🧮 VAT Refund Calculator
Based on Thailand VAT 7% · Net refund rate ~5–6%
Total Purchase Amount (USD)
Estimated Refund
$ 0
Enter your purchase amount
VAT (7%)
$0
Tax included
Processing fee
-$0
100–150 THB
Net refund
~5–6%
After fees
Min purchase
฿2,000
Per shop/day + ฿5,000 total
📍 Thailand allows both airport and downtown refunds.
Airport refunds are issued at 10 international airports including BKK and DMK on departure day. For BKK/DMK departures only, you can pre-claim at downtown refund desks (Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, etc.) — capped at ฿12,000 with mandatory departure within 14 days.
Airport refunds are issued at 10 international airports including BKK and DMK on departure day. For BKK/DMK departures only, you can pre-claim at downtown refund desks (Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, etc.) — capped at ฿12,000 with mandatory departure within 14 days.
📖More Guides
From procedures to shopping picks — tap a card
3-Minute Guide
Step-by-step refund procedure
Read more ›
Thailand Shopping Guide
Bangkok · Phuket · Chiang Mai picks
Read more ›
Airport Refund Info
10 international airports
Read more ›
Frequently Asked Questions
Easy-to-miss key points
Read more ›
🔍How to Find Tax-Free Stores in Thailand
Only stores with the "VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS" sign qualify
Look for the blue VAT-Refund sticker
Refunds are only available at government-registered stores displaying the blue "VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS" sign. Major department stores like Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, and ICONSIAM are almost always registered.
Minimum: ฿2,000 per shop/day + ฿5,000 total
You must spend at least ฿2,000 at the same shop on the same day AND have a total refund claim of ฿5,000+ across receipts. Roughly $55 per shop and $140 in total.
Eligible items
Only physical goods such as clothing, cosmetics, bags, electronics, jewelry. Services like hotels, restaurants, transit, massage, spa, and tours are NOT eligible.
What you need at checkout — the P.P.10 form
Show your original passport at checkout and request "VAT refund please." The store will issue a P.P.10 form (or e-P.P.10) plus the original receipt. Keep all three documents safe!
Purchase must be within 60 days of departure
You must depart Thailand within 60 days of purchase. Note: downtown refunds shorten this to 14 days!
High-value & luxury items require extra inspection
Total purchases over ฿20,000 require customs inspection before check-in. Single luxury items over ฿40,000 (watches, jewelry) need a second check at the VAT Refund Office after immigration.
🧾 Thailand VAT Refund Guide
A complete 3-minute walkthrough
🧳 What to bring: Passport · Original Tax Invoice · P.P.10 form · Purchased items (unused & unopened)
1Shop at registered stores
- Check the sticker: Blue "VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS" sign at entrance/checkout
- Minimum spend: ฿2,000 in a single shop on the same day
- Passport + P.P.10: Show passport at payment, receive the P.P.10 form + original receipt
💡 Local tip: Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, ICONSIAM, EmQuartier, Terminal 21 — the major malls have the highest density of registered stores!
2Arrive at the airport on departure day
- Arrive 3 hours early: Refund counter queues can be long
- Carry high-value items (฿20,000+): Do NOT check in — keep them with you for customs inspection
- Find the customs booth: "Customs Inspection for VAT Refund" desk on Level 4 next to check-in counters — get your stamp here
⚠️ Important: Luxury items (฿40,000+ each) need a second inspection at the VAT Refund Office after immigration. Never check them as luggage!
3Collect refund at the duty-free zone counter
- Documents: Stamped P.P.10 + original receipts + passport + boarding pass
- Choose method: Cash (THB) / bank draft / credit card
- Cash cap: Cash refunds limited to ฿30,000 (above that, draft or card only)
- Processing time: ~15–30 min (longer in peak season)
✅ Cash is fastest. Credit card refunds arrive in 7–14 business days in your home currency. Bank drafts (USD/EUR/GBP/JPY) work too but fees are higher.
