Singapore charges a 9% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on most purchases. Under the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS), international visitors can claim this tax back on eligible purchases made at participating stores — effectively getting a 9% discount on qualifying shopping, minus a small processing fee. The scheme is entirely digital (Electronic Tourist Refund Scheme, or eTRS), managed through self-service kiosks at Changi Airport, and straightforward to navigate once you understand the steps. This guide covers everything you need to know to successfully claim your Singapore GST refund.

Book your flights to Singapore and shop with your refund in mind. Find a hotel centrally located near the major shopping districts.

Not all purchases qualify for GST refund. Understanding what is eligible saves time at the airport kiosk.

Eligible: Physical goods purchased from participating retailers — clothing, shoes, bags, electronics, jewellery, cosmetics, souvenirs, and most retail items — as long as the minimum spend threshold is met and the goods are physically taken out of Singapore.

Not eligible:

The minimum qualifying spend is SGD 100 (including GST) in a single day at a single participating retailer. Multiple receipts from the same store on the same day can be combined to reach the SGD 100 threshold. Receipts from different stores on the same day cannot be combined — each store's purchases must meet the SGD 100 minimum independently. Some stores allow you to combine up to three same-day receipts from branches with the same GST registration number.

Step 1 — At the store (when shopping):

Step 2 — At Changi Airport (before your flight):

Step 3 — Choose your refund method:

The GST rate is 9%, but refund operators deduct a small administration fee — typically 1.5–2% of the purchase price. In practice, for every SGD 100 spent, expect to receive approximately SGD 7–8 back after fees, depending on the refund method chosen. Cash refunds tend to have slightly higher fees than card refunds.

Discover more ways to save and more things to do in Singapore. Arrange an airport transfer from Changi. Check the latest Traveloka promos for hotel deals, and plan your complete Singapore experience at Traveloka.