Shopping & Money

GST Tourist Refund Guide

Singapore charges 9% GST on most goods — but as a tourist, you can claim it back before you fly out. Here's exactly how the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) works, what qualifies, and where to go at the airport.

eTRS self-help kiosk for GST tourist refund at Changi Airport

GST rate

Minimum spend

S$100 / day / shop

Export window

Within 2 months

Claim at

Changi or Seletar Airport

How to claim, step by step

Step 1

Shop at a participating retailer

Look for the “Tax Free” or TRS sticker at the store. Spend at least S$100 (including GST) in one day at one shop — you can combine up to 3 same-day receipts from the same retailer to hit this.

Step 2

Present your passport at purchase

Show your original passport in person so the retailer can capture your details electronically into the eTRS system. This step must happen at the time of purchase — it cannot be done later.

Step 3

Go to an eTRS kiosk before you fly

At Changi or Seletar Airport, before immigration if you're checking your purchases in, or after immigration if you're hand-carrying them. Kiosks are in the departure halls — look for GST Refund signage.

Step 4

Choose how you get refunded

Cash refunds pay out immediately at the counter. Card refunds typically post within 3–14 working days. PayNow/e-wallet refunds usually take about 5 working days.

Cash

Immediate

Paid at the counter on the spot

Credit card

3–14 working days

Posted back to the card used

PayNow / e-wallet

~5 working days

Where offered at the kiosk