How to Claim Your Austria Tourist Tax Refund: A Step-by-Step Guide

Everything You Need to Know About Tax Refunds in Austria, GST Refund Austria (SST), and Austria Hotel / Tourist Tax
Global Traveller
5 min read

Why Do Tourists Love to Shop in Austria?

Dreaming of a shopping spree amidst stunning alpine scenery? Austria, with its charming cities and world-class boutiques, is a shopper's paradise. If you're a tourist, you're in for a treat, as you can potentially claim back some of the tax you pay on your purchases through an Austria tax refund. This means more money in your pocket to spend on delicious Sachertorte or a scenic gondola ride! Get ready to discover the joys of Austria tax refund for tourists.

Understanding the Basics: How Much Can You Actually Save with an Austria Tax Refund?

So, what's the deal with getting your money back? Well, the Austrian government allows tourists to claim back the Value Added Tax (VAT) on eligible goods purchased in the country. This is often referred to as a VAT tax refund Austria. The amount you can save depends on the Austria tax refund rate, which is currently around 20% on most goods. However, you won't get the full 20% back, as there are usually some administrative fees involved. This is a great way to get some tax back in Austria.

How to Calculate Your Tax Refund in Austria

Figuring out your potential savings is pretty straightforward. Let's break it down with a couple of examples. Remember, you'll need to spend a minimum amount at a single store to qualify for a GST refund Austria.

Scenario 1: You purchase a beautiful piece of glassware for €200. The VAT is included in this price. To estimate your refund, you'll need to calculate the VAT amount. Assuming a 20% VAT rate, the VAT portion of your purchase is approximately €33.33. After fees, you might receive around €25-€30 back. This is a great way to get an Austria tax return.

Scenario 2: You buy a designer jacket for €500. The VAT portion is roughly €83.33. After fees, you could potentially get back around €60-€75. This is a significant saving, making your shopping experience even more rewarding. Remember to keep an eye out for the Austria tax refund percentage.

Your Roadmap: Where to Claim Tax Refunds in Austria

Knowing where and how to claim your Austria tax refund is key. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Claiming in the Store

1. Shop at Participating Stores: Look for stores displaying the "Tax Free Shopping" sign. 

2. Meet the Minimum Spend: Ensure your purchase meets the minimum spending requirement (usually around €75 per store). 

3. Request a Tax-Free Form: When paying, present your passport and ask for a tax-free form. The shop assistant will fill it out with details of your purchase. 

4. Keep Your Receipts: Keep all receipts and the tax-free form safe. 

5. Get Your Form Stamped: Before you leave the EU, you'll need to get your form stamped by customs. 

6. Receive Your Refund: You can then claim your refund at the airport or through a refund service. This is a great way to get your tax rebate in Austria.

Claiming at the Airport

1. Head to Customs: Before checking in your luggage, go to the customs office at the airport.

 2. Present Your Documents: Show your passport, tax-free forms, receipts, and the purchased goods. Customs officials may want to inspect the items. 

3. Get Your Stamp: If everything is in order, the customs officer will stamp your tax-free forms. 

4. Claim Your Refund: After getting your stamp, go to the refund counter (usually operated by a tax refund company) to receive your refund in cash or to your credit card. This is how you get your Austria tourist tax refund.

Checklist: Documents You Need for Tax-Free Shopping in Austria

To ensure a smooth tax refund process, gather these essential documents:

Your passport
Original receipts from the stores
Completed tax-free forms (provided by the store)
The purchased goods (in unused condition)
Boarding pass or flight ticket

Having these ready will make claiming your Austria tax refund tourist a breeze.


Beyond Shopping: Other Austria Taxes Tourists Should Know

While the Austria tax refund is a great perk, there are other taxes you might encounter as a tourist:

Tourist Tax (Tourism Levy): Some cities and regions may charge a tourist tax, also known as a Austria tourist tax, per night of your stay. This is usually included in your hotel bill.
Hotel Tax: Similar to the tourist tax, this is a tax on hotel stays, and it's usually included in your bill. This is also known as Austria hotel tax.
Airport Tax: This is a fee included in your airline ticket price.

These taxes are generally straightforward and are usually included in the prices you see. Keep an eye out for them when booking accommodation or flights.

Avoid Mistakes: What Items Are Not Eligible for a Tax Refund in Austria?

Not all purchases qualify for a VAT refund Austria. Here are some items that are typically excluded:

Services (e.g., hotel stays, restaurant meals)
Goods that have been used or consumed
Items that you intend to export commercially
Certain types of goods, such as cars

Also, be aware that some stores may not participate in the tax-free shopping scheme. Always check for the "Tax Free Shopping" sign before making a purchase.

The Best Duty-Free Shops and Malls in Austria

Duty-free shops offer a fantastic opportunity to save even more money. These shops allow you to purchase goods without paying VAT or other taxes, making them a great place to find bargains. You can find these shops in airports and some border areas.

Here are some of the top places to shop in Austria:

Vienna Airport Duty-Free Shops: A great place to pick up last-minute gifts or souvenirs.
Designer Outlets Parndorf: A large outlet mall near Vienna, offering discounts on designer brands.
Shopping City Süd (SCS): One of the largest shopping centers in Europe, with a vast selection of stores.
Kärntner Straße, Vienna: A famous shopping street in Vienna, with a mix of high-end and popular brands.
Mariahilfer Straße, Vienna: Another popular shopping street, known for its diverse range of shops.


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FAQ about Austria Tax Refund

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Austria tax refund:

1.
Who is eligible for an Austria tax refund? Tourists who are not residents of the EU.
2.
What is the minimum purchase amount to qualify for a tax refund? Usually around €75 per store.
3.
What is the Austria tax refund rate? Approximately 20% on most goods.
4.
How long do I have to claim my tax refund? You must get your tax-free form stamped by customs before leaving the EU.
5.
Where can I get my tax-free form stamped? At the customs office at the airport or border crossing.
6.
How do I receive my tax refund? You can receive it in cash or to your credit card, usually through a tax refund company.
7.
What documents do I need to claim a tax refund? Passport, receipts, tax-free forms, and the purchased goods.
8.
Can I claim a tax refund on services? No, tax refunds typically only apply to goods.
9.
Are there any fees involved in getting a tax refund? Yes, tax refund companies charge a fee for their services.
10.
What happens if I forget to get my form stamped? You will likely not be able to claim your refund.

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In This Article

• Why Do Tourists Love to Shop in Austria?
• Understanding the Basics: How Much Can You Actually Save with an Austria Tax Refund?
• How to Calculate Your Tax Refund in Austria
• Your Roadmap: Where to Claim Tax Refunds in Austria
• Claiming in the Store
• Claiming at the Airport
• Checklist: Documents You Need for Tax-Free Shopping in Austria
• Beyond Shopping: Other Austria Taxes Tourists Should Know
• Avoid Mistakes: What Items Are Not Eligible for a Tax Refund in Austria?
• The Best Duty-Free Shops and Malls in Austria
• FAQ about Austria Tax Refund
• Plan Your Dream Trip to Austria with Traveloka
• Fly to Your Favorite Austrian Cities
• Find Your Perfect Stay

Flights Featured in This Article

Fri, 20 Mar 2026
Air India
Singapore (SIN) to Vienna (VIE)
Start from S$555.58
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Sat, 14 Mar 2026
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Singapore (SIN) to Vienna (VIE)
Start from S$570.23
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Fri, 13 Mar 2026
Pegasus Airlines
Singapore (SIN) to Vienna (VIE)
Start from S$573.43
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