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 10% 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 10%, 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!
Top Things to do in Vietnam
Lihat Semua Tarikan
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✅ 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.
Cheap Hotels in Vietnam
5 star
Great1436 Ulasan
Ho Chi Minh City|3.17km dari pusat bandar
As a frequent traveler who has experienced numerous hotels across the globe, Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City stands out as a remarkable choice for both business and leisure trips. Having stayed here multiple times, I can confidently say it consistently delivers a top-notch experience.
The hotel's prime location is a significant advantage. It's conveniently situated just a 10-15 minute drive from Tan Son Nhat International Airport
, making transitions smooth after long flights. While not in the very heart of District 1, it offers easy access to the city center and key attractions like the War Remnants Museum and Independence Palace, with taxis and Grab services readily available.
The service is truly exceptional. The staff is highly efficient, professional, and courteous. Check-in and check-out processes are always swift and hassle-free
. What impressed me greatly is the multilingual proficiency of the faculty; they are not only fluent in English but some also converse comfortably in Chinese, which is immensely helpful for international guests.
Accommodations are spacious and well-appointed. The rooms are elegantly furnished with modern amenities, including comfortable beds, minibars, refrigerators, and complimentary Wi-Fi. While some guests note that certain areas of the hotel show slight signs of age, the rooms are maintained very cleanly. A minor point some travelers mention is that the air conditioning can be quite powerful.
Dining options are a highlight. The breakfast buffet is extensive and delicious, featuring a wide variety of choices from Vietnamese pho and Western pastries to sushi and fresh fruits. The hotel houses several restaurants, including Tung Garden for Chinese cuisine and Cafe Sai Gon for international dishes, ensuring diverse culinary experiences throughout the day.
For relaxation and productivity, the facilities are outstanding. The outdoor swimming pool is perfect for a refreshing dip or some laps, and the well-equipped fitness center allows you to maintain your workout routine. Business travelers will appreciate the executive lounge and the comprehensive business center with meeting rooms.
In conclusion, Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon excels in comfort, convenience, and service. It's a hotel I return to without hesitation and wholeheartedly recommend to fellow travelers seeking a reliable and enjoyable stay in Ho Chi Minh City.Dari€80
Great729 Ulasan
Nguyen Hue Walking Street Ho Chi Minh City|1.12km dari pusat bandar
Overall, a very good experience, especially the location. It's very central and incredibly convenient. Breakfast was excellent, with both Vietnamese specialties and a variety of Western options. As an established five-star hotel, the service and English proficiency of the staff were superb. My only gripe is that the housekeeping wasn't quite up to par. I stayed for six nights, and they hardly replenished the shower caps – I only got one for the entire stay! Also, the conditioner wasn't refilled after the first day; it was never topped up. In short, the room cleaning and replenishment services didn't meet five-star standards, failing even the most basic resupply needs.Dari€103
Very Good1650 Ulasan
Ho Chi Minh City|3.51km dari pusat bandar
This hotel is located in what's considered the city center of China, so you'll find a lot of Chinese guests here. The breakfast spread is incredibly rich and varied, offering excellent value for money. On the 24th floor, there's a free gym and sauna, though massages come at a high price, so you might want to look for options outside. Right downstairs, you'll find convenience stores and various dining options, including Cantonese cuisine, making everything very accessible.Dari€67
Amazing798 Ulasan
Nguyen Hue Walking Street Ho Chi Minh City|0.84km dari pusat bandar
Historical feeling in this hotel smack in the middle of town by the theatre. Room has an old charm feeling but in good shape and well cleaned and nothings missing. No noise from street or neighbours. Abundant f&b and shopping around. Dinner in the steakhouse was quite pricey but tasty, breakfast was good but the room is underdimensioned. First morning was a disaster and people basically elbowing their ways through. 2nd morning was better though.
All in all good stay and will definitely have this as an option next time.Dari€181
Amazing780 Ulasan
Ho Chi Minh City|0.6km dari pusat bandar
Quite satisfied with this hotel. The facilities are excellent, and the service is outstanding—everyone I encountered had a smile. The breakfast was good and very plentiful. The pool is also great for photos, though the gym is relatively basic. The location is convenient for getting around. Overall, a very pleasant two-night stay.Dari€162
Great474 Ulasan
Nguyen Hue Walking Street Ho Chi Minh City|1.29km dari pusat bandar
This hotel beautifully blends French charm with a poetic riverside setting, offering a stay that combines historical depth with modern comfort. Our room boasted lovely views of the Saigon River.
