Vat Refund Is It Worth It

[no1patto]

In some Asia countries like Thailand, Tourists can avail TAX FREE shopping from the stores displaying VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS. Here are some tips to save the vat while shopping in Thailand. Who can came VAT refunds?
A VAT refund can be claimed by any non-Thai visitor who has been in Thailand less than 180 days in a calendar year. is not a crew member of an airline; departs Thailand by air carrier from an international airport
How to claim VAT refund?
1.VAT refund only applies to the goods taken out of Thailand within 60 days from the date of purchase.
2.The goods must be purchased from the stores displaying the "VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS" sign.
3.On any day, goods purchased at each participating store shall not be less than 2,000 baht, including VAT. The total amount claiming for refund must not be less than5,000 baht, including VAT.
4.On the purchasing day, ask the sales assistant at the store to complete VAT refund form (P.P.10) and attach the original tax invoices to the form. Each application form (P.P.10) must show the value of 2,000 baht or more.
5.Before departure, present your goods and submit the form and original tax invoices to the Customs officers for inspection before check-in.
6.In case of bank draft refund or credit to credit card account, you can either present your claim to Revenue officers or drop it into the box at the Refund Counter or mail from your home back to the Revenue Department of Thailand.

Important to Note!
You cannot claim VAT refunds for the following goods.
*prohibited items
*firearms, explosives or any similar items
*gem stones

Some Hints
*Allow yourself adequate time at the airport for the refund process. Incase your request for refund by draft or credit to credit card account receives no reply within appropriate period of time, please contact the VAT Refund office at Bangkok International Airport,
Tel: 5356576-79 or the VAT Refund for tourist office, Revenue Department, Phaholyothin Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand, Tel: 2729387-8, 2728195-8 Fax. 6173559
*Further information can be obtained from the participating stores or at the Revenue Department.

Warning
*You must show your passport when you purchase the goods.
*The purchases for which you are claiming VAT refunds must be inspected by Custom officers before check-in.

The following fees apply to refund request s
*For cash refund, a fee of 100 baht
*For draft refund, a fee of 100 baht plus draft issueing fee at the rate charged by banks and postage fees.
*for credit to credit card account refund, a fee of 100 baht plus money transfer fee at the rate charged by banks.

How will the refund be paid?
You can choose to receive your refund by
Refund Amount Refund Method Note
not exceeding 10,000 Baht cash in hai baht,draft,
credit to credit card account You must specufy the method of receive the refund on your form (P.P. 10)
exceeding 10,000 baht Draft,Credit to credit card account

[Nicke]

The funny thing in Thailand regarding B2B is that they often quote prices without tax receipt, if you want a tax receipt you have to pay the VAT. Some people offer 10% discount if you dont want tax receipt.

About VAT refund, I wouldnt bother unless I bought something expensive and could save some real money.