Vietnam Tax Refund Guide – Claim VAT as a Tourist

Gambar Profil Penulis

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

tax refund

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.

🔥 Hotel Coupons: Exclusive Hotels Deal for New Users

Discover the world with trip.com! Book the perfect hotel anywhere in the world and get an unbeatable 10% discount if you're a first-time user! If this is your second time using it, you will receive a 5% discount! Download our app now and start planning your next trip with ease.

Just click this link and download the Trip.com App, after successfully registering as a member, use it when you place an order!

🔥Save More with Up to 10% Off

Use our promo code to enjoy up to 10% OFF on your attraction tickets, tours and eSIMs! There is also a 5% OFF for new users!

🔥New User Coupon: Save More with an Extra 5% Off

Use our promo code to enjoy an extra 5% off on your attraction tickets, eSIMs, and tours! ⏳Redeem within 3 days of claiming

Cheap Hotels in Vietnam

5 star

9/10Great1406 Ulasan
Ho Chi Minh City|3.17km dari pusat bandar
A Flawless Stay at Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon From the moment my taxi pulled up to the sleek entrance of the Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon, I knew I was in for an exceptional stay. As a traveler who values both efficiency and comfort, this hotel completely blew me away by striking the perfect balance between upscale luxury and unmatched convenience. The Ultimate Location Location is everything in Ho Chi Minh City, and Eastin Grand nails it. Airport Proximity: Situated just a brief 10-minute drive from Tan Son Nhat International Airport, it completely eliminates the stress of missing a flight or battling heavy traffic after a long journey. City Access: It serves as a strategic launchpad. Whether I needed to zip into District 1 for sightseeing or head to the bustling commercial districts for meetings, the transit was effortless. Premium Comfort & World-Class Hospitality The indoor experience is just as seamless. My room was a haven of contemporary sophistication—spacious, impeccably clean, and fitted with plush bedding that offered a restful escape from the energetic city outside. Standout Feature: The executive lounge access is a must-try. Sipping a perfectly crafted cocktail while looking over the city skyline was a daily highlight. The staff deserves a special mention; their warm hospitality and intuitive service made me feel genuinely cared for, rather than just another room number. With its top-tier amenities, exquisite dining options, and frictionless logistics, Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon didn’t just host me—it elevated my entire Ho Chi Minh City experience. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
DariPHP 4,982
9/10Great826 Ulasan
Nguyen Hue Walking Street Ho Chi Minh City|1.12km dari pusat bandar
Pros: Historic building, pleasant courtyard with an indoor pool. Ample toiletries provided in the bathroom, not just single items. Attentive staff for cleaning and delivering amenities. Cons: The staff don't seem to understand the concept of guest service. Breakfast waiters practically knock you over, trying to get past first. The person delivering luggage to the room told us, 'I'll go first, you take the next elevator.' 😂 Breakfast needs a special mention: Breakfast hours are until 9:30 AM, but in other hotels in Ho Chi Minh City where we stayed, breakfast was until at least 10:00 AM or 10:30 AM. However, the breakfast time isn't the only issue; waiters start clearing tables and milk pitchers at 9:00 AM, instead of serving guests. They focus on cleaning and clattering dishes, subtly hinting that breakfast is over. Furthermore, not once during our entire stay did anyone offer to bring/pour coffee. Cappuccinos and lattes are made by a separate barista; you can't make these drinks yourself from the coffee machine. There are no freshly squeezed juices. And what's unacceptable is the sour and overcooked vegetables – broccoli and cauliflower. It's surprising that the hotel management isn't monitoring the quality of their establishment; for comparison, look at the Pullman hotel. In the evening, the cleaning lady in the fitness center was making a lot of noise while cleaning the changing room, making it difficult to concentrate even with headphones on. Suggestions for the hotel: Train the staff on service and sort out the breakfast issues.