Strategically located in the heart of District 1, the hotel is within walking distance of popular attractions like the Opera House, City Hall, and Ben Thanh Market. With an abundance of dining and shopping options nearby, getting around is incredibly convenient.
Breakfast was a highlight, featuring a lavish spread including made-to-order French sandwiches and pho. We particularly enjoyed dining in the open-air restaurant, savoring the views as we ate.
The guest rooms exude a French aesthetic, with wooden furniture adding a touch of vintage elegance. The bedding was soft and comfortable, and the room offered good soundproofing.
The service was excellent. The staff were warm and friendly, and their English was fluent. The 24-hour front desk was always available to assist, and the luggage storage service was a great convenience.Dari€107
Very Good751 Ulasan
Ho Chi Minh City|1.81km dari pusat bandar
Conveniently located a 5 min walk from Bui Vien Street which is famous for its nightlife. There is a nice-looking McDonald’s about a 10 min walk from the hotel. A little further down from the McDonald’s is Ben Thanh Market. The breakfast spread looked sufficient (I had a peek) but I opted to have breakfast at the various cafes around such as L’Usine, Tonkin Specialty Coffee, Roots and The Melbourne Cafe. Definitely take a Grab Bike everywhere even if you’re in a group; it’s cheap, and much quicker than taking a car due to traffic. The pool is long and has a playroom for kids next to it. The restaurant has a playroom too. The powder room on the pool level has a small jacuzzi which was nice. The room itself is comfortable. The toilet is separated from the shower and the floor was pretty cold.Dari€157
Amazing1429 Ulasan
Ho Chi Minh City|2.31km dari pusat bandar
The room was medium-sized, an enclosed air-conditioned type, and quite quiet. The facilities meet five-star standards, although some are a bit old, they are clean and tidy. The toilet is Japanese-style. Room service is also five-star quality. The front desk and doorman were warm and professional, helping with luggage to the room. When checking out, they were flexible with extending the time. Breakfast was very rich, a combination of Western, Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese dishes. There's also a famous seafood buffet in Saigon, estimated at over 400 per person, which I unfortunately didn't have time to try. The hotel offers a free shuttle service to major attractions, but you need to book your travel time one day in advance, as advertised on the lobby billboard. The downside is that in our room, even on the lowest fan setting, the air conditioning still produced an electrical humming noise, which disappeared when turned off. Bottled water in the room is free but limited to a maximum of four bottles; this was the rule in all three hotels I stayed at in Vietnam, which I found a bit strange. Overall, I would recommend this hotel to independent travelers.Dari€195
Business travel
Very Good491 Ulasan
Ho Chi Minh City Centre Ho Chi Minh City|0.59km dari pusat bandar
Beautiful boutique hotel. It was my birthday and wanted a nice hotel to end our travels in Vietnam. Great location, rooftop pool and terrace bar lovely.
Was up and out so no time to try the breakfast hut looked nice. Fresh towels and water changed daily.
They gave me a cake as a surprise for my birthday that was cute.
Bad points - the room we stayed in the drain was making noises all night sounded like water was running. The shower was awful literally a small handheld one on the wall that if you moved it would soak the whole bathroom, and the bath was a bit grotty round the sides.
When checking out we got accused of taking a towel from the room when we never did! They tried getting us to pay for this towel we refused as we did not take the towel! So please be aware when staying here that they don’t try to charge you for something!!!Dari€58
Great1178 Ulasan
Ho Chi Minh City|0.56km dari pusat bandar
A very nice urban hotel with many tourist locations within reasonable walking distance. The staff is helpful and sweet, rooms are clean.
Breakfast is ok, it lacks variety and simple food in my opinion. But afternoon tea is fantastic.
The swimming pool is not big and the suntanning area has limited place, but it was right in our floor, so we enjoyed it as much as we could. The gym has no AC, so it was mostly useless for me, as I always lack air everywhere.
Our room had a whole other room with a dedicated kitchen and washing machine and living area, which is fantastic. But it is placed very to some kindergarten around the corner, which was very load and audible.Dari€65
Very Good326 Ulasan
Nguyen Hue Walking Street Ho Chi Minh City|0.85km dari pusat bandar
Facilities: The facilities are a bit dated. The breakfast was decent. However, the value for money wasn't great, as it felt a bit overpriced.
