for eating and shopping, especially on a rainy day! There's no bottled water in the room, just an empty bottle for you to refill yourself. The housekeeping was also a bit sloppy, especially after staying for several days – many amenities weren't replenished.
DariVND 6,878,506
8.3/10Very Good1794 Ulasan
Orchard Road Singapore|3.93km dari pusat bandar
Thanks a lot! I really enjoy staying here even when I'm on a business trip. The breakfast is delicious, the guests are nice, and the front desk staff are also good. It's just a bit old, and there are often groups of female travelers. Overall, it's pretty good. I like it, I really like it!
DariVND 4,641,153

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Business travel

8.7/10Very Good1732 Ulasan
Bugis Singapore|2.32km dari pusat bandar
Overall, this hotel is very comfortable. Maybe because I spent the whole day at Universal Studios and was too tired, I fell asleep as soon as I got back to the hotel and only woke up the next day. The hotel is close to the MRT station, and most importantly, there is an Anytime Fitness nearby. It really means I can work out anytime. 😆
DariVND 3,278,612
8.7/10Very Good1533 Ulasan
Bugis Singapore|1.94km dari pusat bandar
The hotel's location is excellent, with a subway station right outside the door and another line a few hundred meters away that goes to Chinatown. It's about an 800-meter walk to the Fort Canning tree tunnel (a popular photo spot), and from there you can continue on to the Old Hill Street Police Station (also known as the Rainbow Police Station), Clarke Quay, and the Merlion. The room size is a definite advantage compared to other hotels in the same price range; there's plenty of space to walk even with two large suitcases. The bathroom size is standard as well. The downside is that the bathroom fixtures are quite old, and the shower is difficult to use. However, I was aware of this beforehand, so I was prepared, and given the other advantages, it's acceptable. The bedding is good, and the sofa is quite comfortable. Among the toiletries, only the shampoo, shower gel, and toothbrush weren't great; everything else was fine. The room has a kettle and comes with tea and coffee packets. There's also a water dispenser in the hallway where you can get iced or room temperature water. The hotel breakfast is decent, on par with business hotels in China. However, the service is excellent; they diligently restock drinks and food even at the last minute, even if there are only a few people dining. There are washing machines and dryers on the fourth floor, each costing 5 SGD, and you can get change for coins at the front desk. The commercial machines work very well; the dryer gets clothes completely dry in 40 minutes. There are also ironing facilities in the room. Overall, I recommend this hotel. If you have a higher budget, you might look elsewhere, but if you're looking for great value for money at this price point, you should definitely consider it.
DariVND 3,127,649
8.4/10Very Good3192 Ulasan
Lavender Singapore|3.37km dari pusat bandar
Excellent stay in a highly convenient location! One of the biggest highlights of this hotel is its fantastic location. The MRT station is just a minute away on foot, making transportation around Singapore effortless. The surrounding area is lively and full of food options, from local eateries to a convenient food court, perfect for enjoying authentic Singaporean cuisine. The room was well-maintained, clean, and comfortable. I particularly loved the large window that provided plenty of natural light and a pleasant street view. The hotel was also kind enough to accommodate my request for a room with a bidet, which I greatly appreciated. With its excellent accessibility, clean accommodations, and abundance of nearby dining choices, this hotel is a great choice for both leisure and family travelers. Highly recommended!
DariVND 2,566,375
8.1/10Very Good1018 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 :)
DariVND 3,642,473
8/10Very Good864 Ulasan
Singapore River Singapore|1.87km dari pusat bandar
The room was a bit small and the soundproofing wasn't great. The swimming pool was nice, and there are facilities for kids on the first floor. There's a 7-Eleven right next to the hotel, and the nearest Sheng Siong supermarket is a 10-minute walk away. Havelock MRT station is also just a 6-minute walk. Overall, it's pretty good.
DariVND 4,312,130
8.7/10Very Good845 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.
DariVND 1,780,592
8.4/10Very Good2126 Ulasan
Harbourfront Singapore|3.39km dari pusat bandar
Pros: Very close to VivoCity, just across the road (though you'll need to cross a few traffic lights). Other than that, there's not much else to write home about. The biggest problem is the excessive noise! The sound of vehicles (likely motorcycles) on the road at night is incredibly 'refreshing' – I've never had trouble sleeping before, but I was woken up multiple times. If you're a light sleeper, definitely avoid this place. The bed is also very high, so it's not suitable for seniors with mobility issues. The design of the bathroom and shower doors is quite odd, and the soundproofing in the room is terrible. Flushing the toilet in the middle of the night creates a very loud noise, which is disruptive to anyone else in the room.
DariVND 3,092,811
8.6/10Very Good1135 Ulasan
Bugis Singapore|2.11km dari pusat bandar
For my trip to Singapore, I chose to stay at V Hotel Bencoolen, and my overall experience was quite good. The hotel boasts a very convenient location, just a short walk from the MRT station. Right next door, there's a money exchange office, making it super easy to get Singapore dollars, and you'll find UnionPay-friendly ATMs nearby too – really handy for tourists. The hotel staff were attentive and responsible. I was pleasantly surprised during check-in to find a staff member who spoke Mandarin, which really eased any communication stress. There was just one minor snag. On occasion, after the daily cleaning, the housekeeping staff on my floor would forget to restock some toiletries like toothbrushes and slippers. However, once I contacted hotel services, the items were delivered to my room quite promptly, so the overall service attitude was still very good.
DariVND 2,597,342