⚠️ Critical reminders
• Items must remain unopened/unused until departure — especially cosmetics & electronics
• High-value items (฿20,000+) must be carry-on — never checked luggage
• No refund without the P.P.10 form — store it safely as soon as you receive it
• Land (Laos · Cambodia · Malaysia) and sea departures don't qualify — only international airport departures
• Diplomats, airline crew, and Thailand residents (>180 days/year) are excluded
• Items must remain unopened/unused until departure — especially cosmetics & electronics
• High-value items (฿20,000+) must be carry-on — never checked luggage
• No refund without the P.P.10 form — store it safely as soon as you receive it
• Land (Laos · Cambodia · Malaysia) and sea departures don't qualify — only international airport departures
• Diplomats, airline crew, and Thailand residents (>180 days/year) are excluded
🏙 Thailand Exclusive — Downtown Refund
Claim cash before you fly — skip the airport queue
🇹🇭 TH ONLY
★ Instant Cash Refund Downtown
For BKK and DMK departures only, you can claim your refund in cash (THB) at downtown desks before heading to the airport. No queue at the airport, no need to exchange THB.
฿12,000
Max refund
14 days
Departure deadline
Cash only
Instant THB
- Where: Refund desks on Level 1 of Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, ICONSIAM, etc.
- Documents: P.P.10 form + original receipts + passport + departure ticket (booking confirmation)
- Note: After receiving the cash, you MUST still declare it at the airport refund counter on departure!
⚠️ Skipping the airport declaration after a downtown refund can result in refund clawback + penalty. Always present the slip you received at the downtown desk!
Shopping Guide →
Bangkok · Phuket · Chiang Mai picks
Airport Guide →
10 international airports
✦ 2026 Thailand Shopping Guide
Recommended tax-free stores by city
Bangkok
Thailand's #1 shopping hub · downtown refund available
Thailand's capital and Southeast Asia's shopping paradise. The Siam district (Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, ICONSIAM) brings together luxury and local brands. With both BKK and DMK nearby, refund procedures are easy.
Siam Paragon
Bangkok's largest luxury mall · LV, Chanel, Hermès · Downtown refund desk on Level 1
VAT Refund ✓
Downtown refund
CentralWorld
One of SEA largest malls · 500+ shops · Includes ZEN department store
VAT Refund ✓
Downtown refund
ICONSIAM
Riverside luxury mall · Siam Takashimaya · Downtown refund desk on Level 1
VAT Refund ✓
Downtown refund
EmQuartier · Emporium
Twin luxury malls near Phrom Phong BTS · strong on luxury & fine dining
VAT Refund ✓
Refundable
Terminal 21 Asok
Airport-themed mall · casual brands & food court
VAT Refund ✓
MBK Center · Siam Discovery
Mid-tier & local brands · only some stores registered
Some shops ✓
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Massive open-air market · bargaining expected
Mostly ✗
💡 Bangkok tip: Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, and ICONSIAM are the three key downtown refund spots. They cluster around BTS Siam Station and are walkable. About 45 min by car to BKK Suvarnabhumi.
🛒 Must-buy in Bangkok
🥥 Coconut oil
🌿 Herbal cosmetics
🐘 Thai silk scarf
🍵 ChaTraMue tea
👜 Leather bags
🌶 Spice sets
Phuket
Southern resort island · Patong, Kata, Karon beaches
Thailand's largest resort island. Patong's Jungceylon, Central Phuket Floresta, and Robinson cover the registered-store needs. Refund available when departing via HKT Phuket International.
Central Phuket
Phuket's largest mall · Floresta + Festival wings · luxury brands
VAT Refund ✓
Refundable
Jungceylon
Patong Beach core mall · Robinson department store
VAT Refund ✓
Refundable
Robinson Phuket
Local favorite department store · cosmetics & fashion
VAT Refund ✓
Banzaan Market
Patong night market · bargain · barely any registered stores
Mostly ✗
💡 Phuket tip: Jungceylon and Central Phuket are top refund picks. HKT is relatively quiet, making the refund process smooth. Arrive 2 hours before departure.
🛒 Must-buy in Phuket
🥥 Coconut oil
🦐 Shrimp paste
🐚 Pearl jewelry
🌺 Latex pillows
🧴 Seaweed skincare
Chiang Mai
Northern hub · crafts & café paradise
Chiang Mai blends old-city charm with modern cafés and malls. Refunds available at Central Festival and MAYA Lifestyle Center. Departures via CNX qualify for refund.
