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)
💸 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.
Cheap Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore
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KUL06:551h 25mDirectSIN08:20Kuala Lumpur - Singapore|Tue, Jan 20|ScootRM 85RM 9813% OFF13% OFFRM 98RM 85 - KUL19:101h 15mDirectSIN20:25Kuala Lumpur - Singapore|Wed, Jan 14|ScootRM 85RM 9813% OFF13% OFFRM 98RM 85
- KUL22:001h 15mDirectSIN23:15Kuala Lumpur - Singapore|Tue, Feb 10|ScootRM 85RM 9813% OFF13% OFFRM 98RM 85
- KUL22:001h 15mDirectSIN23:15Kuala Lumpur - Singapore|Thu, Jan 29|ScootRM 85RM 85
- KUL19:101h 15mDirectSIN20:25Kuala Lumpur - Singapore|Sat, Jan 31|ScootRM 85RM 85
- KUL22:001h 15mDirectSIN23:15Kuala Lumpur - Singapore|Sat, Jan 17|ScootRM 87RM 87
- KUL19:101h 15mDirectSIN20:25Kuala Lumpur - Singapore|Tue, Feb 3|ScootRM 87RM 87
- KUL22:001h 15mDirectSIN23:15Kuala Lumpur - Singapore|Mon, Feb 2|ScootRM 87RM 87
KUL1:00 PM3h 5mDirectSIN2:00 PMKuala Lumpur - Singapore|Sat, Dec 13|ScootFind More FlightsFind More Flights
Displayed flight fares from ${{departCityName}} to ${{arrivalCityName}} are based on average prices across airlines for the next 3 months, according to the latest Trip.com database.
📊 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
Very Good920 Reviews
Singapore River Singapore|2.11km from city centre
Can’t ask for better view than this. First time staying at Grand Copthorne Waterfront during business trip and I love how the drinking water tap is built-in instead of daily restocked plastic bottles. Love the room was spacious so I could do meeting calls comfortably. Best part is there’s a lot of food options in the hotel and nearby!FromMYR 730
Great2014 Reviews
Orchard Road Singapore|3.66km from city centre
It's a perfect stay because the hotel is right in the centre of Singapore, opposite Ion Orchard 😍😍
All the amenities were made available easily upon request and the staff were very thoughtful ☺️
I will definitely comeback to stay again whenever I have the chance 🥰🥰FromMYR 575
Amazing2018 Reviews
Marina Bay Singapore|0.99km from city centre
💝 Unforgettable memories and impressions that will stay with us for the rest of our lives! 💝
🎶 Eunice Marasigan welcomed us and surrounded us with such care. You will be in our memory for a long time!
Do I need to write that this hotel is a symbol of Singapore? Is it necessary to describe the delight of the view from the observation deck and from the pool? You need to see this with your own eyes, because the photo does not convey even half of the beauty that the eye sees.
💸 It is expensive. 💸
☺️ Marina Bay Sands is my dream come true. I hope I can come back again. 😇FromMYR 2,699
Great1630 Reviews
Marina Bay Singapore|1.78km from city centre
Facilities: Well-equipped.
Cleanliness: Excellent. The room was thoroughly cleaned by housekeeping every day.
Location: The location is superb, right next to Raffles City shopping mall and surrounded by plenty of dining options. It's also incredibly convenient to get a taxi to any destination.
Service: The staff provided excellent service. I would definitely choose this hotel again on my next trip to Singapore; it's truly a great choice.FromMYR 787
Very Good1116 Reviews
Marina Bay Singapore|1.34km from city centre
The hotel's location is excellent, very close to Fort Canning Park, Merlion Park, Clarke Quay, and more. It's also within walking distance of the popular Jumbo Seafood. During my stay, it was F1 season in Singapore, so the hotel was fully booked. I didn't get to stay in the highly recommended South Tower and was instead in the North Tower on the 18th floor. No deposit was required, and the room was generally clean. I did notice a few small ants on the desk occasionally, but it was tolerable 😂. There's no bottled water provided; you need to bring your own cup to fill up with drinking water. If you're not visiting during peak season, this could be a good option for you~FromMYR 860
Great893 Reviews
Chinatown Singapore|0.94km from city centre
Service: the staff was so friendly, since it’s our graduation trip and the first time we visited singapore, we were so grateful that the rooms were upgraded and we had a great time throughout the trip!
