🧮 Tax Refund Calculator
Based on Vietnam VAT 10% · Net refund rate approx. 8.5%
Total Purchase Amount (USD)
Estimated Refund
$ 0
Please enter your purchase amount
VAT (10%)
$0
Tax included
Service Fee
-$0
15% fee
Net Refund Rate
approx. 8.5%
85% of VAT
Min. Purchase
₫2,000,000
Per store / per day
📍 Vietnam offers airport refunds only.
Unlike Korea, there is no instant downtown refund — you can only claim your refund at the airport (Noi Bai, Da Nang, Tan Son Nhat, etc.) on the day of departure. Visit the customs booth before security screening to have your goods physically inspected.
Unlike Korea, there is no instant downtown refund — you can only claim your refund at the airport (Noi Bai, Da Nang, Tan Son Nhat, etc.) on the day of departure. Visit the customs booth before security screening to have your goods physically inspected.
📖Explore More Guides
From refund procedures to shopping picks
3-Minute User Guide
Step-by-step refund procedure
Learn more ›
Vietnam Shopping Guide
Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang picks
Learn more ›
Airport Refund Info
7 international airports
Learn more ›
FAQ
Easy-to-miss key points
Learn more ›
🔍How to Find Tax-Free Stores in Vietnam
Not every store offers refunds
Look for the Blue Sticker at the Storefront
Refunds are available only at government-designated stores displaying the blue "VAT Refund for Tourist" or "Tax Refund" sign. Not every shop in a mall is a participating store, so always confirm before paying!
Minimum Purchase ₫2,000,000
You must spend at least 2 million VND on the same day at the same store to qualify. That's roughly KRW 115,000 (about USD 80).
Eligible Items
Only physical goods such as clothing, shoes, bags, cosmetics, handicrafts, household items, and some electronics. Services like accommodation, food and drink, transport, tours, and massages are not refundable.
What You Need at Checkout
At the register, show your passport and ask for a "VAT Refund Form" or "Hóa đơn" (invoice). Keep the receipt, invoice, and refund form all together!
Purchases Must Be Within 60 Days of Departure
Only items bought within 60 days of your departure date are eligible. Anything purchased earlier will be refused!
🧾 Vietnam VAT Refund Guide
A complete walkthrough in just 3 minutes
🧳 What to bring: Passport · original receipts · VAT refund form · purchased items (unopened)
1Shop at a Participating Store
- Check the sticker: Look for the blue "VAT Refund for Tourist" or "Tax Refund" sticker at the storefront
- Minimum amount: Spend at least 2 million VND in a single store on the same day
- Passport + form: Show your passport at checkout and request a VAT Refund Form (invoice). Keep both the form and receipt safe
💡 Local tip: Large malls such as Vincom Center, Lotte Mart, Aeon Mall, and Diamond Plaza have a high ratio of participating stores!
2Arrive at the Airport on Departure Day
- Arrive 3 hours before departure: Allow plenty of time for the refund process
- Keep items in carry-on: Goods being refunded must be in carry-on luggage, unopened (refunds are denied if checked in!)
- Find the customs booth: Go to the Customs VAT Refund booth before security screening
⚠️ Important: Vietnam strictly enforces physical inspection of goods. Refunds will be refused for checked-in or opened items!
3Customs Inspection + Receive Your Refund
- Customs inspection: Present your passport, receipts, VAT Refund Form, and the actual goods → an officer verifies and stamps your form
- Pass security: After getting the customs stamp, proceed through the normal departure process
- Visit the refund desk: At the "VAT Refund Counter" inside the departure hall, choose cash (VND) or card refund
- Refund amount: You receive 85% of the 10% VAT (15% is the service fee)
✅ Cash is the fastest option. Card refunds can take 2–4 weeks. Note: cash is paid in Vietnamese dong (VND) only, so plan your currency exchange accordingly!
⚠️ Must-Know Cautions
• Refundable goods must not be opened or used before departure — be especially careful with cosmetics and electronics
• No checked baggage — carry-on only
• Lost original receipts mean no refund (photos are not accepted)
• Buying many of the same item may be flagged as resale and the refund limited
• Purchases at non-participating stores are not refundable
• Refundable goods must not be opened or used before departure — be especially careful with cosmetics and electronics
• No checked baggage — carry-on only
• Lost original receipts mean no refund (photos are not accepted)
• Buying many of the same item may be flagged as resale and the refund limited
• Purchases at non-participating stores are not refundable
✦ 2026 Vietnam Shopping Guide
Hand-picked tax-free stores in major cities
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam's #1 shopping destination
Vietnam's largest city and a shopper's paradise. District 1's Dong Khoi Street, Ben Thanh Market, and Diamond Plaza bring together luxury and local brands. Tan Son Nhat Airport is nearby, making the refund process easy.
