Tax Free Calculator

When you shop abroad as a tourist, you may be eligible for a refund of the local consumption tax (VAT/GST). You typically need to spend above a minimum amount at participating stores, fill out paperwork, and claim the refund at the airport before departure.

Tax-free shopping lets you reclaim the VAT/GST on purchases made at regular stores. Duty-free shops (found in airports) sell goods without any tax included from the start. Tax-free refunds involve paperwork and processing fees.

Processing fees typically range from 15% to 30% of the refundable tax amount, depending on the refund company (e.g., Global Blue, Planet). Some countries like Japan have very low fees (around 1.5%).

It depends on the country. In Japan, consumables (food, cosmetics) over ¥5,000 qualify but must be sealed and taken out of the country. Most European countries allow refunds on all goods, not consumables consumed in-country.

You typically need: your passport, the tax refund form from the store, the original receipt, and the purchased items (sometimes for inspection). Some countries use electronic systems that link to your passport.

Instant refunds (Japan, Korea) are immediate. Airport counter cash refunds take minutes. Credit card refunds typically take 2–8 weeks depending on the refund company.