Environment: the toilet were cleaned and tidy, the soup smells really relaxing.FromMYR 643
Great1648 Reviews
Marina Bay Singapore|1.47km from city centre
The room had a beautiful view and a convenient location for visiting Marina Bay and the Merlion. We had a pleasant check-in experience as we were allowed early check-in. I would like to express my sincere thanks to Rosy for assisting us on our first day.
However, the overall experience at the hotel was disappointing. We had to queue for breakfast even though there were many empty tables (perhaps due to the hotel’s policy, but we’re not used to that). Tea and coffee were ordered at the beginning of the meal, yet they were only served after we had finished eating.
At check-out, despite having fully paid for our stay through Trip.com, the front desk insisted that we hadn’t made the payment. I had to repeatedly ask them to recheck — as someone working in the hotel industry, I understand how the process works — but the staff kept insisting that we hadn’t paid and asked us to provide proof. It was extremely disrespectful. I had to spend 5–10 minutes explaining, and the receptionist still maintained that we hadn’t paid (poor professionalism and very unprofessional attitude). Only after the OTA in-charge staff verified did they finally admit that it was their mistake.
We paid around $400–500 per night and yet received such treatment — it was truly disrespectful to the guests. Therefore, I will rate this hotel 1 star because of this experience and will never return.
However, once again, I would like to thank Rosy and the housekeeping staff — they always greeted every guest with a warm and friendly attitude.FromMYR 1,143
Great3516 Reviews
Marina Bay Singapore|1.49km from city centre
My flight arrived in the morning, and I got to the hotel at 8 AM. Since check-in was stated for 3 PM, I planned to just store my luggage and go out. To my surprise, the front desk (who spoke Chinese, which was very convenient) told me a room was available now. Even though it was on the 15th floor, I was thrilled to be able to check in, rest, and shower, so I gladly did. As a registered member, I also received two free drinks.
The room had an excellent view, overlooking Marina Bay Sands in the distance, and the night view was absolutely stunning. The room itself was very spacious, making it easy to move around, and it was also very quiet; I didn't hear any noise at all while sleeping. The hotel is located near a subway station, and Raffles City is nearby. You don't even have to go outside the hotel; there's a direct underground passage to Ya Kun Kaya Toast and BreadTalk for breakfast. All in all, I was extremely satisfied with this stay.FromMYR 1,137
Business travel
Very Good1494 Reviews
Bugis Singapore|2.32km from city centre
If you’re the kind of traveler who prioritizes convenience, good eats, and a stylish yet budget-friendly stay, then lyf Singapore might just be your new go-to hub. This co-living style hotel brings youthful vibes and social spaces right into the heart of the city.
📍 Location, Location, Location!
One of lyf’s biggest strengths is its strategic location. Just a short walk from the nearest MRT station, getting around Singapore is effortless — whether you’re off to Chinatown for heritage gems or Marina Bay for iconic skyline snaps.
Even better? The area around the hotel is packed with culinary options. From trendy cafés to must-try local hawker stalls, you’ll never run out of flavours to explore.
🛌 Rooms: Compact Yet Functional
As with many hotels in Singapore, space is at a premium — and lyf embraces the minimalist approach. Rooms are small, even when compared to the already-compact average hotel room in Singapore. But clever layout and smart storage solutions make it work, especially if you’re not planning to spend your whole trip indoors. Think: sleep, shower, and out for adventures!
😴 Bed Comfort: Just Okay
If you’re expecting cloud-like plushness, you may not find it here. The bed comfort level is average — perfectly fine for most travelers, but not the star of the stay. Luckily, the buzzing atmosphere and great location help balance it out.
🎯 Ideal For:
✔ Digital nomads
✔ Solo travelers & young couples
✔ Anyone who loves exploring city life outside the hotel
,FromMYR 381
Very Good6460 Reviews
Kampong Glam Singapore|3km from city centre
Arrived late around 10pm at the hotel and check in was extremely smooth despite the queue. A special shoutout to Qadir at the reception for his superb service - very helpful and friendly and made the whole process very pleasant and enjoyable after a long flight! I forgot to bring a travel adaptor and he patiently checked and explained that the sockets in the rooms are universal. Room is very clean and location is super convenient. Will definitely recommend :)FromMYR 326
Very Good1445 Reviews
Bugis Singapore|1.94km from city centre
Pros: The hotel is close to the subway, making it very convenient for getting around. The rooms are also quite spacious compared to other hotels. The front desk staff provided good service; they were always helpful and answered all our questions. They even gave me a map, which was a thoughtful touch.