Cleanliness: Cleanliness met expectations, and the bedding was clean and neat.
Environment: The surrounding area is very convenient, with easy access to taxis and plenty of dining options.
Service: The service was acceptable, but my request for a late checkout was denied.Dari€67
Very Good599 Ulasan
Ho Chi Minh City Centre Ho Chi Minh City|0.93km dari pusat bandar
Really excellent service, the lobby is very pleasant, the location is really convenient and good. The breakfast is full of good things but the raw materials are mediocre and the cooks are bad, the fried rice is tasteless. In my opinion, the cooking teams that prepare the food need to learn to cook. The breakfast room is full of rude tourists who shout or just take up space to sit. Now for the Room it self; Very very small rooms, 20 square meters per couple, really tiny. The pool was closed for use due to the season. And the rooftop is ugly and boring. Would I stay there again? If I stay alone, maybe. Overall, the hotel is not bad for a single person. It's just a shame that there are no windows in the rooms because it's suffocating. Claustrophobic, the bathrooms need to be converted to regular showers. 7 on our indexDari€56
Very Good681 Ulasan
Ho Chi Minh City|1.34km dari pusat bandar
Stayed for 2 nights at Wink Hotel in mid December. Good first impression when checking into the hotel. Lobby felt welcoming and staff was on hand to help with the self check-in. The room came with a queen bed but was quite small. Will be a tight squeeze for 2 people. The interior was quite plain but clean. Bfast was delicious with a good variety of local and international fare. Laundry costs USD$2 for each wash and dry cycle.
Best thing about it was the location. There were plenty of convenience stores, restaurants and cafes just around the hotel. From the airport, a grab ride to the hotel was about usd$4. It's also about 2-3km from Japan town and Saigon centre.Dari€71
Very Good648 Ulasan
Le Thanh Ton Ho Chi Minh City|1.11km dari pusat bandar
Nice economical hotel. Ten minute walk to opera house etc. Rooftop bar is lovely albeit expensive for a beer compared to local bars/restaurants. Friendly staff on hand to help at all times. Pool is nice! Glass surrounding it would be lovely if clearer… I imagine a hard job keeping clean with pollution levels…
Rooms themselves very clean and complimentary mini bar (snacks and soft drinks) is also a daily perk! Would stay again!Dari€48
Very Good606 Ulasan
Ben Thanh Market Area Ho Chi Minh City|0.68km dari pusat bandar
I checked in for bussiness purpose with my friend. Everything was last minute but very smooth. Luckily we found this hotel. Its looked like just finished from renovation, so everything looks newDari€27
Great210 Ulasan
Nguyen Hue Walking Street Ho Chi Minh City|1.12km dari pusat bandar
I had a very comfortable stay at the myst hotel’s verdant calm balcony view. It overlooks the Times Square and you can catch a glimpse of the Nguyen hue street if you’re on a higher floor. The room was very spacious and the facilities including mattress were of quality better than other 4 star hotels. Free minibar and high tea also a plus.
Everything was perfect for us as the room assigned was very well located. The same just might not be the case for other room types or those on the first few floors. I’d recommend this for younger couples, i think it’ll be great.Dari€173
Breakfast
Great865 Ulasan
Ho Chi Minh City|1.58km dari pusat bandar
On the second day, we switched to a double room, and it was significantly better than the first one – much more spacious, with great amenities and a higher standard overall. I was very satisfied. However, the hotel's prices are generally on the higher side, and I hope they can improve this. The location and the buffet were absolutely fantastic. We also happened to visit during Christmas, and the atmosphere was wonderful!Dari€116
Very Good267 Ulasan
Nguyen Hue Walking Street Ho Chi Minh City|1.12km dari pusat bandar
Au Lac Charner is well situated for shopping and nightlife. There are several mini marts within a minutes walk. And so many dining options.
However, it is the staff and the amenities that truly made our stay well above average.
From front desk, the impeccable doormen and restaurant staff, our stay was wonderful.
We had a balcony room. I would suggest asking for a higher floor, as we looked into a car park.
Our room was spotless. Our cleaner was the most lovely and thorough man. He did a turn down service around 2pm to freshen the room.
Au Lac have luggage scales that were brought by staff to our room so we could sort out what we could take for a domestic flight. They stored our extra luggage until our return.