DariPHP 5,826
8.9/10Very Good1783 Ulasan
Ho Chi Minh City|3.51km dari pusat bandar
Honestly, this place is beautiful, clean space, fantastic amenities, everything you could need at a gym, including sauna and steam rooms. The pool is basically on the roof with the spa's, beautiful view of the city when the weather is right. The room was spacious and used well with a table to sit at, reading chair, bed, TV, room service. The bathroom was a nice size, my room had a bath/shower combined it was lovely but very high just in case that's something you need to worry about (: the service was wonderful. I don't really have anything to fault about this place, but I wish I could have stayed longer :) Book it, you won't regret it 🥰 Breakfast was amazing, so many options and fresh new items each day🖤
DariPHP 3,911
9.4/10Amazing839 Ulasan
Nguyen Hue Walking Street Ho Chi Minh City|0.84km dari pusat bandar
We had a wonderful stay at this hotel during our trip to Vietnam. The room was spacious, spotless, and well-equipped with everything we needed. The staff provided exceptional service and made us feel welcome from check-in to check-out. The location was perfect, with easy access to local attractions, restaurants, and transportation. The breakfast buffet offered a great variety of both local and international dishes. Overall, it was an excellent experience, and we would gladly return on our next visit.
DariPHP 7,858
9.5/10Amazing855 Ulasan
Ho Chi Minh City|0.6km dari pusat bandar
A French-style hotel with a lot of character. You'll always see the staff serving with a smile, helping you with the elevator, and greeting you politely. The rooms are clean, and the breakfast spread is incredibly rich. Today, I even had unlimited abalone! The swimming pool is beautiful. If this were a five-star hotel, the service, facilities, and breakfast would be absolutely impeccable, almost perfect. This is my top hotel choice in Ho Chi Minh City.
DariPHP 9,047
9.1/10Great536 Ulasan
Nguyen Hue Walking Street Ho Chi Minh City|1.29km dari pusat bandar
Hello, I was the guest in room 206, checking in on June 30th. After resting for a bit, I went out around 3 PM. When I left, my suitcase was open, and inside were clothes and a GoPro camera, which was attached to a neck strap mount and not easy to remove. When I returned in the evening, I noticed the room had been tidied. The next morning, I checked out and left my luggage at the hotel. Around 6 PM that afternoon, I returned to pick up my luggage to go to the airport. During that time, I opened my suitcase once at the luggage storage area to put something in. I didn't use the GoPro at all during my two days and one night in Ho Chi Minh City, so I didn't pay close attention to it. Afterward, I flew directly to Hanoi, and at the hotel there, I discovered my GoPro was missing from my suitcase, with only the neck strap mount remaining. I contacted you to help me look for the camera, but you said it hadn't been seen. After returning home, I carefully replayed all the events in my mind, and it's only possible that it went missing at your hotel. I hope that after seeing this review, you can help me check the surveillance footage again and contact me.
DariPHP 6,915
9.4/10Amazing1545 Ulasan
Ho Chi Minh City|2.31km dari pusat bandar
This is our top choice for hotels in Ho Chi Minh City. The suite offers excellent value for money, with spacious rooms and L'Occitane amenities. The room was spotless and the bed was very comfortable. Both the lounge and breakfast were delicious, and the breakfast even featured fresh coconut water and wax apples (bell fruit) at the buffet.
DariPHP 8,194
9.2/10Great223 Ulasan
Nguyen Hue Walking Street Ho Chi Minh City|1.12km dari pusat bandar
The Myst Dong Khoi hotel is such a lovely hotel in the midst of the bustling city. Beautifully set up with lovely facilities and great, friendly staff. The pool area is lovely, food is great and great service! Highly recommended! 5 stars for sure!!
DariPHP 9,982

