VAT Refund for Tourists in Vietnam: A Comprehensive Guide

 

              Vietnam offers a Value Added Tax (VAT) refund policy to encourage spending by international tourists. This allows visitors to reclaim a portion of the VAT paid on eligible goods purchased during their stay when they depart the country. Here’s a detailed guide to the eligible products, procedures, and policies.

 

 

 

 

SPECIAL OUTLINE

 

• Eligible products and conditions for VAT refund.
• Key eligibility criteria for the refund process.
• VAT refund procedure at the airport.
• Important points to remember for a smooth refund.

 

 

THE VAT REFUND PROCESS IN VIETNAM IS EASIER THAN YOU THINK!

Let’s dive into the specifics of how to claim your VAT refund and optimize your travel budget in Vietnam!

 

 

 

 

Detailed VAT Refund Guide for Tourists (July 2025)

 

1. Eligible Products for VAT Refund

 

Generally, tourists can claim VAT refunds on goods they purchase, provided they meet certain conditions. Services are not eligible for VAT refunds.

Common examples of eligible goods include:

• Fashion and Accessories: Clothing, shoes, bags, and other fashion items.
• Electronics: Smartphones, cameras, laptops, and other personal electronic devices.
• Handicrafts and Souvenirs: Locally made crafts, artwork, and typical Vietnamese souvenirs.
• Jewelry and Watches: Precious metals, gemstones, and timepieces.
• Other items: Any other unused and unpackaged goods that are permitted on aircraft according to aviation security regulations and are not on the list of prohibited or restricted exports.

 

 

 

 

NOTE: TO LEARN ABOUT VIETNAMESE MONEY & CURRENCY, PLEASE CLICK HERE

 

 

 

2. Important Conditions for Eligibility

 

To ensure you qualify for a VAT refund, keep these conditions in mind:

 

• Minimum Purchase Value: The total value of the goods purchased must be at least VND 2,000,000 (approximately USD 79) per invoice, or across multiple invoices from the same store on the same day.
• Purchase Period: The purchases must be made within 60 days prior to your departure date from Vietnam.
• Eligible Stores: Goods must be purchased from stores that participate in the VAT refund program. These stores will typically display a “VAT Refund” sign.
• Unused Goods: The purchased goods must be new and unused at the time of departure. They should also be allowed on aircraft according to aviation security regulations and not be on the list of prohibited or restricted exports.
• Original Receipts and VAT Refund Declaration: Tourists must retain the original VAT invoices and obtain a VAT refund declaration form from the store at the time of purchase by presenting their passport.

 

 

 

NOTE: WHEN SHOPPING IN VIETNAM, IT’S PROBABLY TO BARGAIN, PLEASE TAKE A LOOK ON HERE

 

 

 

3. VAT Refund Procedure at Departure (e.g., Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat Airports)

 

When you arrive at the airport for your departure, follow these steps to claim your refund:

 

• Shopping at Eligible Stores: Identify and make purchases at stores displaying the “VAT Refund” sign. Present your passport to the cashier to obtain the VAT invoice and VAT refund declaration form.
• Customs Inspection:
  • Before checking in your luggage, present your passport, original VAT invoices, VAT refund declaration form, and the purchased goods to the customs authorities at the designated VAT refund inspection counter.
  • They will verify the goods and documents and stamp the VAT refund declaration form if everything is in order.
• VAT Refund Counter: After obtaining the customs stamp and completing check-in procedures, proceed to the VAT refund counter located in the departure hall (usually after security and immigration).
• Claiming the Refund: Present your passport, boarding pass, original VAT invoices, and the stamped VAT refund declaration form to the staff at the VAT refund counter.
• Receiving the Refund: The VAT refund will be processed, and you will receive 85% of the total VAT amount stated on the invoice. The remaining 15% is typically charged as a service fee by the refund agency (usually a designated bank). The refund is usually provided in Vietnamese Dong (VND). You may be able to exchange it for other currencies at the airport’s currency exchange counters, subject to the prevailing exchange rates.

 

 

4. Key Points to Remember

For a smooth refund process, keep these in mind:

 

• Arrive at the airport with ample time before your flight to complete the VAT refund procedures.
• Ensure you have all the necessary documents (passport, original invoices, VAT refund declaration form) and the purchased goods readily available for inspection.
• The VAT refund is only applicable to goods, not services.
• The goods must be exported within 60 days of purchase and be unused.
• Shop at stores that are part of the VAT refund program.
• The refund amount is typically 85% of the VAT paid, with a service fee deducted.

 

 

#VATRefundVietnam #TaxFreeShopping #VietnamTravel #TravelTips #NoiBaiAirport #TanSonNhatAirport #ShoppingVietnam #DutyFreeVietnam #TravelVietnam #VietnamDeals

 

 

 

NOTE: IF YOU REALLY LOVE VIETNAMESE CULTURE, BEFORE LEAVING VIETNAM, YOU WANT TO BUY SOME HANDICRAFT SOUVENIRS, PLEASE CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE!