Vietnam Tourist VAT Refund: Everything You Need to Know

Vietnam is a top shopping destination, and as an international visitor, you may be eligible for a Vietnam tourist VAT refund on certain purchases. Understanding how to claim a VAT refund in Vietnam is essential to maximizing savings. While the Vietnam tax refund process may seem complex, this guide will provide everything you need to claim your refund smoothly.

1. What is Vietnam’s VAT Refund for Tourists?

Vietnam‘s VAT refund system is designed to provide international visitors with the opportunity to reclaim a portion of the Value-Added Tax (VAT) paid on eligible goods purchased during their trip. The system follows a straightforward process: tourists buy qualifying products from registered retailers, obtain the necessary tax refund documents, and submit their claim at designated refund points before departing Vietnam.

To successfully claim the Vietnam tourist VAT refund, travelers must:

1. Purchase goods from stores that participate in the VAT refund program.
2. Ensure the total invoice amount meets the minimum spending requirement.
3. Keep all necessary receipts and VAT refund forms.
4. Present their purchased items, receipts, and documents at the airport before leaving Vietnam.

Not all products qualify for a Vietnam tourist VAT refund. To be eligible, goods must meet specific criteria, including:

• 📍 Purchased from businesses that are registered for the VAT refund program.
• 📍 New and unused items (not consumables or perishable goods).
• 📍 Taken out of Vietnam within 30 days from the purchase date.

Some commonly eligible goods include:
– Fashion and accessories (clothing, shoes, bags).
– Electronics (phones, cameras, laptops).
– Handicrafts, artwork, and souvenirs.
– Jewelry and watches.

On the other hand, certain items do not qualify for a Vietnam tax refund process, such as:
– Services (hotel stays, tours, transportation).
– Consumables (food, drinks, medicines, tobacco, alcohol).
– Goods purchased from non-participating retailers.

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2. Who is Eligible for a VAT Refund in Vietnam?

2.1. Requirements for Tourists to Claim a VAT Refund

To qualify for the Vietnam tourist VAT refund, travelers must meet specific eligibility criteria set by the Vietnamese government. Understanding these requirements ensures a smooth refund process and prevents unexpected rejections.

A tourist is eligible for a Vietnam tax refund process if they meet the following conditions:

• 📍 Non-Vietnamese passport holder: The traveler must be a foreign national or a Vietnamese citizen residing permanently in another country.
• 📍 Short-term stay in Vietnam: The visitor should not have stayed in Vietnam for more than 183 consecutive days before their departure date.
• 📍 Departure through designated international airports: The VAT refund is only available at certain international airports in Vietnam, such as Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Da Nang, and Cam Ranh (Nha Trang).
• 📍 Purchased goods from registered VAT refund retailers: The products must be bought from stores that participate in the VAT refund program and display the official “VAT Refund Shop” logo.
• 📍 Minimum purchase amount requirement: The total value of VAT-included purchases must be at least 2 million VND (approximately $85 USD) in one day from the same retailer.
• 📍 Goods must be taken out of Vietnam within 30 days: The purchased items must be exported with the traveler and cannot be used while in Vietnam.

By fulfilling these conditions, tourists can successfully claim their Vietnam tourist VAT refund before leaving the country.

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2.2 Goods That Are Not Eligible for VAT Refunds

Although many products qualify for a VAT refund, there are certain categories of goods that are not eligible for a Vietnam tax refund process. These restrictions help prevent fraud and ensure compliance with tax regulations.

The following goods do not qualify for a VAT refund in Vietnam:
+ Services: Hotel accommodations, tour packages, domestic flights, and transportation.
+ Perishable goods: Food, beverages, alcohol, and tobacco products.
+ Medicines and cosmetics: Health supplements, prescription drugs, and some beauty products.
+ Used goods: Items that have been opened, used, or consumed before departure.
+ Prohibited exports: Any goods that are restricted from being taken out of Vietnam.

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3. How to Claim VAT Refund in Vietnam: Step-by-Step Process

The Vietnam tourist VAT refund process is straightforward if travelers follow the correct steps. Below is a detailed guide to help tourists successfully claim their tax refund before leaving the country.

To ensure a smooth refund process, follow these steps:

Step 1: Shop at VAT Refund-Registered Stores

• 📍 Purchase goods from stores displaying the “VAT Refund Shop” logo.
• 📍 Ensure that the total purchase amount (including VAT) meets the minimum spending requirement of 2 million VND per day from the same store.

