💰 How to Claim GST Refund in Singapore 2025 — Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)
Get up to 8–9% GST refund when shopping in Singapore as a tourist. This step-by-step guide covers eligibility, eTRS kiosks, refund methods, participating stores, tips, and essential pro tips so you never miss your claim.
📌 What is the GST Refund / Tourist Refund Scheme?
The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) allows international visitors to claim back the Goods and Services Tax (GST) paid on purchases made at participating stores in Singapore. Managed by Singapore Customs, this scheme is available at Changi Airport and the ICA Building.
Eligibility
- Must be a tourist (non-resident of Singapore)
- Spend at least SGD $100 (including GST) at a single store in one day
- Leave Singapore within 2 days of purchase
- Purchases must be for personal use, not commercial resale
Step-by-Step Process
🛍️ Step 1: Shop at Participating Stores
Look for the “Tax Free” or “TRS” sticker. Ask the cashier to confirm the store participates in eTRS if uncertain.
🎫 Step 2: Get Your Tax-Free Form or eTRS Record
Ask for an eTRS transaction or IGST form at checkout. Keep your receipt, form, and any e-mail confirmation safe.
🛃 Step 3: Validate at eTRS Kiosks or Tax Refund Counter
Before departing Singapore, validate your transactions at an eTRS self-service kiosk (available at Terminals 1–4 in departure halls) or at the tax refund counter. Bring:
- Passport
- Boarding pass
- Receipts & eTRS forms
- Purchased items (may be inspected)
💵 Step 4: Receive Your Refund
Refund methods typically offered:
- Cash (SGD) — fastest
- Credit card refund — usually 3–14 working days
- PayNow / e-wallets — often within 5 working days
⏳ Refund Processing Time & Fees
- Cash: Immediate at airport counters (subject to opening hours and queues).
- Credit card: 3–14 working days depending on the processor/bank.
- e-wallets / PayNow: Typically within 5 working days.
- Service fees: Refund operators often deduct a handling/service fee (commonly 1.5–3% of refundable amount).
🏬 Popular Participating Stores & Malls for GST Refund
Many of Singapore’s most famous shopping spots participate in the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS). Look for the “Tax Free” or “TRS” logo when you shop. Here are some top picks:
- Luxury & Designer Brands — Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Dior (available at Marina Bay Sands, Orchard Road boutiques, and Changi Jewel).
- Electronics & Gadgets — Challenger, Harvey Norman, Courts, and major authorized Apple resellers (ensure they participate in TRS at purchase).
- Department Stores — Takashimaya, Isetan, Tangs, Metro (these stores usually support eTRS).
- 24/7 Shopping — Mustafa Centre in Little India (great for electronics, watches, gold; confirm TRS participation at checkout).
- Tourist Hotspots — Bugis Street (selected shops), VivoCity, Suntec City Mall, Orchard Road malls.
💡 Pro Tip: When buying high-value items (watches, cameras, designer bags), ensure the eTRS or IGST form is completed at the time of purchase — this saves time at the airport and prevents disputes.
🧳 Extra Visitor Tips for GST Refund Success
- Plan extra time: Arrive at Changi Airport at least 2–3 hours before departure if you need to claim GST — queues at kiosks and counters can be long during peak travel times.
- Keep receipts safe: You must present original receipts and eTRS forms; screenshots alone are not accepted in many cases.
- Unused goods only: Items that appear used or worn in Singapore may be denied; keep goods in original packaging when possible.
- Currency & cash refunds: Cash refunds are paid in SGD — currency conversion will apply if you later exchange or withdraw abroad.
- Refund limits & service fees: Some vendors or refund operators may have minimum/maximum refund limits and charge service fees — confirm at purchase.
- Combine with duty-free: For items like alcohol and cosmetics, consider duty-free purchases after security where applicable to maximize savings.
- Large purchases: For furniture, big electronics, or items requiring export documentation, consult the store for export procedures ahead of time.
- Mobile boarding pass: Having a mobile copy of your boarding pass is usually acceptable, but some kiosks or operators request a printed copy — check your airline rules.
- If you miss claiming: If you forget to claim at the airport, contact the refund operator immediately — some providers allow post-departure claims within a limited window, but success is not guaranteed.
Following these steps ensures you don’t miss out on your Singapore shopping tax refund and helps you get the maximum amount back with minimal fuss.
Related Guides
Want more Singapore travel help? Check these:
📚 GST Refund FAQ — 2025
1. Who can claim GST refund in Singapore?
Non-resident tourists who spend at least SGD $100 (including GST) in a single participating store on the same day can claim.
2. Can Singapore PRs or long-term pass holders claim GST refund?
No—GST refunds are specifically for tourists. Permanent Residents, work pass holders, and students do not qualify.
3. What is eTRS and how does it work?
eTRS (Electronic Tourist Refund Scheme) is a digital system. The store creates an eTRS transaction when you buy, and you validate it at self-service kiosks at the airport or at the ICA before departure.
4. Where are the eTRS kiosks at Changi Airport?
eTRS kiosks are located in departure halls of Terminals 1–4 before immigration. Look for "GST Refund" signs or ask airport staff for directions.
5. How long does it take to receive a refund?
Cash refunds are immediate at the counter. Card refunds typically post in 3–14 working days; e-wallets/PayNow usually take about 5 working days.
6. Is there a fee for claiming GST refund?
Yes. Refund operators generally deduct a handling/service fee (commonly around 1.5–3%). The vendor or refund agent will show this fee before finalizing the refund.
7. Can I claim GST refund after I leave Singapore?
No. Refunds must be validated and processed before you depart Singapore. If you accidentally leave without claiming, contact the refund operator immediately; some allow limited post-departure requests but they're not guaranteed.
8. Do I need to present the purchased goods at the airport?
Yes. Customs officers may request to inspect items. Keep goods accessible in your hand luggage where possible. If items are checked-in baggage, follow staff instructions but allow extra time.
9. Can I combine receipts from different stores to reach the SGD $100 minimum?
No. The minimum spend applies to a single store in one day. You cannot combine receipts across multiple retailers to meet the threshold.
10. Are online purchases eligible for GST refund?
Generally no — unless the item is collected in-store from a participating retailer who issued a valid eTRS transaction at the point of in-store collection.
11. What if my refund is credited to the wrong card or account?
Contact the refund operator straight away (their contact is usually on the eTRS receipt). Keep proof of purchase and transaction IDs—banks sometimes assist with tracing refunds.
12. Are there special rules for large or restricted items?
Yes. Bulky or regulated items (like certain electronics, large artwork, or restricted goods) may require additional export documentation or special inspection. Confirm procedures with the retailer before purchase.