Central Festival Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai's largest mall · Robinson · luxury & casual mix
VAT Refund ✓
Refundable
MAYA Lifestyle Center
Modern mall near Old City · popular with Korean tourists
VAT Refund ✓
Refundable
Nimman Street
Local designer boutiques · some shops registered
Some shops ✓
Sunday Walking Street
Sunday Ratchadamnoen market · handicrafts
Mostly ✗
💡 Chiang Mai tip: Night markets and small shops rarely register. For refunds, consolidate purchases at Central Festival and MAYA.
🛒 Must-buy in Chiang Mai
🐚 Silver jewelry
☂️ Bo Sang paper umbrellas
☕ Doi Chaang coffee
🧶 Hill-tribe textiles
🌿 Herbal soap
Pattaya
Eastern beach resort · near Bangkok
Eastern coast resort about 2 hours from Bangkok by car. Central Marina and Terminal 21 Pattaya are the shopping cores. UTP airport is nearby, but most travelers depart via BKK — so Bangkok's downtown refund is also an option.
Central Marina
Near Pattaya Beach · Korean food court & duty-free section
VAT Refund ✓
Refundable
Terminal 21 Pattaya
Airport-themed mall · value fashion · food court
VAT Refund ✓
Refundable
Gems Gallery Pattaya
Government-approved jeweler · sapphires & rubies
VAT Refund ✓
Pattaya Night Market
Walking Street area · bargain · almost no refunds
Mostly ✗
💡 Pattaya tip: Avoid unlicensed gem stalls — only government-registered jewelers issue refunds. Most travelers depart via BKK, so you can also use Bangkok's downtown refund desks.
🛒 Must-buy in Pattaya
💎 Sapphire
🦐 Shrimp chips
🥥 Coconut products
🌺 Latex mattress
Airport Guide →
10 international airports
FAQ →
Common questions answered
✈️ Thailand Airport Refund Guide
Refunds available at 10 international airports
BKK
Suvarnabhumi Intl. (Bangkok)
- Location: Level 4, beside check-in counters — "Customs Inspection for VAT Refund" near Gate 10
- Refund desk: After immigration, in the duty-free zone near Gates D1–D4
- Downtown refund: Supported (Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, etc.)
- Notes: Busiest airport. Peak-season queue 1+ hour. Arrive 3 hours early.
DMK
Don Mueang Intl. (Bangkok · LCC)
- Location: International terminal (T1) Level 1 customs inspection counter
- Refund desk: Inside the duty-free zone
- Downtown refund: Supported
- Notes: AirAsia, Nok Air, and other LCCs. Relatively quiet.
HKT
Phuket Intl.
- Location: Customs booth in departures + refund counter in duty-free zone
- Notes: Mostly Patong/Kata/Karon travelers. Lots of Korean tourists, Korean assistance available.
CNX
Chiang Mai Intl.
- Location: Customs at departures + counter in duty-free zone
- Notes: Northern hub for travelers from Chiang Mai/Chiang Rai areas.
KBV
Krabi Intl.
- Location: Customs at departures + counter in duty-free zone
- Notes: Krabi · Ao Nang · Phi Phi Islands area.
USM
Koh Samui Intl.
- Location: International departures customs booth
- Notes: Koh Samui resort island · direct departures.
UTP
U-Tapao Intl. (Pattaya)
- Location: International departures customs
- Notes: Pattaya area · most travelers depart via BKK.
CEI
Chiang Rai Intl.
- Notes: Golden Triangle area · Chiang Rai departures.
HDY
Hat Yai Intl.
- Notes: Southern hub · mostly Malaysia routes.
URT
Surat Thani Intl.
- Notes: Southern hub · near Koh Samui & Koh Phangan.