Water is not rationed. Or charged if you want more. And the room service we had a few times was excellent. I recommend the shaking beef noodles.
Breakfast is basic but tasty and changes daily. I will be staying here in future. I included a pic of a little outdoor area of the dining room that was quiet and secluded from the main breakfast area.Dari€108
Great229 Ulasan
Ho Chi Minh City Centre Ho Chi Minh City|1.2km dari pusat bandar
I had a wonderful stay at The Odys Boutique Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. The location is excellent — it’s very close to one of the city’s attractions, the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum, which makes sightseeing super convenient.
The hotel staff were all very friendly and polite, always greeting guests with a smile. I also really appreciated the free drinks and snacks available at the lobby, especially the ginger candies — a lovely touch!
Although my room didn’t have a window, it was clean, comfortable, and had no unpleasant smell. The breakfast buffet offered plenty of delicious options to choose from — definitely a great way to start the day.
There’s still a bit of room for improvement: the only mirror is inside the bathroom, so it would be more convenient if there were also a mirror in the bedroom area for doing skincare or makeup. The bathroom counter also has limited space for placing personal items. Additionally, while soap is provided, there isn’t a soap dish, which would be a nice addition.
Overall, it was a very enjoyable stay, and I would definitely recommend The Odys Boutique Hotel for anyone visiting Ho Chi Minh City!Dari€45
Great355 Ulasan
Ho Chi Minh City|1.31km dari pusat bandar
We did not have a perfect experience from this stay at Somerset HCM hence no full marks. Apartment - we were allocated a non-ideal ground floor 2 bedroom apartment facing the swimming pool, we requested for a change of room at the point of check in but were denied repeatedly. There was a pool party at the pool with a high noise level. We made a complaint, the reception then offered a room change for the next day but we declined having already unpacked & settled in. There is no pool view as we had to close the curtains throughout the stay for privacy reasons. The TV in the master bedroom was not working at all, we made a request, they repaired the TV after a long time on the second night but it was spoilt again. We gave up & did not made another request. The TV should have been checked that it is in order before allowing guests to check in. Other than these 2 negative points, the apartment was simply great. The kitchen was clean and well equipped with a washing machine, microwave and conventional ovens, crockery & kitchen utensils. The 2 bedrooms and bathrooms were clean and well equipped too. Housekeeping is great, apartment was cleaned and refreshed well daily. Location is fine. It may not be that convenient to shopping, food & places of interest but it is not a problem at all in HCM as it is so easy and affordable to take a Grab to anywhere. For info, we stayed 3 nights and paid higher than average rates for this 2 bedroom apartment.Dari€119
Great408 Ulasan
Le Thanh Ton Ho Chi Minh City|0.8km dari pusat bandar
The front desk staff were very friendly and welcoming, and the hotel's location is excellent. However, the breakfast was quite poor. My room door got locked, and it took the staff over half an hour to get a professional to open it, yet no one apologized.Dari€69
Very Good668 Ulasan
Ho Chi Minh City Centre Ho Chi Minh City|0.95km dari pusat bandar
This is a hotel of contradictions.
The facade is impressive. It's centrally located in District 1 near restaurants, shops and the Western quarter. The buffet breakfast selection is pleasing. The room size is generous. Staff are friendly and helpful. There's a forward thinking eco-friendly policy which clearly implemented throughout the hotel.
However, the hotel is let down by some of its facilities. For example, in the bathroom a spa has been placed under a shower head so that when you shower the water runs down the wall and floods across the bathroom floor from one side to the other and in front of the hand basin. The hot and cold water taps turn on in opposite directions and the cold tap is not fitted properly which causes it to move. My children were unable to turn the shower on or off without adult help. The shower head is also too low and my 6 foot husband had to crouch down to shower.
Another problem area is the rooftop pool area. The clear rooptop pool perimeter fence is woefully too low. I watched a child climb out of the pool to the ledge between the pool and the perimeter fence and I was very worried for his safety. One wrong slip or stumble and there's nothing stopping the child from toppling over the edge and 11 floors down.
This hotel has a lot going for it but also has further room for improvement.Dari€59
Very Good187 Ulasan
Ben Thanh Market Area Ho Chi Minh City|0.76km dari pusat bandar
The location is truly excellent, making it incredibly easy to explore the Ben Thanh area and surrounding attractions in Ho Chi Minh City. The staff service was outstanding—every member of the team was attentive, friendly, and went out of their way to assist us, which made a huge difference.
