One of the reasons for Thailand to become a frequent destination for many tourists because it is a shopping paradise. Many Vietnamese tourists come to Bangkok for this purpose only. Thailand has countless diverse items, many designs, cheap prices, each year there are terrible sales. And especially here there is a very attractive duty-free shopping program for luxury goods.
Thailand - shopping paradise for international tourists
Thailand is a very attractive place to travel and especially shopping. The reason is that in Thailand, especially in Bangkok, there are many commercial centers, markets, stalls ... with all diverse items and also very cheap prices. Not only that, every year the country also has two great discounts, sometimes discounted up to 70%.
And the best reason: when shopping in Thailand, short-term Thai tourists will be refunded VAT at the airport (7% of the order value).
In addition to the tax refund policy and the annual Sale Off program, travelers can also take advantage of the tourist discount card when bringing their passport to present at customer service counters. With this card you will receive 5% discount on the total bill.
The shopping centers that apply this card include: MBK Center, Siam Paragon, Siam Discovery, Siam Center, Emporium Department Stores, Robinsons Department Store, Central Department Stores.
When is the Sale season in Thailand?
At shopping malls and markets in Thailand, there are sales all year round throughout the month. However, the official Sale Off season in Thailand has two big waves every year to stimulate consumer demand as well as attract tourists.
- Stage 1 - falls on June 15 - August 15 every year. This is called the Amazing Grand Sale event - a program organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand every year. At this time all shopping centers, shopping malls, shops ... are simultaneously discounted.
- Phase 2 - December every year: This is the ideal time to go shopping because goods now are sharply reduced to 70%.
Who can buy duty free goods (tax refund) in Thailand?
- To be eligible for a duty-free (tax refund) purchase in Thailand you must be a tourist or business traveler.
- If you are a Thai national, a foreigner residing in Thailand or a member of the crew (of any airline), who come to Thailand with a diplomatic passport, it is not allowed This tax rebate program applies.
- In addition, you must be a person who will leave Thailand within 60 days of purchasing the items.
Conditions for a tax refund in Thailand
- Goods subject to the tax exemption program must be brought abroad (not to be used while in Thailand).
- You must leave Thailand by air.
- The total number of transactions must be at least 2,000 baht at one store in a day (meaning you can make two transactions of 1,000 baht at the same store on the same day. But if you only have an invoice of 1000 baht at That and until the next day new transactions another 1,000 baht will not be counted).
- During your entire trip in Thailand, you must spend at least 5,000 baht before you are eligible for a refund.
- You must have a tax return (PP10) from each store after purchase. The store name on the invoice must match the store name mentioned on the tax refund application.
Items are not exempted / refunded in Thailand
Items not eligible for tax refund are all illegal items such as:
- Pirated software, computer games, DVDs, clothing bags, fake brands, etc.
- Weapons (firearms) or explosives and prohibited items
- Diamonds or gems are also included in the list of items not eligible for tax refund.
Where to buy for tax refund / exemption?
Only stores that have a "VAT Refund for Tourists" sign on the outside of the shop are places where you can apply for a tax refund.
Normally, stores that apply the tax refund policy are at shopping centers or large stores, usually for high-end items. So you can go to addresses such as MBK, Siam Paragon, Siam Discovery, Siam Center, Emporium department stores, Robinsons Department Store, Central Department Stores, and even supermarket chains. Big C has ...
Small shops, night markets, fair markets ... such as Chatuchak weekend market , Pratunam market, Rot Fai, JJ Green ... are often not the ideal places to buy duty-free goods.
Siam Paragon shopping center
Procedures for tax refund
- Step 1: After payment is completed, you receive a receipt and check all documents are sufficient. At each store, you must obtain a PP10 tax return application (certified by the store). Some tourists mistakenly believe that they only need to bring the receipt to the VAT Refund counter at the airport to get a refund. However, if this form is missing, it is considered as not accepted.
- Step 2: To get a tax refund form, you need to show your passport (or a copy of your passport). Once completed, they will give you a certified tax refund form attached to your receipt. Each bill must be worth 2000 baht or more.
- Step 3: Present your receipt to the customs officer before checking in so they can check your luggage (if they have questions).
- Step 4: Once your items have been checked out, go to the airline's check-in counter> ask airport staff at the tax refund office location> Go to the tax refund office.
- Step 5: Present your passport + air ticket + receipts for shopping at the store + tax refund stamp stamped at each store. If your refund is less than 30,000 baht, they will refund it to you in cash in Thai baht.
Luxury items such as jewelry, gold jewelry, watches, glasses or pens must be checked by the sales staff at the VAT Refund Department. In addition, these items are not sent in checked baggage, but must be in hand luggage.
Note when buying duty-free goods in Thailand
- If the total refund amount is more than 30,000 baht, you will not receive a direct refund, but the tax refund office will ask you for bank information. 10 days later, they will transfer the money to you via bank. Service fee is 100 baht plus bank transfer fee (will be deducted directly from your account).
- In addition, if the amount of one-time refunds is too large, the tax refund office may ask to double check any items you carry in your carry-on luggage.
- Should combine to go shopping Thailand on Sale Off occasion to make the most of the opportunity to buy cheap, most economical goods.
Information of Duty Free stores (direct tax exemption) in Bangkok
For Duty Free stores (duty-free shops, one-time payment, no tax), Bangkok has the two largest locations, the King Power-free shopping complex near Pullman hotel and Suvarnabhumi airport. Besides, at the Donmuang airport, there was also the appearance of King Power but less cargo than other branches.
King Power Bangkok - The duty free shopping complex in Bangkok
King Power Bangkok
King Power's duty free shops are exclusively tax free in Thailand. Almost all wines, perfumes, handicrafts, jewelry, cosmetics, chocolates, etc. are available in King Power duty-free shops.
This complex is located next to the Pullman Hotel, just past the Victory Monument on the BTS line. In addition, King Power is also present in many other locations such as Don Muang Airport, Pattaya, Rangnam, Phuket, Suvarnabhumi Airport ...
Suvarnabhumi Airport
Suvarnabhumi Airport offers duty-free shopping for alcohol, cigarettes, perfume, cosmetics, fashion, watches, pens, lighters, accessories, jewelry, skin care products, aromatherapy, toys, electronics, confectionery ...
About top fashion brands such as Coach, Mulberry, Gucci, Longchamp, Samsonite, Kipling, LeSportSac, Benetton, Duck Mandarina, Victorinox, etc.
Besides, you will find a wide range of wines and spirits from around the world. Other top beverage brands can also be purchased here.
The airport was built as a "T", duty free shop on both sides, but you should only go in part because often you won't have much time. After checking in, you turn left or turn right depending on your departure port.