Bali Tax Refund 2026: How to Claim 11% VAT at the Airport

Bottom line: Foreign tourists shopping in Bali can get a 11-12% VAT refund — as long as you spend at stores displaying a Tax Refund sign, with a minimum tax amount of Rp 50,000 per receipt (total tax of at least Rp 500,000), and make your purchase within 1 month before departure. At the airport, head to the Ngurah Rai Airport tax refund counter with your passport and receipts. The Rp 150,000 tourist tax paid on arrival is separate and cannot be offset against this shopping refund.

The Indonesian government offers a “Tax Refund for Tourists” program, allowing eligible foreign visitors to claim back the Value Added Tax (VAT, currently around 11-12%) on goods. Below are the latest official rules (from Indonesia’s Directorate General of Taxes, pajak.go.id, applicable in 2026), especially relevant for shopping in Bali.

1. Who is eligible for a tax refund?

• Tourists holding a foreign passport (not Indonesian citizens or permanent residents).
• Stay in Indonesia no longer than 60 days (counted from the day of arrival).
• Airline crew members are not eligible.
• Goods must be taken out of Indonesia as carry-on luggage (not checked in or shipped).
• Purchases must be made within 1 month before departure, and goods must leave Indonesia within 1 month of purchase.

Note: Bali’s “Foreign Tourist Levy” (IDR 150,000) is an entry tax, non-refundable, and completely separate from the shopping VAT refund.

2. What to look for when shopping?

• Only at stores displaying the “Tax Refund for Tourists” or “VAT Refund for Tourists” sign (most large department stores, brand shops, and popular areas like Kuta, Seminyak, and Ubud have them).
• Always show your passport when shopping and tell the staff you want a VAT refund. The store will issue a valid tax invoice with a payment receipt.
• Minimum amounts:
  • Minimum tax per receipt: Rp 50,000 (roughly equivalent to a total purchase of Rp 500,000).
  • Total tax from all receipts must be at least Rp 500,000 to qualify (receipts from different stores and dates can be combined).
• Keep all receipts, packaging, and goods intact (they will be inspected at departure).

Quick tip: Not all stores have the sign, so ask the staff or check the official website www.pajak.go.id for a list of participating shops.

3. Refund process (most common for Bali)

1. After shopping: Collect all tax invoices.
2. On departure day (Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport, DPS):

First, pre-apply using your phone or computer on the official app: Go to https://vatrefundapp.pajak.go.id/ and log in or register → Create a new tax refund application → Fill in your address, departure/arrival dates → Select the invoices for refund → Choose your refund method → Take photos of the goods → Submit.

• Then head to the Tax Refund Counter: Location: International Terminal, 3rd Floor (near the departure area).
• Present: passport, boarding pass, all tax invoices, and physical goods (for inspection).
• After customs/tax officials verify, you can receive your refund.

Tip: Allow at least 30–60 minutes for this process, ideally after check-in but before security. Arrive early at the airport during peak hours.

4. Refund Methods and Amount Limits

• Cash refund (in Indonesian Rupiah IDR): If the total refund amount is ≤ Rp 5,000,000, you can collect cash directly at the airport.
• Over Rp 5,000,000: Must be done via bank transfer (provide overseas bank account number, account name, SWIFT Code, etc.), with funds credited within 1 month; or you can choose to take only Rp 5,000,000 in cash and forfeit the rest.
• Refund amount = VAT portion on the invoice (after deducting a small handling fee, if any).

5. Common Exclusions

• Food, beverages, tobacco products, firearms, explosives, and items prohibited on flights.
• Services (accommodation, restaurants, car rentals, guided tours, etc.) are not eligible for tax refunds.
• Purchases from unregistered shops, invoices without passport details, and goods not physically taken out of the country are all ineligible.

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6. Practical Tips (A Must-Read for Bali Shoppers)

▲ Airport Tax Refund Counter

• Popular refund shopping areas: Kuta, Seminyak, Discovery Mall, Bali Collection, etc.
• The airport tax refund counter is only at the International Terminal; domestic transit cannot process refunds.
• It’s recommended to accumulate multiple small invoices to meet the threshold. If traveling with two or more people, you can file separately (each person is calculated independently).
• For the latest information, refer to the official website pajak.go.id, as regulations may be adjusted.

Follow these steps, and tax refunds are actually quite simple! If you’ve bought plenty of branded goods, souvenirs, or keepsakes in Bali, remember to keep your invoices and take photos of the items. You’ll easily get your tax back when you leave. Happy shopping and smooth refunds! 🛍️