For express immigration self-clearance, travellers can use the automated gates.
All travellers can enjoy the convenience of automated clearance when they depart Singapore via Changi Airport if their biometrics have been enrolled during arrival immigration clearance.
Travellers can use automated clearance as long as they hold a valid International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) compliant passport.
For more information, please refer to ICA’s website
As eTRS is a voluntary scheme, not all retailers in Singapore operate the scheme. GST-registered retailers may choose to operate the scheme on their own or engage the services of a Central Refund Agency.
There are currently three Central Refund Agencies in Singapore:
Global Blue Singapore Pte. Ltd.
Global Tax Free Pte. Ltd.
Retailers who operate the scheme on their own usually display signs that indicate 'Tax Refund' in their shops. However, it is best that you check with the retailers if they are operating the scheme.
The actual amount refunded may be lesser than the GST you have paid as a handling fee for the refund service will be deducted by the retailer, Central Refund Agency or operator of Central Refund Counter.
Do arrive at the airport early to allow sufficient time for your GST refund to be processed and goods to be inspected, if necessary. You are required to seek endorsement at the Customs Inspection Counter in the terminal where you will be checking-in your goods or where your flight will be departing from. You must also depart with the goods on a flight within 12 hours after obtaining approval of your GST refund.
For check-in items:
Prior to checking-in the goods, please proceed to the eTRS self-help kiosk at the Departure Check-in Hall (before Departure Immigration) to apply for GST Refund.
For hand-carried items:
Please proceed to the eTRS self-help kiosk at Departure Transit Lounge (after Departure Immigration) to apply for GST Refund.
At the kiosk, you will be asked to:
Once you have completed the steps above, you will be shown the status of your refund on the kiosk. If your purchases need to be inspected, please proceed to the Customs Inspection Counter for the physical inspection of the goods. Please present the goods, together with your passport, the original invoice(s) or receipt(s) and your confirmed flight itinerary or boarding pass to the Customs Inspection Counter for endorsement.
Refund via Credit Card
The approved refund amount will be credited to the specified credit card within 10 calendar days.
Refund via Cash
Please proceed to the GST Cash Refund Counter in the Departure Transit Lounge (after Departure Immigration) to collect your cash.
Refund via Alipay
Follow through the instructions at the kiosks or counter to receive your Alipay refund.
The GST refund counters are located at both public and transit areas, and are open 24 hours, daily.
Terminal 1
Terminal 2
Terminal 3
Terminal 4
GST Refund is also located at Jewel Level 1 (near iShopChangi Collection Centre and Changi Lounge), please note that this service is only available to passengers who use Early Check-in facility at Jewel.
Tourists aged 16 and above who are not Singapore citizens, PRs, long-term pass holders (e.g. Work Pass, Student Pass, Dependant Pass), or airline crew may qualify. Certain diplomats and foreign staff are also excluded.
For the full eligibility criteria, please click here.
For further details on GST refund, please click here
A traveller who enters or leaves Singapore is required to give a report if he carries with him an amount exceeding S$20,000 (or its equivalent in a foreign currency).
The report shall be handed over to the Immigration Officer at the Customs Red Channel on arrival in Singapore and at the Immigration Counter on departure from Singapore.
For more information or to submit a declaration, please refer to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website.
Please note that this is NOT a currency control regime. There is no restriction on the type or amount that can be moved into or out of Singapore as long as a report is given.
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