Country field notes
Some useful reading.
Before departure.
Practical refund and checkout notes, linked to the authority and dated. Store participation and traveler eligibility still need checking.
Japan
For purchases from 1 November 2026, the tax-free system uses a refund after customs confirms export at departure. Do not assume instant tax exemption at t…
United Arab Emirates
The FTA service page currently quotes a 13% deduction from refundable VAT plus AED 3.60 per tax-free transaction. It states a minimum AED 250 excluding VA…
Singapore
The eTRS minimum is SGD 100 including GST. Up to three same-day receipts from the same GST registration and shop name can meet it. Eligible tourists must …
Australia
TRS generally requires AUD 300 including GST from the same ABN, bought within 60 days of departure. Present the goods, passport, boarding pass and complia…
Germany
A non-EU resident may qualify when goods are exported within three months. The retailer can refuse to offer a refund. Ask before paying, keep the invoice,…
United Kingdom
Great Britain has no general tourist VAT refund on goods carried home in luggage. Northern Ireland has different rules. A retailer shipping goods directly…
Refund schemes in detail.
Germany VAT refund for non-EU visitors: each step and the customs stamp
The refund depends on steps taken in the shop and at the airport. The retailer can refuse, so ask before you pay, and keep the goods unused in your carry-on until customs has checked them.
Japan tax-free shopping 2026 refund: what changed on 1 November
For purchases from 1 November 2026, you pay the consumption tax at the till. An equivalent amount comes back only after customs confirms at departure that the goods are leaving Japan.
UAE tourist VAT refund fees: the 13% deduction and AED 3.60 charge
The VAT inside a UAE price is 5% of the amount before tax. The refund operator deducts 13% of that VAT and charges AED 3.60 per transaction, so the fixed fee takes the biggest bite from small receipts.
Singapore GST refund with eTRS: the SGD 100 minimum and three receipts
GST is 9% of the tax-inclusive price, and eTRS returns it only after a handling fee that the retailer or operator quotes. This page gives no fee amount, so get a quote before you assume any figure.
Australia tourist refund scheme: AUD 300 from one ABN, claimed in person
The refund is the GST inside a GST-inclusive price, 9.09% of the receipt. It is claimed in person as you leave, with the goods in your cabin bag and the invoices in English.
UK tax-free shopping since 2021: no VAT refund on goods in luggage
A Great Britain receipt generally does not bring back VAT on goods carried home in luggage. Once you pass the £390 allowance on arrival, tax applies to the whole value, not just the excess.