Now for the downsides, which I have quite a few:
1. The facilities are extremely dated! I was genuinely shocked to see such an ancient air conditioning switch. The room felt a bit damp and had a strange smell upon entering, especially since the windows couldn't be opened. On the first night, I felt a strange chill after getting into bed, and by the next morning, my throat started to feel sore. To my disbelief, the air conditioning unit was still off – completely untouched! This was quite astonishing and left me feeling very disappointed. Since cancelling wasn't an option, I had no choice but to reluctantly endure the stay.
2. There was no complimentary bottled water provided in the room. The electric kettle was hidden away under a cabinet, and it took us a long time to find it, eventually having to ask the front desk. They also failed to mention that there was a drinking water dispenser in the hallway, which we only discovered much later!
3. Despite staying for several days, the incredibly thin disposable slippers were not replaced daily. I had to call the front desk once to request a fresh pair, but to my dismay, they still didn't proactively replace them the following day. I had to call *again* just to get new slippers!FromMYR 383
Very Good2808 Reviews
Lavender Singapore|3.37km from city centre
The V hotel Lavender’s location was super great, it just above the Lavender MRT station, with different convenient shops, food court, fast food burger kings nearby. Hotel service staff is nice too, and the breakfast is great.
Will definitely book again for my next visit here to Singapore.FromMYR 349
Very Good1030 Reviews
Singapore River Singapore|1.77km from city centre
We had such a wonderful stay at Studio M Hotel! The atmosphere and overall environment were superb – truly a pleasant experience from start to finish.
The location is just perfect. Being right next to the Singapore River made our stay even more special. The morning walks were serene and peaceful, while the evenings were vibrant with the lively nightlife – such a beautiful contrast to experience.
It’s also very convenient – just a 5–10 minute walk to the MRT and around 10–15 minutes to Chinatown. Two 7-Eleven stores nearby made it super handy, and there are plenty of restaurants along the river within walking distance.
Overall, this is a “don’t miss” hotel when in Singapore – stylish, comfortable, and perfectly located. Highly recommend!FromMYR 508
Very Good754 Reviews
Singapore River Singapore|1.87km from city centre
We could not use the machine for self check-in because their system could not find our booking on trip.com, so a staff member had to manually check in for us.
Excellent facilities - they provided lots of trolleys for luggages near the front door/reception area, which I think were quite thoughtful. Our kids used the playground a lot. Would love to use the swimming pool but our room (Studio Queen and Single) was quite small (especially the bathoom) to hang our swim clothes to dry. Coat hangers were provided in the room which could be used to hang swimclothes on to airdry, but with the humidity in Singapore, it would take about 2 days to completely dry.
In the middle of our stay, we found a dead cockroach on the bed (first photo) while clearing stuff to prep the room for daily room service/cleaning. We left it there for the cleaner to handle it, but when we came back at night, the dead cockroach was still in the room (and moved to a different spot this time - second photo), so we cleaned it ourselves.
Not that we are nitpicking, but since the room was small, we had to organise our things around every nook and cranny of the room, and I found the wall under the table near the floor quite dirty.FromMYR 376
Great1753 Reviews
Orchard Road Singapore|2.1km from city centre
Best location, convenient for connecting several bus and subway lines. You can take a bus that runs directly to the airport. The room interior design was so chic and modern. Free complimentary ice-cream. Love the tea in the room (Monogram).
