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!
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