Thailand has a VAT Refund program designed to attract foreign travelers to shop. You can reclaim a whole 7% of your expenses! If you've been in the country for less than 180 days and are heading home with bags full of souvenirs, you have the opportunity to claim a VAT refund at any international airport. Exciting, right? Let's break down what you'll need to do.

Part 1

Step 1: Look for stores with the sign "VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS."

Pay attention to stores that display the sign "VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS." You can typically find these signs in major retail outlets throughout the country.

Step 2: Ask the seller where to obtain VAT refund forms.

Inquire with the seller about where to get the forms for the VAT refund. This is usually done at customer service departments, not at the cash register.

Step 3: Make purchases totaling at least 5,000 baht.

Your total purchases must amount to at least 5,000 baht. You can shop at different stores, but in each, you must buy at least 2,000 baht worth of goods to be eligible for the VAT refund upon departure.

Step 4: Keep all receipts and completed VAT refund forms.

Step 5: On your departure day, before check-in and baggage drop-off, visit the VAT Refund office at the airport and get a stamp from a customs officer on all your receipts.

Remember that on your departure day, before check-in and baggage drop-off, you need to visit the VAT Refund office and get a customs stamp on all your receipts. Without this stamp, you won't be able to process your refund. The officer may also ask to see the goods you are exporting, especially if they are valued over 8,000–10,000 baht.

Step 6: After receiving the stamp on your receipts, check in and drop off your luggage.

Step 7: In the departure area and at Duty-Free stores, locate the VAT Refund counters.

Head to the VAT Refund counters in the departure area and at duty-free shops. This is where you will receive your VAT refund.

  • If the refund amount does not exceed 10,000 baht, you can receive it in cash (in baht), by check, or via a bank transfer.
  • If the amount exceeds 10,000 baht, the refund will only be issued by check or transferred to your credit card.

Step 8: To process your VAT refund, prepare the following documents:

  • passport;
  • VAT refund application form;
  • original receipt confirming VAT payment;
  • product receipt (passport).

Step 9: Pay the processing fee for documents and checks.

Pay a processing fee of 100 baht for the document processing services — this amount will be deducted from your refund. If you choose to receive your refund by check or to a card, keep in mind that you will also need to pay:

  • a fee for the refund by check, as well as any mailing costs;
  • a fee for the card transfer, according to your bank's rates.