The overall room was clean, but there were a few small bugs coming from the corner of the room everyday, which were a bit annoying.FromMYR 630
Very Good760 Reviews
Bugis Singapore|2.81km from city centre
Very very nice family room ... The kids love it so much that they didn't want to go out ... So we just ordered ... & Literally enjoyed the room. Bathroom was amazingly clean & functioning .... However a bidet will be superb added feature for the WC. The projector was unique to have instead of a TV .. just that the viewing angle is a lil too high. We had some problem login to Netflix ... But staff was fast in responding. Overall .... Very good location for staycay ..... With kiddos .... So much option for food as well. Kids can't wait to come againFromMYR 261
Breakfast
Very Good2324 Reviews
Harbourfront Singapore|3.39km from city centre
My room was so cool, cozy, and functional. Perfect for solo staycations. The location was superb. Just walking distance to bus stops, mrt, and Vivo City. The pool was smaller than expected and the breakfast was a bit subpar. My first breakfast majority of the foods tasted artificial. The second breakfast day was a bit better. Front desk staff were efficient and welcoming. The view from my room was okay. Had a view of the trees and the road but it was too close as I was on the 4th floor. Could not open the window because people may see me as there were people and cars passing through the road.FromMYR 327
1633 Reviews
Singapore River Singapore|1.59km from city centre
Good value for money, however, i really did not appreciate the rude attitude of the staff.They wanted to charge me with early check in even though the room was ready.They didn’t want to change the amount of 1000 CNY claiming it’s too little and i had a cleaner come into the room despite having do not disturb sign on the door.Checkout was at noon and from 10:45 til 11:45 i received about 10 calls to the room phone urging me to check out.Otherwise clean hotel and cheap for the location and Singapore standards, but i wouldn’t really be back…FromMYR 223
Very Good1091 Reviews
Sentosa Island Singapore|4.92km from city centre
I booked this hotel for a music festival in Singapore. Since it's on an island, it's just two monorail stops from Resorts World. The beach 🏖️ is just a few steps from the hotel, and the hotel pool even has a slide 🛝. I stayed for two nights, and the deposit was 100 SGD, so 50 SGD per night. You can pay with cash or credit card; they'll take your account details but won't charge it. For those planning to stay, it's good to know in advance. If you don't have a credit card, you can exchange some Singapore dollars. When checking out, just hand the deposit slip to the front desk. Replacing a lost room key costs 5 SGD, as we found out ourselves 😅.FromMYR 481
Very Good1115 Reviews
Novena Singapore|4.21km from city centre
Before I start, I want to shoutout Spencer! He was a delight; very friendly and informational. Now, as far as the hotel itself? Give it a pass, guys. The elevators are the slowest thing on planet earth and seem to stop at every floor even when nobody is there. ”But you can just press the close door button!” You absolutely can but it doesn't close a thing! Just makes this insane screech sound until the doors decide to close themselves. Thank god we weren't running away from danger; we would have been slashed! Once in the room, everything seems fine until you need to shower. Good lord, the water pressure? Hahahaha it dribbles out! Pressure nowhere to be found. Want to take a bath? Hahahahaha wait 45 minutes to fill the bathtub as the water just slowly streams out of the faucet. Now let's turn the lights on! Oh what's that - this light flicks on and off a million miles per minute! Breakfast is below average. The pool was closed. So, go and stay at the Copthorne instead. Royal? This hotel is not!FromMYR 334
Great2470 Reviews
Orchard Road Singapore|3.66km from city centre
The room was cozy and the mattress was really comfortable — I had a good night’s sleep. The location is also fantastic, close to everything I needed. Unfortunately, the customer service could use improvement. The staff didn’t seem very attentive, which took away from an otherwise pleasant stay.FromMYR 215
Very Good1078 Reviews
Lavender Singapore|3.73km from city centre
Located nearby Lavender MRT station, walking around 10min from the station. surrounded by a lot of restaurant, cafe and hawker in front too.
Room size is small, but facilities consider complete for one night stay here.
My second booking with this Hotel.FromMYR 294
Very Good644 Reviews
Geylang Singapore|4.46km from city centre
I stayed at this hotel only because it’s close to the stadium where the concert was held, and I didn’t expect the service to be this excellent. The hotel isn’t very big, but it’s located right by the main road, with a convenience store and restaurants nearby.
My first impression was very positive — I didn’t have any cash on me, but I needed to pay for a taxi that only accepted cash. I went to ask the male receptionist for help, and he handled the situation perfectly. I was very impressed by his kindness and efficiency.
As for the room, there are two elevators so I didn’t have to wait long. The hallway was clean, and the room itself was spotless. The bed was comfortable, the pillows were sufficient, and the bathroom was very clean. Everything was just perfect.
II’ll definitely stay here again for next visit.FromMYR 254
Great2913 Reviews
Sentosa Island Singapore|4.6km from city centre
In mid-August, I took a connecting Singapore Airlines flight to Singapore and chose the Far East Hotel Sentosa. A taxi from the airport to the hotel cost around 500 RMB. The hotel is located on Sentosa Island. Showing a booking confirmation screenshot waived the island entry fee for us. However, in practice, the entry control wasn't very strict; the checkpoint staff merely gave it a symbolic glance, seemingly trusting visitors' integrity.