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Breakfast

7.5/101831 Ulasan
Singapore River Singapore|1.59km dari pusat bandar
Had a good stay at this hotel. The room was clean and comfortable, and the staff were friendly and helpful. The location was convenient and the overall experience was pleasant. Would recommend to others
DariVND 2,090,261
8.1/10Very Good1189 Ulasan
Sentosa Island Singapore|4.92km dari pusat bandar
I was impressed from start to finish with my Siloso Beach Resort experience. I arrived at Vivo City Harbourfront Station by train, suitcase in hand and was directed to the Sentosa Monorail on the top floor. There is a kiosk where I received my complimentary rail pass to Beach Ststion (last stop). Behind the train station is a free shuttle service which dropped me directly outside the Resort. Up to level 8 to complete my check-in which was conducted smoothly by the friendly desk team. They provided clear instructions for the ongoing use of monorail on the island and the free shuttle services around the island attractions. I received a cool upgrade and proceeded to my room which was clean and then refreshed each day. The location opposite the beach and a 7 minute walk to the train station which is surrounded by food outlets and stores to cater for your convenience. The team at Siloso Beach Resort enjoy their work and were always eager to assist with any enquiries, provision of umbrella or any guidance with onsite matters. The pool was fabulous with waterfall and slide for kids of all sizes. The place was quiet and well presented. I will be visiting again in the future.
DariVND 3,665,698
8.5/10Very Good1550 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.
DariVND 2,895,398
9.1/10Great3073 Ulasan
Orchard Road Singapore|3.66km dari pusat bandar
Every time I visit Singapore, I stay here. The location is absolutely fantastic, right in the heart of Orchard Road. Shopping, dining, the MRT, and even going for a run are all incredibly convenient just downstairs. The room isn't huge, but it has everything you need and is very clean and well-equipped.
DariVND 3,181,841
8.3/10Very Good1064 Ulasan
Lavender Singapore|3.73km dari pusat bandar
The room was nice and the surrounding area was very quiet! I stayed for several days, and on some of those days, my neighbors were Indian or Malaysian families with kids who made a lot of noise late into the night and started up again very early in the morning. However, the bedding was clean and comfortable, and the room design was sensible, making it look very tidy. Overall, it was a good check-in experience, though the check-out time of 12 PM was strictly enforced!
DariVND 1,811,559
8.6/10Very Good681 Ulasan
Geylang Singapore|4.46km dari pusat bandar
This is definitely bang for the buck than other hotels in Singapore. The location is not that far from bus stations and Kallang station MRT. Since I love walking, it was not really a big deal for me to walk for 10mins or less. It is also located in Geylang, so it’s very quiet. My mom and I were able to sleep well. Amenities is spot on, very clean and secured. Even the front desk staff were very helpful during our stay. Would definitely consider staying here again if we visit Singapore in the future. Highly recommended!
DariVND 1,703,175
8.9/10Very Good2620 Ulasan
Sentosa Island Singapore|4.6km dari pusat bandar
We had a very pleasant stay overall. The room was in good condition, clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, and the view was excellent, can see Singapore skyline and the sunrise. Check-in was surprisingly quick despite the long line, and the staff at the counter were helpful and efficient with the pre-registration, which we really appreciated. Our family also had a great time at the pool. It was a pity that parts of the pool were under renovation, and some areas looked a little old, but it was still enjoyable. The family-friendly activities were still good as always (the pool zumba, movie screening), which made the stay fun overall.
DariVND 7,439,779
9.2/10Great638 Ulasan
Singapore River Singapore|1.12km dari pusat bandar
I stayed for 2 nights and the hotel is super close to a lot of places including china town, Lau Pa Sat and Clarke Quay. Merlion is also not far to walk, maybe about 20 minutes! The staff were super attentive and very helpful with anything I needed, the check in/check out process was also very smooth ☺️ I used the pool for a bit and it was very clean and lovely views. They also have a small gym which was nice, I would definitely stay here again! 😁
DariVND 3,626,989

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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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