How to claim VAT Refund in Indonesia

The Indonesian Government has profided a facility for tax refund since May 1st 2010. Now, if you visit Indonesia, you may get your tax refund if you purchase some goods in any retailer with “VAT Refund for Tourist” logo.

At this moment, only eight retailers provided with “VAT Refund for Tourist” logo. Those retailers are :

1. Pasaraya, Blok M, Jakarta
2. Sarinah, Thamrin, Jakarta
3. Metro, Pondok Indah Mall, Jakarta
4. Metro, Plasa Senayan, Jakarta
5. Keris Gallery, Terminal 2D Bandara Soekarno Hatta, Jakarta
6. Batik Keris, Discovery Mall, Bali
7. UC Silver, Batubulan Gianyar, Bali
8. Mayang Bali, Kuta Square, Bali

Soon, the Indonesian Government will add more retaliers on the list.

Am I eligible for VAT Refund?

If  you are not an Indonesian citizen or not a permanent residet of Indonesia – who lives or stays in Indonesia not longer than two moths, then YES, you are valid for VAT Refund.

But VAT refund are not valid for an airlines crew, so if you are an airlines crew, you are NOT eligible for VAT Refund.

Accompanied Baggage (goods)

• Goods must be purchased from shop with VAT Refund for Tourists label by showing your passport, and you must have valid tax invoice – attached with one payment receipt – from the shop. (or you can ask the shop’s sales team)
• Food, beverage, tobacco products, explosive goods, and any goods that are prohibited to be taken onto an aircraft are excluded for VAT Refund
• A minimum amount of Rp 500,000 on VAT or Rp 5,500,000 on your total spendings in one valid tax invoice from a shop with the same purchase date.
• Goods are purchased within one month before departing from Indonesia

VAT Refund payment options

Cash :
VAT refund is given in cash (IDR currency) if the amount does not exceed Rp 5,000,000

Transfer payment:
When the VAT refund is in excess of Rp 5,000,000, the refund will be made by transfer. You must provide your bank account number, account name, address, bank routing number, designated bank for transfer and requested currency for the refund.

Exceptional circumstances:
If the amount of VAT refund is more than RP 5,000,000 but you does not want to be paid by transfer payment, then  the amount of Rp 5,000,000 will be refunded in cash and the excess of VAT Refund balance is not refundable

Claim Procedure

You may only claim the VAT Refund in the airport on the date of your departure. At this moment, Indonesian Government only have two airports where you can claim VAT Refund, there are Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Jakarta and Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali.

The steps are:

1. Submit both valid tax invoice with the receipt that the retailers gave to you to the VAT Refund Counter at the airport;
2. Show your passprot, airline ticket/boarding pass, and the goods that you purchased;
3. Receive VAT refund in cash or transfer payment

Where I can find the VAT refund counter?

The VAT refund counter are located before and after check-in counter in International Departure Terminal. For further information about its location, you may ask the airport officer.

Please visit Indonesia and feel free to shop in Indonesian Tax Free Shop and enjoy your time in Indonesia.