Vietnam Tax Refund Guide – Claim VAT as a Tourist

Hi friends! 👋 I just returned from an exciting shopping trip in Vietnam – and I’m still buzzing from all the great buys! From beauty products and fashion to unique local souvenirs and electronics, Vietnam is a shopper’s paradise. But here’s a tip many international visitors might not know: you can actually claim a tax refund on your shopping in Vietnam!

That’s right – with Vietnam’s Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS), eligible tourists can get a refund on the Value-Added Tax (VAT) paid on purchases from participating stores. So, if you’re planning a shopping spree in Vietnam, don’t miss this opportunity to save. Let me guide you through everything you need to know – from how the refund process works to how you can claim it easily before flying home. ✨💼💵

🧾 Tax Refund and Exemption in Vietnam

When shopping in Vietnam, you’ll often notice that prices include the 8% Value-Added Tax (VAT), which is applied to most goods and services.

But here’s the great news: International tourists can get a refund on this tax for eligible purchases made at participating stores under Vietnam’s Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS). 🙌

That means:

✅ More budget for another round of phở or bánh mì 🍜
✅ Extra beauty products or handicrafts to take home 💅
✅ And more unique souvenirs for your family and friends 🎁

💡 Value-Added Tax (VAT) in Vietnam

Vietnam’s VAT is set at 8%, and it applies to many common purchases, including:

🛍️ Fashion and accessories
📱 Electronics and gadgets
💄 Beauty and skincare products
🍬 Snacks and local treats
🥤 Non-alcoholic drinks

You might not notice it at first, but the VAT can quietly add up—especially when shopping in popular places like Saigon Centre, Lotte Department Store, or Aeon Mall.

🧠 Tip: Look out for stores with the “VAT Refund for Tourists” logo, and always confirm if the displayed price includes VAT. Most stores do, but it’s smart to double-check!

📜 Vietnam’s Current Tax Refund System – What’s Eligible?

In Vietnam, tax refunds for international tourists fall under the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS), and only specific items are eligible. Here’s a clear breakdown of what qualifies:

1. General Goods

This includes items such as clothing, electronics, souvenirs, accessories, and other non-consumable products.

Conditions:

• Minimum spend: VND 2 million (in a single receipt) at a participating store.
• Purchases must be made within 60 days before your departure from Vietnam.
• Items must be taken out of the country within this time frame.
• You must depart from a designated international airport such as Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Noi Bai (Hanoi), Da Nang, or Phu Quoc.

2. Consumable Goods

Some consumables, such as packaged snacks or sealed personal care products, may be eligible for refund – but they must be unused and carried out of Vietnam in your checked or carry-on luggage.

Important Notes:

• Refunds apply only to purchases made at approved TRS retailers – look for shops displaying the “VAT Refund for Tourists” logo.
• You must present the items, original receipts, completed VAT refund form, and your passport at the refund counter before check-in.
• ⚠️ Not all shops allow combining receipts or refund both item categories, so always check with the cashier or look for the TRS signage before you buy!

✅ Tax Refund Conditions – Are You Eligible in Vietnam?

To qualify for a VAT refund under Vietnam’s Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS), you must meet the following conditions:

✅ You must be:

• A non-Vietnamese citizen
• Holding a valid international passport
• Visiting Vietnam on a tourist visa or under visa exemption
• Departing Vietnam by air from one of the designated international airports (e.g., Tan Son Nhat, Noi Bai, Da Nang, or Phu Quoc)

✅ You must:

• Present your original passport at the time of purchase (photocopies are not accepted)
• Spend at least VND 2 million in a single receipt at a participating TRS store
• Make the purchase within 60 days before your departure date
• Take the goods out of Vietnam — items must be for personal use only, not for resale or commercial purposes

✈️ Important: Customs officers may inspect your purchases before departure, so be sure to keep all receipts, your passport, and the purchased items easily accessible in your carry-on luggage.

