Buying Electronics in Singapore: Tax Refund for Tourists

by Yoona
(Manila)

Hi,

My Dad will be at Singapore for a vacation and planning to buy LCD TV. Will it be taxed at the Singapore Budget Terminal? If yes, how much usually is the tax?

Thank you.

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Buying Electronics in Singapore: Tax Refund for Tourists

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Jul 29, 2009

GST Already Imposed at Point of Sale; Refund Possible for Tourists
by: Gabriel Tan

Hi Yoona

At the point of sale, Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 7% is already imposed on electronic good. So there is no further tax at the airport.

However, *genuine tourists in Singapore are able to get a refund on GST if they have bought from shops participating in the Tourist Refund Scheme.

Your dad would need to fill up some forms given by the retailer, declare it at the airport, and claim the refund through check, cash or credit card.

Note, however, that your dad's destination airport - the country that he's flying to - may impose GST on the goods he takes into that country.

* The scheme is called Tourist Refund Scheme. I get emails after emails from foreigners working in Singapore asking whether they qualify. Of course, if you work in Singapore, you DON'T qualify.

Nov 24, 2009

GST REFUND
by: Darren Tan

Hi,

If I'm buying lets say a computer from Apple Singapore online...or a Playstation 3 from a shop, could I claim gst refund? Are most of the retailers qualified or only selected ones?

Flying to Singapore and then to Malaysia.

Cheers
Darren

Nov 25, 2009

GST Refund only from Participating Shops
by: Gabriel Tan

To qualify for GST refund, you must buy from a shop participating in the Tourist Refund Scheme.

May 12, 2010

Digital Camera - Cheaper in Singapore or Malaysia?
by: Anonymous

I want buy a Sony Cybershot digital camera and HP laptop. Is Singapore cheaper than Malaysia?

Which is the best place to buy these products at low price?

Aug 25, 2010

Can Claim Tax Refund When Shopping at Apple Online Store
by: Mai Truong

I just confirm that we can claim for GST when buying products at Apple Online Store. After receiving the item, you just need to call them and request for a GST refund form & it will be sent directly to your address or you can collect at its office at Ang Mo Kio.

Nov 22, 2010

GST Refund
by: Anonymous

You sure? Did it work for you? So you got your VAT refund?

Nov 23, 2010

Name for GST Refund
by: lagxen

Must the passport name match the shipping name in order to claim GST?

I just bought iPhone 4 online, but I put the shipping name different from my passport name, because the shipping name belong to Singapore Permanent Resident, while I'm just a tourist. Do you think that thing is matter?

Nov 26, 2010

Need Tax Refund FORM to claim GST
by: Mai Truong

NO problem..as long as you fill your name and your passport number in the tax refund form (for Apple online you must call to request after receiving the goods & it would be sent later).

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