Shopping in Australia & Tax Refunds

Luxury Shopping Tours and Tax Refunds for International Visitors

Blog by Imogene Whittle, Brisbane Personal Stylist.

Are you planning on shopping in Australia? Australia’s fashion scene is vibrant and diverse, making it a must-visit destination for any fashion enthusiast. Australian cities offer an array of luxury fashion brands, showcasing both local Australian fashion and international designers.

Did you know that with the Tourist Refund Scheme, you can enjoy a bit of extra savings on your stylish purchases. Visitors to Australia can claim a refund of the goods and services tax (GST) for clothing, shoes, accessories and more purchased here through the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) when departing the country.

Exploring and supporting local Australian designers is a brilliant way to update your style with unique items that will stand out back home, and to take home memories and experiences of Australia. But how do you navigate the stores?

Spree with Me offers luxury shopping tours with a personal stylist to help you explore Australian fashion and find items you’ll love for years to come.

Our unique luxury shopping tours are an exploration of fashion and style, each curated to your tastes, right down to food and wine. What sets our shopping tours apart is twofold: our tour guides are all trained personal stylists, and each tour is customised for you or your private group, allowing us to tailor the experience to your interests and tastes.

“Did you know that with the Tourist Refund Scheme, you can enjoy a bit of extra savings on your stylish purchases.

Visitors to Australia can claim a refund of the goods and services tax (GST) for clothing, shoes, accessories and more purchased here through the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) when departing the country.”

Why Shop for Fashion in Australia?

Australian designers masterfully blend modern trends with the country’s laid-back lifestyle, creating styles that are both stunning and innovative on a global scale.

Known for using luxury materials and meticulous detailing, Australian fashion stands out for its exceptional quality. Many brands prioritise sustainability, offering eco-friendly options that allow you to shop responsibly. With us, you’ll discover hidden gems and exclusive pieces unavailable anywhere else in the world. Shopping with us in Australia means embracing cutting-edge fashion, supporting sustainable practices, and enjoying unparalleled craftsmanship.

Our guests on our shopping tours often get asked about the process of claiming a tax refund on your clothes purchases under the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS), so below is the information you need to know:

What is the Tourist Refund Scheme? (TRS)

The TRS allows international visitors to claim a refund of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) paid on eligible purchases, including clothing, made in Australia. This scheme is designed to encourage spending within the country while offering a benefit to travellers taking their purchases home.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a tax refund under the TRS, there are a few criteria you need to meet:

Minimum Purchase Amount: To be eligible, spend $300 or more (including GST) at a single business. Multiple items can be added together to meet this requirement, as long as they are on the same tax invoice.
Timing: Purchases must be made within 60 days of your departure from Australia.
Goods to be Taken as Carry-On: You need to carry the goods with you as hand luggage onto the plane or ship. If the goods are too large to be taken as carry-on, you must show them to an Australian Border Force officer before checking in your luggage.
Tax Invoice: You must have a valid tax invoice for your purchases. Ensure the invoice is from a registered business and includes details like the business’s Australian Business Number (ABN), the purchase date, a description of the items, and the total amount paid.

Helpful tips:

calculate the GST refund amount: $Total price/11
You cannot make a TRS claim for someone else such as partner, relative or friend.
The 60 days starts from the day after you purchased the item.
You can remove your goods from the packaging and use the goods before you depart.

Check the following on your invoice before you leave the store (or we can help you to check):

If your invoice is over $300, check it has:

a description of the goods that allows us to match the goods to the invoice
the retailer's name, address and ABN (ACNs and ARNs not accepted)
the amount of GST (or total price including GST)
the date of purchase

If your purchase is over $1000, also check that it has your name (and only your name) as it appears in your passport

How to Claim Your Refund

Locate the TRS Facility: At the airport, locate the TRS facility. It's generally found in the departures area, past the customs and security checks.
Prepare Your Documents: Have your passport, boarding pass, tax invoices, and the goods you're claiming a refund for ready to show the TRS officer.
Submit Your Claim: You can submit your claim using the TRS mobile app or at the TRS facility. If using the app, complete your details before arriving at the airport to save time. The app will generate a QR code that you present at the TRS counter.
Receive Your Refund: Refunds can be processed to your credit card, via cheque, or through a designated Australian bank account. Processing times may vary, but electronic refunds are typically faster.

Helpful Tips to claim your refund.

Arrive Early: The TRS facilities can get busy, so allow plenty of time before your flight to process your claim.
Check the Details: Ensure all your documentation is correct and that the goods and invoices meet the TRS requirements to avoid delays.
Keep Your Goods Handy: Be prepared to show the goods you purchased along with your tax invoices at the TRS counter.

If shopping with a Spree with Me Personal Stylist, we can help you to navigate this information.

Information source and for more tips and info, visit: https://www.abf.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/tourist-refund-scheme

Information correct as of 4 June 2024.