TOURIST REFUND SCHEME

If you're leaving Australia and buy goods no more than 30 days before leaving, you can take advantage of the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) to claim back the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax (WET) paid while you're shopping.  The TRS only applies to goods you can take as hand luggage when you leave.

How does the scheme work?

If you spend $300 (GST inclusive) or more in the one store and ask the retailer for a single tax invoice you can claim back the GST paid on those goods on your day of departure.  Simply wear or carry the goods on board and present them along with your tax invoice, passport and boarding pass to a TRS f acility located after passport control. Invoices over $1000 must contain the name and address of the purchaser. The person making a claim for a refund must be the same person whose name appears on the invoice. Claims are only available up to 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of your flight.

How much is the refund?

GST refund: divide the purchase price by 11.
WET refund: 14.5% of the price paid for wine.