Thread: getting VAT back

I've never tried to get VAT back. But, I'm now after 10 years here finally realizing I actually can and it may be worth my time. (I'm slow)

Can someone please tell me what the process is? I shop at Mackro. Can I save up the receipts and claim several at one time or do I have to claim each one at the time?

As you can see, I'm clueless and would appreciate some assistance.

This site may help.

Who can claim VAT refunds?
- A non Thai visitor who has been in Thailand less than 180 days in a calendar year.

VAT Refunds for Tourists in Thailand

Thanks Superman. The site answered my questions.

I've done it plenty of times despite my passport being full of visa and stamps.....

I do it for big ticket items, cameras, iPads etc, though last time I went I bottled it as I couldn't take the item with me and they need to see it.

As A Filipino Senior Citizen, I get a 20% discount on all prescription meds, in addition to a 12% VAT refund. 32% off - it has nothing to do with the OP's question, but it's quite a nice discount. Get the same on all hospital visits/stays, and on certain food items. I also get into the movies free (weekdays only).

They need to see the item, to get the refund. So don't put it in your checked bag.

Originally Posted by Bobcock

though last time I went I bottled it as I couldn't take the item with me and they need to see it.

Originally Posted by stevefarang

They need to see the item, to get the refund

They don't need to see it, I wasn't asked when i claimed.

what if you bought a gift for someone in Thailand ?

Originally Posted by Dillinger

Originally Posted by Bobcock

though last time I went I bottled it as I couldn't take the item with me and they need to see it.

Originally Posted by stevefarang

They need to see the item, to get the refund

They don't need to see it, I wasn't asked when i claimed.

what if you bought a gift for someone in Thailand ?

It was a gift for someone in Thailand and they wanted to see it. So Since I didn't have it with me, they refused to refund the VAT. They also have signs clearly stating that they have to see the item.

See Claiming a Refund : VAT Refund Primer

Every time I have been I have had to present the item for them.

The whole point of the refund of VAT is that the item is leaving the country.

They may have been lazy when you were not asked, but I have been every time, and also on one occassion asked to reshow at the actual payment window air-side.

You might be right Bob, i claimed back money for desisgner clothes and not electricals which might have been the reason also

Originally Posted by Bobcock

Every time I have been I have had to present the item for them.

The whole point of the refund of VAT is that the item is leaving the country.

They may have been lazy when you were not asked, but I have been every time, and also on one occassion asked to reshow at the actual payment window air-side.

Definitely need to see the item.

Yes, you must have your passport with you when you purchase the item and leaving flight detials for the shop assistant to fill out the forms to enable to to claim the VAT.

Without vthat it's a non starter, although i have been able to not fill in flight details easily.

There is an office between check in and immigration where you show the forms and the goods and the form gets stamped as accepted.

Then when you get airside, you take that form to one of two booths where the money is refunded to you.

Incidentally, the shop has to be part of the scheme, you cannot do this in any old shop, it will have a sign on the door.

^ thanks for that

next time I will know about the form and the passport

I purchased from powerbuy who I would guess was able to issue the form