Vat Refund

[EricZ]

How does one get the VAT refund when leaving Thailand?

At the airport?

Thanks.

[billp]

When you make your purchase, you have to have your passport with you, and the store fills out a special form with the purchase price and the value-added tax on it. As you're leaving you have to take that form to the special customs office located just behind the check-in line-ups at International Departures and get it stamped. They may want to see the actual object purchased.

You go through passport control and exit Thailand, then you have to go to one of the several VAT Refund counters in the airside area (they're clearly marked), present the stamped form and get your money in cash, or get it credited to your credit card (more risky). Make sure you leave enough extra time to get this done and still make your flight.