Diamond Plaza
Luxury department store in District 1 · Chanel, LV, Prada and more
VAT Refund ✓
Eligible
Vincom Center Dong Khoi
The heart of Dong Khoi Street · luxury, casual, dining
VAT Refund ✓
Eligible
Saigon Centre
Home to Takashimaya · plenty of Japanese brands
VAT Refund ✓
Eligible
Lotte Mart Ho Chi Minh
Korean-style supermarket · Vietnamese specialties and groceries
Select stores ✓
Ben Thanh Market
Traditional market · bargaining required · only some participating stalls
Limited ✓
G7 / Trung Nguyen Coffee Shops
Authentic Vietnamese coffee shops · popular for gifts
VAT Refund ✓
💡 Ho Chi Minh shopping tip: Vincom Center and Diamond Plaza have the highest concentration of participating stores. Dong Khoi Street is fully walkable. Tan Son Nhat Airport is just a 30-minute drive!
🛒 Must-Buys in Ho Chi Minh
☕ G7 Coffee
🍫 Marou Chocolate
👜 Leather Bags
🌿 Natural Cosmetics
🎋 Rattan Goods
🧣 Silk Scarves
Hanoi
Vietnam's capital · where tradition meets modernity
As the capital, Hanoi offers a mix of tradition and modern shopping — the Old Quarter's 36 streets, Lotte Center, and Vincom Mega Mall. You can claim your refund when departing from Noi Bai International Airport.
Lotte Center Hanoi
Korean-style department store · 65th-floor observation deck · 6th-floor duty-free
VAT Refund ✓
Eligible
Vincom Mega Mall Royal City
Vietnam's largest mall · 600+ stores
VAT Refund ✓
Eligible
Trang Tien Plaza
Luxury arcade by Hoan Kiem · LV, Dior, Cartier and more
VAT Refund ✓
Eligible
Hanoi Silk Shops
Ha Dong silk · handmade clothing specialists
Limited ✓
Dong Xuan Market
Hanoi's biggest wholesale market · bargaining required
Mostly ✗
💡 Hanoi shopping tip: Trang Tien Plaza is the top spot for luxury refunds! The Old Quarter's 36 streets are atmospheric but have few participating stores.
🛒 Must-Buys in Hanoi
🧵 Ha Dong Silk
🎨 Lacquerware
🌶️ Hanoi Spices
☕ Cong Caphe Beans
🪷 Lotus Tea
Da Nang
Central-coast resort city · #1 with Korean visitors
Da Nang, the most popular Vietnamese city among Korean tourists, is rapidly building out shopping infrastructure with Vincom Plaza, Lotte Mart, and Han River night markets. Da Nang International Airport is close by, making refunds convenient.
Vincom Plaza Da Nang
Da Nang's largest mall · popular with Korean visitors
VAT Refund ✓
Eligible
Lotte Mart Da Nang
Korean groceries and souvenirs all in one place
VAT Refund ✓
Eligible
Han Market
Traditional market · night market · bargaining required
Mostly ✗
Noni / Coconut Oil Specialty Shops
Vietnamese natural cosmetics and health foods
VAT Refund ✓
Eligible
Highlands / Trung Nguyen Coffee
Vietnam's leading coffee chains (great for gifts)
VAT Refund ✓
💡 Da Nang shopping tip: Pair Da Nang with Hoi An — the silks and lanterns of Hoi An's Old Town are wonderful! Note that most Hoi An shops are not participating stores.
🛒 Must-Buys in Da Nang
🥥 Coconut Oil
☕ G7 Coffee
🌶️ Noni Powder
🍫 Marou Chocolate
🧴 Cocoon Skincare
🥜 Cashews
Nha Trang
Vietnam's signature beach resort
As a relaxation hub, Nha Trang has fewer shopping options, but Vincom Plaza and Lotte Mart cover the main participating stores. Refunds are available at Cam Ranh International Airport.