Show more

Business travel

8.8/10Very Good549 Ulasan
Ho Chi Minh City Centre Ho Chi Minh City|0.59km dari pusat bandar
Pros: amazingly delicious buffet breakfast from western to asian cuisines. Delicious food and always fresh seasonal fruits. Menu changes daily. Their Triple Roomnis quiet spacious with bonggavillas on window sills. Room is cleaned and linens changed on a daily basis. Bar at the rooftop with jacuzzis and spa pool which added to the zen vibes. Lobby is dimly lighted but just enough to light the way which I think uphholds to its ZEN vibes. The location is superb. Next to it are spas for hair, nails, massage and 3 mins walk right through ben thanh market, saigon square, saigon center. 10 mins walk to Notre Dame Cathedral. Easy to catch Grab. Staff are all very friendly, helpful and communicates in English well. Cons: they don't have a swimming pool as what is advertised on its amenities. It's more like a spa pool where clients can sit, dip and maybe drink some coctails while watching the night lights and relaxing with the zen environment. However, the spa pool is perfect for my 8 yo nephew. He can play, swim on the pool without us worrying that the water might be deep for him. Bath tub is high so its not good for a short elderly client who got issues with mobility. My 78 yo mom got a hard time climbing in and out of the tub as its also slippery. We finally managed by letting her sit on th edge of the tub first before putting her foot in/out of the tub and putting towel on the floor of the tub while she's showering.
DariPHP 2,586
9.1/10Great1131 Ulasan
Ho Chi Minh City|0.56km dari pusat bandar
Pros: Nice one bedroom with cozy living room and a full kitchen plus washing machine. The bed is comfortable. The aircon was good and quiet. The location is perfect - i often stay around that area, everything is very walkable, taxi is cheap and quick. Some cons: 1) sometimes there is a cigarette smell coming from the ventilation - some guests are smoking inside 2) i think windows should be eventually replaced to modern with a better sound insulation as there are some places with loud music nearby 3) the window lock in my bathroom was broken
DariPHP 4,383
8.9/10Very Good318 Ulasan
Nguyen Hue Walking Street Ho Chi Minh City|0.85km dari pusat bandar
Our stay at the Royal Hotel Saigon was a marvelous experience! The staff was welcoming and professional which elevated our experience. They made us feel like honored guests. We took advantage of many of their amenities and were given royal treatment. We can highly recommend the spa and the workout room. We enjoyed meals and drinks from the Royal Coffee and Boulevard Restaurant. The food was delicious and the cost quite reasonable. We delightfully anticipate returning to the Royal Hotel Saigon in the future!
DariPHP 3,376
8.7/10Very Good582 Ulasan
Ho Chi Minh City Centre Ho Chi Minh City|0.93km dari pusat bandar
The environment is comfortable, clean, and tidy. The front desk staff are friendly and welcoming. The hotel is conveniently located with many convenience stores, local restaurants, and street food stalls nearby. It's highly recommended, and I'll definitely stay here again.
DariPHP 3,149
8.9/10Very Good700 Ulasan
Ho Chi Minh City|1.34km dari pusat bandar
1. 16sq. mtr room is marketed and sold as a 20sq.mtr room. Its basically a glorified/polished container box. There is no space even to unpack/open your luggage. This is outright fraud and cheating. 2. Air conditioning is very poor. Despite such a small room size, it takes nearly an hour for the room to reach the set temperature even if you open the door even once. The staff too has confirmed the same that it takes 30min to 1hour to reach the desired cooling after closing the room doors. 3. Air conditioning break downs frequently. We had booked 17 rooms for our a group of 34 people. 3 to 4 had broken AC. One of them shifted in the middle of the night to a new room. On complaining the first time, the engineer came and fixed the filter. However the staff blamed us for keeping the door open. On complaining again, I was assured that the staff if coming only to realize that they were lying. Had to go physically to the reception and get the room changed. They were hoping that I would sleep with the broken AC instead of taking the pain to come down to the reception. On top of that the windows don't open. You don't have any ventilation as well. 3. The doors and walls are very thin. You can hear every door closing and even the slightest noise/conversation from nearby rooms. 4. The staff is very cold and unhelpful. Despite acknowledging the known problem about the AC they try to blame the guest for keeping the doors open. How is the guest supposed to breathe with no AC and no ventilation? If you are frustrated and get angry at the staff, they threaten you to throw you out of the hotel in the middle of the night by calling the police. 5. The windows are completely transparent. The nearby bldg people can peep in to your rooms anytime and hence the curtains need to be kept drawn all the time. 6. I am vegetarian so didn't find much options in breakfast. There were some fruits but they would get finished fast and then not refilled even during valid breakfast hours. When I checked reviews of this hotel after facing the above problems, multiple guests have reported the same issues.
DariPHP 3,748
8.8/10Very Good805 Ulasan
Le Thanh Ton Ho Chi Minh City|1.11km dari pusat bandar
The hotel is in a great location, making it easy to explore nearby attractions, restaurants, and local shops. The rooms were clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, providing everything needed for a relaxing stay. What truly stood out was the exceptional hospitality of the staff. Everyone was warm, friendly, and always willing to assist with a smile, making us feel welcome from check-in to check-out. Overall, had a wonderful stay at Bay Hotel.
DariPHP 3,258
8.5/10Very Good582 Ulasan
Ben Thanh Market Area Ho Chi Minh City|0.67km dari pusat bandar
”I recently stayed at the SUNRISE HOTEL for two nights during my trip to Ho Chi Minh City, and overall, it was an exceptional experience. The room was clean and modern, and I particularly appreciated the free upgrade from a superior to a deluxe room. The hotel’s location is convenient and central, making it easy to reach nearby attractions and transport. The staff were consistently friendly and helpful, and they made me feel very welcome throughout my stay. The only minor drawback was the noise, as my room was located right in front of the elevator. However, this did not impact my overall enjoyment. I would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone visiting the city!”
DariPHP 1,797
9.2/10Great760 Ulasan
Ho Chi Minh City Centre Ho Chi Minh City|1.04km dari pusat bandar
Fantastic location provides easy access to dinning, shopping and entertainment. Residence club has excellent food and drinks during cocktails hours. The service provided by the staffs at the club is top notch. Room are clean and bed is really comfortable. Great hotel to stay!
DariPHP 8,049

