Tourist VAT Refund Scheme -Sri Lanka
Electronic Tourist Refund Scheme -Singapore
Custom Procedure
Present the following documents to the TVRS Customs verification Counter with Goods entitled to claim refund
At the airport, proceed to the eTRS self-help kiosk with your goods.
For purchases that you plan to check-in, before you check-in your luggage, you need to apply for GST refund at the eTRS self-help Kiosk located at departure check-in hall (before immigration).
For purchases you intend to hand carry (cabin luggage), you need to apply for GST refund at the eTRS self-help kiosk located at the Departure Transit Lounge (after immigration).
If the transactions are not approved at the self-help kiosk, you need to approach a Customs officer at the Customs Inspection Counter located near the kiosks. You may be required to show your goods purchased, original receipts, passport and boarding pass at the Customs Counter.
There will not be any acknowledgement slip issued by the self-help kiosk after your transactions have been processed. Instead, a summary of your claim and its application outcome will be displayed on the kiosk screen.
Refunding Process
At the eTRS self-help kiosk, you may choose your preferred refund option.
If you choose cash refund, you can proceed to the GST Cash Refund Counter located in the Departure Transit Lounge area (after immigration). You are required to present your passport at the GST Cash Refund counter.
If you choose Alipay refund, the refund amount will be credited to your Alipay account immediately. If the amount is not credited to your Alipay account, you can approach and check with the staff at the GST Cash Refund Counter for assistance.
If you choose to receive your refund via credit card, you may proceed for boarding. The refund will be credited to your designated credit card within 10 days.
Key differences
1.If eTRS Ticket is not issued ,your refunds will be automatically linked to your passport number & can verify the validity through https://touristrefund.sg or their Mobile App.
2.Need to apply for GST refund at the eTRS self-help Kiosk located at departure & If the transactions are not approved at the self-help kiosk, you need to approach a Customs officer at the Customs Inspection Counter.
3.You can get refunds in cash ,Alipay refund or refund via Credit card.
4.eTRS is a voluntary scheme and not all retailers in Singapore operate it. GST-registered retailers may choose to operate the scheme by engaging the service of a Central Refund Agency (“CRA”) or on their own as Independent Retailer (“IR”).