The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore has collaborated with Global Blue to roll out an electronic Goods and Services Tax (GST) Electronic Tourist Refund Scheme (eTRS) that streamlines the refund collection process for visitors with purpose-built kiosks at Changi Airport.
The eTRS removes the need for shoppers to fill out the GST form each time a purchase is made at a retailer by giving them the option of using their credit cards of choice to store details of purchases on a central database. At the airport, users simply have to swipe the card used for the charges and their passport to verify their identity at the dedicated kiosks found in all of the airport's terminals, including the Budget Terminal.
The kiosks will bring up the relevant details on the screen for confirmation and ask the user to select either cash or credit card refunds. Those opting for the former must proceed to the Central Refund Counter in the Departure Transit Lounge for collection. The kiosks are programmed in 15 languages including Spanish, Russian, French, German and Arabic.
Singapore's airport is one of the first to adopt this easier approach, which is a significant improvement from the previous process that required visitors to present their goods along with their tax refund forms at Singapore Customs before heading to designated counters to get their money back. With the eTRS, this step is no longer necessary, although Customs officers may select some travellers for screening.
Almost 1,400 retailers across Singapore have signed on to be part of this scheme, a number that will increase to 3,500 by August 2012. Participating shops will display a special eTRS sticker for identification. The new service enhances Singapore’s reputation as a shopping destination by making the experience as smooth as possible. According to Singapore’s Tourism Board, there were some 2.4 million tourist refund claims made between January and October this year, totalling US$169 million.
Unfortunately, this system hasn't yet become common around the world, meaning the tax refund process remains cumbersome at many airports. For guidelines on getting through the process in different cities, click here.
For more information, visit www.iras.gov.sg
Alisha Haridasani