The breakfast offering standard options, they also included wonderful Japanese elements, specifically delicious Japanese curry rice and authentic miso soup.
Due to my room was face to the street, the noise of traffic and people was noticeable
The Hotel is a fantastic choice for value, service, and location. If you are sensitive to noise, I recommend that request the room that does not face the main street.Dari€66
416 Ulasan
Pham Ngu Lao Street Area Ho Chi Minh City|1.44km dari pusat bandar
**Valentine Hotel Review**
Rating: ★★★★☆
I recently had the pleasure of staying at the Valentine Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, and I must say, it was a delightful experience.
**Location:**
The hotel is conveniently located in District 1, making it easy to access major attractions such as Ben Thanh Market, the War Remnants Museum, and the bustling streets of Bui Vien. The area felt safe, and there were plenty of restaurants and shops within walking distance.
**Accommodation:**
The room I stayed in was spacious, clean, and well-appointed. The decor was modern yet cozy, with comfortable bedding that ensured a restful night's sleep. The large windows provided plenty of natural light and offered a lovely view of the city.
**Amenities:**
The hotel offers a range of amenities, including free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views. I particularly enjoyed relaxing by the rooftop pool after a day of sightseeing. The staff was attentive and always ready to assist with any queries.
**Service:**
The service was exceptional. The front desk staff were friendly and went above and beyond to make my stay enjoyable. They provided helpful recommendations for local attractions and dining options.
**Overall Experience:**
Overall, my stay at Valentine Hotel was fantastic. The combination of great location, comfortable accommodations, and excellent service made it a memorable trip. I highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Ho Chi Minh City!Dari€4
🏪 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.
Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Vietnam
- Pergi Balik
- Sehala
- direct cheapest
KUL13:351j 45mTanpa hentiSGN14:20Kuala Lumpur - Ho Chi Minh City|Sel, 7 Apr|VietJet AirSGN09:302j 5mTanpa hentiKUL12:35Ho Chi Minh City - Kuala Lumpur|Kha, 9 Apr|VietJet Air€ 78€ 10928% off28% off€ 109€ 78 - KUL13:351j 45mTanpa hentiSGN14:20Kuala Lumpur - Ho Chi Minh City|Sel, 21 Apr|VietJet AirSGN09:302j 5mTanpa hentiKUL12:35Ho Chi Minh City - Kuala Lumpur|Kha, 23 Apr|VietJet Air€ 79€ 10928% off28% off€ 109€ 79
- KUL13:351j 45mTanpa hentiSGN14:20Kuala Lumpur - Ho Chi Minh City|Rab, 15 Apr|VietJet AirSGN09:302j 5mTanpa hentiKUL12:35Ho Chi Minh City - Kuala Lumpur|Sab, 18 Apr|VietJet Air€ 79€ 10928% off28% off€ 109€ 79
KUL1:00 PM3j 5mTanpa hentiSGN2:00 PMKuala Lumpur - Ho Chi Minh City|Sat, Mar 14|VietJet Air
SGN1:00 PM3j 5mTanpa hentiKUL2:00 PMHo Chi Minh City - Kuala Lumpur|Sat, Mar 14|VietJet AirCari 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.
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! ❤️
FAQs: Vietnam Tax Refund for Tourists
What is the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) in Vietnam?
Vietnam's Tourist Refund Scheme allows eligible international visitors to claim a refund on the Value-Added Tax (VAT) paid on goods purchased from participating stores. This initiative helps tourists save money on shopping before leaving the country.Who is eligible to claim a tax refund in Vietnam?
Non-Vietnamese citizens who enter Vietnam on a valid tourist visa or under visa exemption, and who depart the country via designated international airports, are eligible to claim a VAT refund on qualifying purchases.What is the minimum spend required to qualify for a tax refund?
To qualify for a VAT refund in Vietnam, you must spend at least VND 2 million (approximately RM390) in a single receipt at a store displaying the "VAT Refund for Tourists" logo.How and where can I claim my Vietnam tax refund?
You can claim your VAT refund at official refund counters located at major international airports such as Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Noi Bai (Hanoi), Da Nang, and Phu Quoc. Before departing, you must present your original passport, eligible receipts, completed VAT refund forms, and the purchased goods for inspection.