⚠️ Common reminders
• Refunds only at the 10 listed airports — no land (Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia) or sea departures
• High-value items (฿20,000+) need customs inspection before check-in — keep as carry-on
• Luxury items (฿40,000+) need extra inspection at the VAT Refund Office in the duty-free zone
• Arrive 3 hours early (earlier in peak Nov–Mar / year-end)
• Refund methods: cash THB (≤฿30,000) / bank draft / credit card
• Refunds only at the 10 listed airports — no land (Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia) or sea departures
• High-value items (฿20,000+) need customs inspection before check-in — keep as carry-on
• Luxury items (฿40,000+) need extra inspection at the VAT Refund Office in the duty-free zone
• Arrive 3 hours early (earlier in peak Nov–Mar / year-end)
• Refund methods: cash THB (≤฿30,000) / bank draft / credit card
FAQ →
10 frequently asked questions
Calculator →
Estimate refund again
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Thailand tax refund
Can I combine receipts from multiple shops to reach ฿2,000? ▾
No. The ฿2,000 minimum applies per shop, per day. However, the ฿5,000 total threshold can be met by combining multiple shops' P.P.10 forms.
How much do I actually receive? ▾
VAT is 7%, but a processing fee of ฿100–150 is deducted. With method-specific fees, you typically receive 5–6% of your purchase value.
Can I get a refund with only the receipt (no P.P.10)? ▾
No. The P.P.10 must be issued by the store on the day of purchase. You can't apply later with only the receipt. Don't forget to ask "VAT refund please" at checkout!
Can I put items in checked luggage? ▾
High-value items (over ฿20,000) must NOT be checked. They need a customs inspection before check-in. Below that, checked is fine but carry-on is safer. Luxury items (฿40,000+) get a second check at the duty-free zone — never check them in.
Is the downtown refund better? ▾
Pros: No airport queue · saves time.
Cons: Must depart within 14 days · ฿12,000 cap · still need to declare at airport.
💡 If you depart within 2 weeks, downtown is great. For longer trips, airport refund is simpler.
Cons: Must depart within 14 days · ฿12,000 cap · still need to declare at airport.
💡 If you depart within 2 weeks, downtown is great. For longer trips, airport refund is simpler.
Cash, card, or bank draft — which is best? ▾
• Cash (THB): Instant but you may need to exchange · capped at ฿30,000 · best for most travelers
• Credit card: 7–14 business days in your home currency · best for large amounts
• Bank draft: USD/EUR/GBP/JPY · NOT recommended (high fees, slow mailing)
• Credit card: 7–14 business days in your home currency · best for large amounts
• Bank draft: USD/EUR/GBP/JPY · NOT recommended (high fees, slow mailing)
Are transit passengers eligible? ▾
You must be departing FROM Thailand to qualify. Airside shopping during a transit doesn't count. Only travelers who entered Thailand, shopped, and departed are eligible.
Are online purchases eligible? ▾
Online stores like Lazada and Shopee don't qualify. You must pay in-person at a registered offline store and receive the P.P.10 on the spot.
When are refund applications rejected? ▾
Refunds are rejected when:
• Single shop/day spend below ฿2,000
• Total refund claim below ฿5,000
• Purchase from a non-registered store
• Missing or mismatched receipt/P.P.10
• Departure after 60 days (or 14 days for downtown)
• Items used, opened, or not exported
• Diplomats, Thailand residents (>180 days/yr), or airline crew
• Single shop/day spend below ฿2,000
• Total refund claim below ฿5,000
• Purchase from a non-registered store
• Missing or mismatched receipt/P.P.10
• Departure after 60 days (or 14 days for downtown)
• Items used, opened, or not exported
• Diplomats, Thailand residents (>180 days/yr), or airline crew
How do Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand differ? ▾
① Refund location: Korea & Thailand support city + airport / Vietnam airport only
② VAT rate: Korea 10% / Vietnam 10% / Thailand 7%
③ Minimum spend: Korea ~$10 / Vietnam ~$80 / Thailand ~$55 per shop + ~$140 total
④ Downtown cap: Korea ₩500K / Thailand ฿12,000
② VAT rate: Korea 10% / Vietnam 10% / Thailand 7%
③ Minimum spend: Korea ~$10 / Vietnam ~$80 / Thailand ~$55 per shop + ~$140 total
④ Downtown cap: Korea ₩500K / Thailand ฿12,000
Calculator →
Estimate your refund
Guide →
Step-by-step procedure