I visit Australia yearly and do some shopping while there, since I can easily find what I need (and stock up).
Usually, claiming the sales tax back (GST in Australia) is a tedious process that uses third-party processors that take a 30% to 40% cut of the refund (a waste of time unless you buy something expensive).
You can access Australia’s page for the TRS here.
But I believe Australia has done this correctly. Border Force processes these refunds at the airports (seaports too) after inspecting the receipts and goods, and you will receive the full GST back on your credit card in a few days.
The only drawback is that you may have to queue for 15 to 30 minutes, or, if the TRS point is closed (happened to me once at Perth Airport), you need to fill out a form, include the receipts, and address an envelope to yourself, as you get the receipts back.
What you need to do?
- Download the Australia TSR App
- Combined purchases from any business (same ABN number) must be A$300 or more
- Purchase receipts of A$1,000 or more must have your name
- Input your information & receipts to the TSR App & have the QR code ready
- Make sure that you are at the airport early enough – claims are not processed within 30 minutes of departure
- Present the QR code, your passport & receipts at the TSR claim office (always past immigration)
- Wait for the refund
TRS Refund Slip:
Hit the credit card 3 days later:
Conclusion
I was once running late in Sydney and decided to forgo the GST refund to have a breakfast or lunch in the Qantas First Class lounge instead.
The GST refund process in Australia is really well executed, but I wonder who funds it (and for how long), since processing these must cost the Border Force quite a bit given the number of personnel required.
But don’t get me started about the Global Blue and others that take a significant cut of the refund amount.
