3rd agency for tax refunds for tourists

3rd agency for tax refunds for tourists

Tourists in Singapore can now get tax refunds for their shopping from another channel.

South Korean tax refund service agency Global Tax Free launched its service here yesterday. It is the third company appointed by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore as an approved agent to process tax refunds for tourists here.

The other two are Global Blue, from Switzerland, and Premier Tax Free, from Ireland.

Tourists who spend a minimum of $100 at any of Global Tax Free's 80 partner merchants can ask for a tax refund ticket upon paying. They will be able to claim their cash refund at Changi Airport, Singapore Cruise Centre or Marina Bay Cruise Centre.

Global Tax Free, which also has a presence in Japan and China, uses a paperless system that allows retailers to issue shoppers a ticket for a tax refund within 30 seconds, said Ms Vivienne Chong, chief operating officer of its Singapore office.

"With Singapore's tourism earnings expected to hit $30 billion by 2015, the potential for tax refund service is huge. Efficient and fast service will encourage more tourists to shop in Singapore," she added.


This article was first published on Dec 13, 2014.
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