Step 2: Request VAT Refund Documents at the Store

• 📍 Ask the retailer for a VAT refund invoice and ensure that it is filled out correctly.
• 📍 Keep the original receipts and VAT refund form for submission at the airport.

Step 3: Keep Your Purchases Unused & Pack Them Properly

• 📍 The items must be new, unused, and taken out of Vietnam within 30 days of purchase.
• 📍 Keep them in your carry-on or check-in luggage for customs inspection.

Step 4: Arrive Early at the Airport and Head to the VAT Refund Counter

• 📍 Arrive at the airport at least 2–3 hours before departure to allow enough time for customs clearance and refund processing.
• 📍 Go to the VAT refund counter located in the departure area before checking in your luggage.

Step 5: Submit Documents & Have Your Goods Inspected

• 📍 Present your passport, boarding pass, VAT refund invoice, receipts, and purchased goods at the customs desk.
• 📍 Customs officers may inspect the items to verify that they match the VAT refund documents.

Step 6: Receive Your Refund

• 📍 After approval, take your stamped documents to the VAT refund processing counter to receive your refund in Vietnamese Dong (VND) or via a credit card transfer.

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Documents Needed for the Vietnam Tourist VAT Refund

To claim a Vietnam tax refund, tourists must present the following documents at the VAT refund counter:
– Original VAT refund invoice issued by the store.
– Receipts showing proof of purchase.
– Valid passport with a tourist visa (if applicable).
– Boarding pass for an international flight departing from Vietnam.
– Purchased items for inspection.

How to Complete the VAT Refund Invoice Correctly

To avoid delays or rejections, ensure that the VAT refund invoice includes:
+ Your full name and passport number (matching your travel documents).
+ Store details, including business name and tax code.
+ Itemized list of purchased goods with prices and VAT amounts.
+ Total VAT paid and the expected refund amount.
+ Store’s official stamp and signature.

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4. Where to Get Your VAT Refund in Vietnam?

Tourists can only claim their Vietnam tourist VAT refund at specific international airports. Below is a guide to finding VAT refund counters and ensuring a hassle-free refund process.

Currently, VAT refund services are available at these major international airports:

📍 Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
📍Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
📍 Da Nang International Airport
📍 Cam Ranh International Airport (Nha Trang)

These airports have designated Vietnam tax refund process counters where travelers can submit their refund claims before departure.

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5. Important Tips for a Smooth VAT Refund Process

To ensure a hassle-free Vietnam tourist VAT refund, keep these key points in mind:

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ✨ Shopping at non-participating stores – Only buy from shops with the “VAT Refund Shop” logo.
• ✨ Not meeting the minimum spend – Spend at least 2 million VND per day per store.
• ✨ Losing receipts or VAT invoices – Originals are required for refund approval.
• ✨ Submitting incomplete documents – Ensure all details are correctly filled in.
• ✨ Checking in goods before customs inspection – Items must be shown to customs first.
• ✨ Exceeding the 30-day limit – Goods must leave Vietnam within 30 days of purchase.

✅ Best Practices for a Hassle-Free Refund

• ✨ Plan ahead – Buy from eligible stores and request a VAT refund invoice.
• ✨ Keep documents safe – Store invoices and receipts carefully.
• ✨ Arrive early at the airport – Allow 2–3 hours for processing.
• ✨ Exchange refunds before leaving – Refunds are given in VND, which may be hard to exchange later.
• ✨ Be ready for customs inspection – Keep goods in carry-on for easy verification.

📌 Key Limits & Restrictions

• ✨ 30-day rule – Goods must be taken out of Vietnam within 30 days.
• ✨ Refund amount – 85% of VAT is refunded; 15% is deducted as a fee.
• ✨ Designated airports – Refunds are processed at Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang, and Cam Ranh airports.

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6. Conclusion

Claiming a Vietnam tourist VAT refund helps travelers save money on eligible purchases. By shopping at registered stores, keeping receipts, and following the refund process, tourists can get back 85% of their VAT hassle-free.

To avoid issues, prepare documents, arrive early, and ensure goods are available for customs inspection. Before leaving, double-check your VAT invoices, receipts, and passport to ensure eligibility.

Don’t miss out—plan ahead and claim your Vietnam tax refund for extra savings! 

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