Show more

Breakfast

8.9/10Very Good966 Ulasan
Ho Chi Minh City|1.58km dari pusat bandar
Is very 5 star hotel and service is very high class. The room is also very clean. However, the room is abit squeezy but overall is good experience. One night SGD 160 is quite reasonable. The concierge team is very experience and friendly in helping us find a 24 hour clinic. The view at floor 25 is really good. They have an infinity pool at the rooftop which can see the whole of HCMC cityview.
DariPHP 6,615
9/10Great305 Ulasan
Nguyen Hue Walking Street Ho Chi Minh City|1.12km dari pusat bandar
A quaint and cosy hotel in a good location, walking distance to Saigon Centre, Saigon Square, Ben Thanh Market, Bookstreet and Vincom Centre. Room is spacious but can have more lighting. Sound proofing is not very good as we can hear an elderly couple quarreling on our 2nd night at a building rooftop near the hotel. Made a remark in my booking on our wedding anniversary and hotel made the effort to design the bed. There were issues with the aircon before we checked in and we were offered drinks on their 10th floor cafe (which served hi-tea for guest daily). Hotel breakfast spread is good, mix of local food and intercontinental breakfast. Overall good for the location and breakfast selection.
DariPHP 5,209
9.2/10Great295 Ulasan
Ho Chi Minh City Centre Ho Chi Minh City|1.2km dari pusat bandar
Excellent location. Friendly staff. Saigon Center, Saigon Square, Ben Thanh Market (Be cautious as goods here tend to be ridiculously marked up. Always bargain and do your research! We went to Tan Dinh Market instead for nuts and dried fruits) all within walking distance. Right across Museum of Fine Arts. Lots of local dining options and cafesin the vicinity. Cheap banh mi and store with a few cheap souvenir items right beside the hotel. Short Grab ride away to other tourist destinations. We got a room with a small window. Really clean. Comfy sheets. Free water refill at the lobby. Soundproofing could be better but would recommend to family and friends.
DariPHP 2,958
9.1/10Great376 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.
DariPHP 5,998
8.9/10Very Good520 Ulasan
Le Thanh Ton Ho Chi Minh City|0.8km dari pusat bandar
The hotel is located off a quieter street, within 12mins walking distance to Ben Thanh market. There’s a coffee place right at the entrance of the hotel serving great coffee. 2 bottles of water replenished daily in the room with drip coffee and tea bags available. Toilet works great, no foul smell, no leaks and flush working properly. Room is well air conditioned, we had a good rest here. There’s simple breakfast provided in the restaurant located at level 11. A variety of western and local Vietnamese options available.
DariPHP 3,022
8.7/10Very Good722 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.
DariPHP 3,376
8.6/10Very Good193 Ulasan
Ben Thanh Market Area Ho Chi Minh City|0.76km dari pusat bandar
The location of Edoya Hotel was pretty good, very new Yet quiet location, downstairs have 2 cafe with alots of variety and food are very nice. Saigon Shopping Centre are just opposite , very nice and walk to all restaurants are nearby. Hotel facilities are all very new, the hotel is clean and tidy. With this affordable price also includes breakfast. Very comfortable room, clean and good service. Worth for the price.
DariPHP 3,049
7.5/10435 Ulasan
Pham Ngu Lao Street Area Ho Chi Minh City|1.44km dari pusat bandar
Great location, right on Bui Vien Walking Street. I booked a dorm bed and it was comfortable enough. It's the most convenient option if you're just stopping over for a day. The hotel lobby is spacious, and there's an elevator. Plus, there are several mini-marts and convenience stores just 10-20 meters away. The music on Bui Vien Street can be loud at night, so it's best suited for guests who are used to sleeping in the late hours.
DariPHP 835

Show more

Show more

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

tax

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

tax return

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.

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

Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Vietnam

  • Pergi Balik
  • Sehala

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

Disclaimer: This article has been provided by an individual contributor or third party platform. If there is any discrepancy regarding the copyright, please contact us directly and we will delete the content immediately.
Ferocious_Squirrel

Ferocious_Squirrel

Travel Content Creator

Lihat profil

Travel and nature these are my happy places. I write to share my favorite spots, hidden gems, and travel tips, so you can live your own adventure in style.

153 artikel
Dining Enthusiast Travel Storyteller
> >
Vietnam tax refund