🔁 Tax Refund Procedures – How to Claim It in Vietnam

Source: Vibrant Finsery

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you claim your VAT refund in Vietnam:

🛍️ At the Store:

• Shop at a participating Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) retailer. Look for the “VAT Refund for Tourists” logo.
• Inform the cashier that you plan to claim a tax refund.
• Present your original passport for verification. The store will record your information and issue a VAT refund form along with the purchase receipt.
• Keep all your tax refund documents and receipts safe and organized—preferably in a pouch or folder for easy access.

🛫 At the Airport:

• Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight, as the refund process can take some time.
• Head to the Customs Inspection Counter before check-in to verify your goods. Present your passport, receipts, refund forms, and the actual items you purchased. Customs may inspect them.
• After customs approval, proceed to the VAT Refund Counter, usually located in the departure area after immigration.
• Depending on the airport, your refund will be processed either in cash (Vietnamese Dong) or credited to your credit card.

🧠 Tip: Refund counter procedures and operating hours may vary by airport, so it’s a good idea to check in advance. Keep your goods and documents in your carry-on for easy inspection.

🏪 Duty-Free and Tax-Free Shopping in Vietnam – Where to Go?

Here are some popular shopping spots in Vietnam where tourists can enjoy VAT refunds or duty-free deals:

🛍️ Vincom Center (Ho Chi Minh City / Hanoi) – A modern shopping mall with a mix of international and local fashion brands, electronics, and lifestyle stores
📱 Nguyen Kim / Dien May Xanh – Trusted electronics retailers offering gadgets, phones, and tech accessories
💄 Guardian / Medicare / Watsons – Pharmacy chains with a wide selection of beauty products, skincare, and health essentials
👗 Saigon Centre / Lotte Department Store – Ideal for fashion lovers, featuring both mid-range and luxury brands under one roof
🎁 Ben Thanh Market / Dong Xuan Market / Han Market – Great for traditional Vietnamese handicrafts, souvenirs, snacks, and unique local gifts

💡 Tip: Look for shops displaying the “VAT Refund for Tourists” logo to make sure your purchases are eligible for a tax refund.

🔥 Vietnam Tax Refund Tips

Source: iMoney.my

Here are some helpful tips I wish I had known before shopping in Vietnam – learn from my experience! 👇

🔖 Keep Your Passport Accessible

Always have your original passport ready when shopping at participating stores—you’ll need to show it to process your VAT refund paperwork.

🗃️ Stay Organized

Keep all your receipts, VAT refund forms, and purchase documents in one place. A small folder or pouch makes it easy and prevents anything from getting lost.

🛍️ Plan Your Purchases Wisely

Aim to spend VND 2 million or more in a single receipt at a TRS store to qualify for the refund. It’s better to make larger purchases at fewer stores than several small ones that won’t qualify.

⛔ Keep Your Goods Easily Accessible

Customs may inspect your purchases at the airport, so keep the items unpacked and in your carry-on luggage for quick access.

📍 Airport Refund Counters Are Your Backup

If you didn’t complete the refund process in-store, don’t worry. You can still claim your VAT refund at designated counters at airports like Tan Son Nhat, Noi Bai, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc.

📱 Use a Translation App

While many staff are helpful, not everyone speaks English fluently. Apps like Google Translate can make communication faster and smoother.

💳 Use a Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees

Pay with a card that offers good exchange rates and no foreign fees—you’ll get better value than exchanging cash.

Final Thoughts – It’s Totally Worth It!

Shopping in Vietnam is already an exciting experience, but being able to claim a VAT refund? That’s a major bonus! 🏆 The process might seem a little confusing at first, but once you understand the steps, it’s actually quite easy.

If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, my advice is: shop smart, shop tax-free! 🛍️✨ And don’t forget your passport and maybe leave a little extra space in your suitcase—you’re going to need it. 😉

✈️ Book your flight to Vietnam now on Trip.com
🏨 Find the best hotel deals in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and more
📱 Get a Vietnam eSIM for fast internet the moment you land

Happy travels, fellow adventurers – and enjoy your Vietnamese shopping spree! ❤️