Touring Singapore is fun and thrilling. It would be more fun and thrilling if you know some privileges that you are entitled. Have you heard about Goods and Services Tax (GST)? Well, if not, you came to the right place. It is imperative that you know about GST.
Remember that there is a 7% tax levied in every products here in Singapore. As a tourist, you have the right to claim the GST that you paid upon your purchases during departure at the airport but it is not applicable for land and cruise departures. The basic thing that you need to do is ask the retailers if you can claim the tax before making or paying the purchase. If the retailers are positive about the tax refund, you should make sure to ask for a copy of the GST refund form.
When you have the form, you need to complete it and present your purchases and receipts to the Customs at the Changi airport. Singapore Customs will confirm your purchases and then validate the refund form. When everything is validated and you get the Custom stamp, it is only the time that you can claim your refund.
There are two Central Refund Agencies that can take care of your GST. You can choose from Global Refund and Premier Tax Free. You should know that there are retailers who are not affiliates of Global Refund or Premier Tax Free but they can administer their own GST refund schemes. You have to check on the retailers for more information. But do not worry because the process of showing purchases, receipts and validation from Customs still applies.