Vincom Plaza Nha Trang
The main downtown mall
VAT Refund ✓
Eligible
Lotte Mart Nha Trang
Korean-style supermarket · plenty of souvenirs
VAT Refund ✓
Eligible
Cho Dam Market
Traditional market · seafood and dried goods
Mostly ✗
💡 Nha Trang shopping tip: Since the city is resort-focused, shopping options are fewer than other cities. Vincom Plaza is the safest bet for refunds!
🛒 Must-Buys in Nha Trang
🦐 Shrimp Chips
🐚 Coral Crafts
🧴 Coconut Cosmetics
🥜 Cashews
✈️ Vietnam Airport Refund Guide
Refunds available at 7 international airports
SGN
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh)
- Location: Customs VAT Refund booth in the international departures hall, before security screening
- Refund desk: Inside the departure hall after security
- Hours: 4:00 AM – Midnight
- Notes: The airport with the most Korean travelers — lines can get long, so arrive 3 hours before departure
DAD
Da Nang International Airport
- Location: Customs booth in the international departures hall (before security)
- Refund desk: Inside the duty-free area of the departure hall
- Notes: Many Korean travelers and Korean-speaking staff. The refund process tends to be relatively simple
HAN
Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
- Location: Customs booth in the international T2 departures hall (before security)
- Refund desk: VAT Refund Counter inside the departure hall
- Notes: Vietnam's capital airport. Use Terminal 2 (T1 is domestic)
CXR
Cam Ranh International Airport (Nha Trang)
- Location: Customs in the international departures hall (before security)
- Refund desk: Inside the departure hall
- Notes: About a 40-minute drive from downtown Nha Trang
⚠️ General Cautions
• At every airport, you must visit the customs booth before security screening
• Keep refundable goods in your carry-on, unopened
• Arrive at the airport 3 hours before departure (earlier in peak season)
• Refunds can be paid in VND cash or card — card refunds take 2–4 weeks
• At every airport, you must visit the customs booth before security screening
• Keep refundable goods in your carry-on, unopened
• Arrive at the airport 3 hours before departure (earlier in peak season)
• Refunds can be paid in VND cash or card — card refunds take 2–4 weeks
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions about Vietnam refunds
Can I get a refund at any store in Vietnam? ▾
No. Refunds are only available at government-designated stores displaying a blue "VAT Refund for Tourist" or "Tax Refund" sticker. Not every shop in a mall is a participating store, so always check before paying.
What is the minimum purchase amount? ▾
You must spend at least 2 million VND (about KRW 115,000) on the same day at the same store. Combining receipts only works for the same store on the same day.
What is the actual refund rate? ▾
Vietnam VAT is 10% (8% in some cases), and 85% of that VAT is refunded — 15% is kept as a service fee. So the net refund is roughly 8.5% of the purchase price.
Can I get an instant refund downtown? ▾
No. Unlike Korea, Vietnam offers refunds at the airport only. You'll claim the refund at the customs booth on departure day after the goods have been physically inspected.
Which items qualify for a refund? ▾
Only physical goods — clothing, shoes, bags, cosmetics, handicrafts, household items, some electronics, etc. Services like accommodation, food and drink, transport, tours, and massage do not qualify.
Is cash or card better? ▾
Cash is fastest and recommended. Note that it's paid in Vietnamese dong (VND) only, so plan ahead for currency exchange. Card refunds take 2–4 weeks.
Can I put refundable items in my checked baggage? ▾
Absolutely not! Vietnam strictly enforces physical inspection — checked baggage means no refund. Always keep refundable goods in your carry-on and unopened.
How recent must my purchases be? ▾
Only items purchased within 60 days of your departure date are eligible. Buying too early can lead to a refund refusal — be careful!
What's the difference between Korea and Vietnam refunds? ▾
1. Where: Korea — downtown + airport; Vietnam — airport only
2. Min purchase: Korea KRW 15,000 / Vietnam approx. KRW 115,000
3. Net refund rate: Korea approx. 7% / Vietnam approx. 8.5%
4. Inspection: Vietnam enforces physical inspection more strictly
2. Min purchase: Korea KRW 15,000 / Vietnam approx. KRW 115,000
3. Net refund rate: Korea approx. 7% / Vietnam approx. 8.5%
4. Inspection: Vietnam enforces physical inspection more strictly