Quick answer: yes — tourists can obtain a Vietnam tax refund. You’ll get back 85% of the VAT (the remaining 15% is the service fee). You must spend at least 2,000,000 VND (~$80 USD) in one store on the same day, buy from a shop that does tax refunds, and claim it at the airport before you fly out.
The rules changed on July 1, 2026 — the whole system is now digital. No more paper chasing. This guide covers who can claim the Vietnam tax refund and which goods qualify. It also explains how the new system works and the steps to get your money back.
✅ Who can claim a VAT refund?
You can claim if you are:
- A foreign tourist — you don’t have a Vietnamese passport
- A Vietnamese citizen living overseas (overseas Vietnamese)
You CANNOT claim if you are:
- A crew member on an aircraft or ship leaving Vietnam
- A foreign diplomat (different rules apply)
Your passport must be valid for both entry and exit from Vietnam.
🛍️ Which goods qualify for a VAT refund?
Qualifying goods must meet ALL these conditions:
- Bought from a tax-refund registered store — look for the sticker or ask the shop staff.
- Minimum spend: 2,000,000 VND (~$80 USD) per store, per day.
- Not used in Vietnam — the goods must be exported within 24 hours of your departure (they need to be in your carry-on or checked luggage).
- Goods are for personal use or gifts, not for commercial purposes.
- Goods must be taken out of Vietnam within 60 days of purchase.
Goods that DON’T qualify:
- Services (hotels, tours, restaurants, flights, spa treatments, etc.)
- Food and beverages (consumables)
- Motor vehicles (including cars, motorbikes, boats)
- Fuel
- Gold, jewelry, precious metals
- Weapons, explosives, and military equipment
- Artwork and antiques
- Goods purchased online (not in-store)
📋 The new 2026 digital system — what’s changed
Since July 1, 2026, the VAT refund system in Vietnam has been fully digitized under Circular 84/2026/TT-BTC. The old paper “blue forms” are gone.
How it works now:
- At the store: When you buy goods from a tax-refund registered store, they enter your purchase into the electronic tax refund system. Your passport details are linked to your purchase.
- At the airport: You check in at an automated kiosk or with customs, scan your passport, and your purchases are verified electronically.
- Refund received: The refund is processed directly to your credit card or bank account — no cash at the airport.
Advantages of the digital system:
- No paper forms — no more collecting stamps or losing the original receipt.
- Faster processing — the refund is approved in minutes at the airport.
- Lower fees — the new system lowers the admin fee from the old 15% + 1% bank fee to a flat 15%.
💰 How much money do you get back?
VAT in Vietnam is 10%. You get back 85% of the VAT (the other 15% is the service fee). This is a Vietnam tax refund.
Example:
If you spend 10,000,000 VND on goods eligible for the refund:
- The VAT (10%) is 1,000,000 VND.
- You get back 85% of 1,000,000 VND = 850,000 VND.
- 15% (150,000 VND) goes to the service fee.
Minimum refund amount: 0 VND (there is no minimum refund amount). But you must spend at least 2,000,000 VND per store per day to be eligible.
✈️ Step-by-step process for claiming your VAT refund
Step 1: Ask before you buy. Before you make a purchase, ask the shop if they are registered for the tax refund system. Look for the sticker or ask directly: “Do you do VAT refund?”.
Step 2: Complete the purchase. Pay and ensure the store enters your purchase into the electronic system with your passport details. Keep your receipt — even though it’s digital, you may need it for backup.
Step 3: At the airport, don’t check in your luggage yet. You need to show the goods to customs before you check in. Proceed to the customs office (usually near the departure hall). The process is typically before security.
Step 4: Scan your passport at the automated kiosk. The system will verify your purchases and approve the refund electronically.
Step 5: Receive your refund. The refund will be credited back to your credit card or bank account, depending on what you set up at the store. This can take 7–15 days to process.
📍 Where can you claim the refund?
You must claim your refund at the international airport before your departure. At present, the system is available at:
- Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) — Ho Chi Minh City
- Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) — Hanoi
- Da Nang International Airport (DAD) — Da Nang
- Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) — Phu Quoc
Important: If you’re flying out from a smaller airport or leaving via a land border, the refund may not be available. Plan accordingly.
📌 Practical tips for a smooth refund
- Arrive at the airport early. The refund process is digital, but you still need to show your goods to customs. Arrive at least 3 hours before departure.
- Keep goods in their original packaging. Customs may inspect them. If they’re opened and used, they may not qualify.
- Don’t pack your goods in checked luggage. You need to show them to customs before check-in. Pack them in your carry-on or keep them separate until after the inspection.
- Ask the shop for a VAT refund instruction sheet. Many tax-refund shops give you a simple guide — keep it with your receipt.
- Check your bank account. The refund is processed to your credit card or bank account. It can take 7–15 days to appear.
- If you can’t find the customs counter, ask a staff member. The refund process is still new and some airport staff may not be fully trained. Politely ask at the information desk or at your airline’s check-in counter.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How much do I need to spend to get a VAT refund?
2,000,000 VND (~$80 USD) in one store, on the same day.
Is VAT refund available at all airports?
Not yet. Available at Tan Son Nhat (Saigon), Noi Bai (Hanoi), Da Nang, and Phu Quoc airports. If you’re flying out from a smaller airport, you may not be able to claim the refund.
How long does the refund take?
The refund is usually credited back to your card or bank account within 7–15 days.
Can I get a refund on luxury goods?
Yes — high-value goods like handbags, watches, and electronics are eligible, provided they meet the conditions (personal use, not used in Vietnam).
What if I buy from a store that doesn’t do VAT refunds?
You can’t claim a refund from shops that aren’t registered. Always ask before buying.
Can I get a refund on food and drinks?
No. Consumables like food, drinks, and services (hotels, tours) don’t qualify.
Can I combine receipts from multiple stores to reach the 2,000,000 VND threshold?
No. The minimum spend of 2,000,000 VND applies per store, per day. You can’t combine receipts from different stores.
💎 Final Verdict
The new 2026 digital VAT refund system in Vietnam is simple and fast. Spend at least 2,000,000 VND in one store, ask if they offer VAT refunds, and claim it at the airport before you fly. Keep your goods in their packaging and arrive early. The refund is credited to your credit card within 7–15 days.
Once you’ve sorted your tax refund, the rest of Vietnam is waiting. Check out my detailed guides to Hon Thom Island, Sunset Town, and Grand World to start planning your trip.
🏨 Where to Stay & What to Pair It With
Once you’ve sorted your tax refund, it’s time to book your accommodation. You’ll find everything from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts across Vietnam — check hotels in Vietnam to compare prices and read guest reviews. For a broader overview, I’ve put together guides to the best hotels on Phu Quoc, best hotels in Da Nang, and best hotels in Nha Trang if you’re still deciding where to base yourself.
Pair your trip with a visit to Ngoc Hien Pearl Farm for a unique cultural experience, or Sim Sơn Winery for a taste of Phu Quoc’s famous sim wine. For a full day of adventure, combine it with VinWonders and Safari — the park is one of the island’s top attractions.