Upon arrival, bellhops (older gentlemen) assisted with our luggage. Front desk efficiency seemed to vary depending on the individual staff member. Our reservation was for a twin room, but we were assigned a king-size bed upon check-in, which required a trip back to the front desk to rectify – quite frustrating.
After check-in formalities were complete, we entered our room and took a look around. The overall hotel style, however, reminded me of a budget chain hotel back in China. Complimentary ice, tea bags, and instant coffee were available near the elevators. I found this a bit strange at first, only to realize upon entering the room that these basic in-room amenities were skipped and made available in communal areas instead. The room was relatively clean, though a bit small. From the window, we could see the beach and even wild peacocks. A large swimming pool downstairs was bustling with children. We also enjoyed complimentary ice cream, which probably explains its reputation as a family-friendly hotel.
We stayed for two days and visited Universal Studios once. It's just one monorail stop from the hotel, so transportation was quite convenient. Unfortunately, we didn't have enough time to thoroughly explore the surrounding area; otherwise, the experience might have been even more memorable.
Overall, the hotel environment was decent. It perfectly served its purpose as a temporary base, especially convenient for those visiting Universal Studios.FromMYR 702
💡 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
❓1. What is the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) in Singapore?
The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) allows international visitors (including Malaysians!) to claim a refund on the 9% Goods and Services Tax (GST) paid on eligible purchases made in Singapore. It’s Singapore’s version of a tourist tax refund — and yes, it works! 🛍️💵❓2. Am I eligible for a GST refund?
Yes, you are eligible if: ✅ You're not a Singapore citizen or PR ✅ You spend less than 365 days in Singapore over the past 24 months ✅ You depart via Changi or Seletar Airport ✅ Your purchase is at least SGD 100 at a participating TRS store ✅ You bring the unused goods out of Singapore within 2 months❓3. What is the GST rate in Singapore?
As of 2024, the GST rate is 9%. If you spend SGD 500, for example, that’s SGD 45 in GST — and you can claim most of it back. 💰❓4. How much GST can I get back?
You’ll typically get about 7%–8% refunded after administrative fees. The exact amount depends on your purchase value and refund method.❓5. What is eTRS?
eTRS (Electronic Tourist Refund Scheme) is a digital system used in Singapore. Instead of filling forms, your passport is scanned at checkout and purchases are linked electronically. At the airport, you simply scan your passport at a kiosk to process your refund.❓6. What items are eligible for GST refund?
You can claim GST refund on physical goods like: 👗 Clothing & fashion 🧴 Skincare and cosmetics 🎧 Electronics and gadgets 🎁 Souvenirs and accessories 🚫 Not eligible: Services, hotel stays, food & beverages consumed in Singapore, or anything used before departure.❓7. Where do I claim my GST refund?
You can claim your refund only at the airport: 🛫 Changi Airport (all terminals) 🛫 Seletar Airport Use the eTRS kiosks located before immigration (for goods checks) and after immigration (to submit your refund claim).❓8. What do I need to present at the airport?
🛂 Your passport 🧾 Your purchase receipts 🧳 The physical goods (especially high-value items) 💳 Credit card, Alipay/WeChat Pay (for refund) 💡 Tip: Pack expensive items like laptops or bags in hand-carry for inspection if needed.❓9. How long does the refund take?
💳 Credit card refunds: Usually within 10 working days 💵 Cash refunds (SGD): Immediate (limited to SGD 500) 📱 eWallets (Alipay/WeChat Pay): Immediate or within 3–5 days❓10. Can I get my refund in cash?
Yes, but: 💵 Maximum SGD 500 in cash per tourist For higher amounts, refund goes to credit card or e-wallet Cash counters may have longer queues❓11. What happens if I forget to claim my refund?
Sadly, if you forget to process your refund before departure, or you miss the Customs check (if required), you won’t be able to claim it later. So always arrive early — at least 2.5–3 hours before your flight.❓12. Can I claim a refund at land borders (like Johor–Woodlands)?
🚫 No. You must depart Singapore by air via Changi or Seletar Airport to be eligible for the tax refund.