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Understanding Australia's Tourist Refund Scheme in 2026: How to Claim Your GST Back

Traveloka Team

3 min read

imIf you have spent time shopping in Australia before an international departure, you may be eligible to claim back the Goods and Services Tax (GST) you paid on certain purchases. Australia's Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) is a government initiative that allows departing international visitors — and returning Australian residents — to reclaim the 10% GST on eligible goods bought in Australia, provided they meet specific criteria. Here is a complete guide to how it works and how to make the most of it.

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What Is the Tourist Refund Scheme?

The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS), administered by the Australian Border Force (ABF), allows eligible international travellers to claim a refund of the GST paid on goods purchased in Australia before departure. The scheme applies to goods you are taking out of the country, not services — so clothing, electronics, souvenirs, and gifts qualify; restaurant meals, accommodation, and tour bookings do not.

The GST rate in Australia is a flat 10% on most goods and services, which means a AUD 1,000 camera purchase carries AUD 91 of claimable GST (the tax is calculated as 1/11 of the purchase price). Over the course of a substantial shopping trip, TRS refunds can add up to meaningful savings.

Eligibility Criteria for a TRS Claim

To be eligible for a TRS refund, you must meet all of the following conditions:

You must be departing Australia for an international destination (residents and non-residents both qualify)

The goods must have been purchased within 60 days of your departure date — purchases older than 60 days do not qualify

Your total spend from a single supplier must be at least AUD 300 (including GST) — you can combine multiple receipts from the same retailer but not from different retailers to meet this threshold

You must have a valid tax invoice in English with the required details including the supplier's Australian Business Number (ABN)

The goods must be in your carry-on luggage and available for inspection at the TRS counter

How to Make a TRS Claim at the Airport

The process for making a TRS claim at an Australian international airport or seaport involves the following steps:

Shop at TRS-participating retailers and request a tax invoice for purchases of AUD 300 or more from a single supplier. Look for retailers displaying the TRS logo.

Keep all paper tax invoices in English with the supplier's name, ABN, purchase date, item descriptions, and GST component clearly shown.

Complete the TRS claim form before arriving at the airport, or download and complete the ABF's TRS mobile or web application to store your claim details in a QR code.

Arrive at the TRS counter in the international departure area with at least 30 minutes to spare before your final departure time. Seaport departures require 1 to 4 hours advance arrival at the TRS facility.

Present your claim to an ABF officer — your completed form or QR code from the app, the goods themselves, your original receipts, and your passport.

Receive your refund via your nominated method once the claim is approved.

Note: Completing the ABF TRS app does not substitute for presenting to an ABF officer at the airport — you must still visit the TRS counter in person.

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What Happens to Your TRS Goods When You Return to Australia?

If you bring back into Australia goods on which you have claimed TRS, you must declare them to Australian customs on arrival. Goods returned within 12 months of the original purchase are subject to the full GST and applicable customs duty if their value exceeds your duty-free allowance. Failure to declare is a serious offence that can result in fines and prosecution. The TRS refund is specifically intended for goods consumed overseas or permanently taken out of Australia.

Practical Tips for Maximising Your TRS Claim

Plan major purchases — electronics, clothing, jewellery — within 60 days of your departure date to ensure eligibility.

When buying from a single large retailer, consolidate purchases to reach or exceed the AUD 300 threshold in a single transaction where possible, as multiple smaller receipts from the same retailer can be combined.

Download the ABF TRS app before your trip to pre-lodge your claim and generate a QR code, which speeds up the counter process significantly.

Check your retailer displays the TRS logo or confirm eligibility before purchase, as not all businesses participate.

Keep all receipts organised from the moment of purchase — losing a receipt forfeits the corresponding claim.

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australia