Taiwan Shopping Tax Refund Guide for Foreign Travelers
Spend NT$2,000 or More and You May Be Eligible for a Tax Refund
Shopping is often one of the highlights of a trip to Taiwan. From local specialties and souvenirs to cosmetics, electronics, clothing, and gifts, international visitors have plenty of choices.
If you are a short-term foreign visitor to Taiwan, you may be eligible for a shopping tax refund when purchasing goods from authorized Tax Refund Shops.
This guide explains who can apply, the minimum purchase requirement, where to claim your refund, and what to do before leaving Taiwan.
Who Is Eligible for a Taiwan Shopping Tax Refund?
Foreign travelers who enter Taiwan with an eligible travel document and stay in the Republic of China (Taiwan) for fewer than 183 days from the date of entry may apply for a shopping tax refund.
Eligible travel documents include:
- A passport issued by a country other than the Republic of China (Taiwan).
- A Republic of China passport without a National ID number.
- A travel document.
- An entry and exit permit, including permits issued by the National Immigration Agency.
- A temporary stay permit.
Please note that travelers holding a temporary stay permit may only apply for tax refunds at international airports or international seaports.
They are generally not eligible for on-site small-amount tax refunds or designated downtown tax refund services.
How Can I Identify a Tax Refund Shop?
Not every store in Taiwan provides tax refund services.
Before shopping, look for the official:
Foreign Traveler Tax Refund Shop sign
This sign is usually displayed near the entrance, cashier, or service counter.
If you are unsure, simply ask the staff:
“Can foreign visitors get a tax refund here?”
Checking before making your purchase can help avoid confusion later.
How Much Do I Need to Spend?
To qualify for a shopping tax refund, you generally need to spend:
NT$2,000 or more, including tax, at the same authorized shop on the same day.
Once you meet the minimum purchase amount, present your passport or eligible entry document to the store staff on the same day.
The store will then prepare the necessary tax refund documents.
Eligible goods must generally be taken out of Taiwan within:
90 days from the date of purchase.
If you are staying in Taiwan for a longer period, make sure to check the purchase date carefully.
What Should I Do on the Day of Purchase?
Once your purchase meets the tax refund requirement, do not leave with only your receipt.
It is recommended that you prepare:
- Your passport or entry document
- Your purchase receipt
- The purchased goods
- Any additional information requested by the store
Ask the store staff to process your tax refund application and issue the appropriate tax refund form or receipt.
Keep these documents together with your passport and travel documents until you leave Taiwan.
Where Can You Claim a Tax Refund?
There are three common ways to claim a tax refund in Taiwan.
1. Airport or Seaport Tax Refund
This is the most common option for international travelers.
Before departing Taiwan, visit a:
- Electronic tax refund kiosk
- Foreign traveler tax refund service counter
These services are available at designated international airports and seaports.
If you have many items, expensive purchases, or goods that may require customs inspection, it is a good idea to arrive earlier than usual.
2. On-Site Small-Amount Tax Refund
Some authorized Tax Refund Shops can provide an immediate small-amount tax refund at the time of purchase.
This can be convenient because you may receive the refund directly from the store instead of waiting until you reach the airport.
However, not every Tax Refund Shop provides this service.
Always check with the store before assuming an immediate refund is available.
3. Downtown Tax Refund Service
Some designated locations provide:
Downtown Tax Refund Services
These service counters allow eligible travelers to complete part of the tax refund process before going to the airport.
If you have a busy departure day, this may make the overall process more convenient.
Availability varies by location, so check the latest official information before visiting.
How to Claim Your Tax Refund at the Airport
If you are leaving Taiwan by air, follow these steps.
Step 1: Do Not Check In Your Refundable Goods Yet
If your tax-refundable goods are inside your checked luggage, complete the tax refund inspection process before checking in your bags.
Some purchases may be selected for customs inspection.
If you check your luggage too early, it may be difficult to present the goods when requested.
Step 2: Go to a Tax Refund Kiosk or Service Counter
Prepare:
- Your passport or eligible entry document
- Your tax refund form
- Your purchase information
Scan or present the required documents at the electronic tax refund kiosk or tax refund service counter.
The system will determine whether your goods require customs inspection.
Step 3: If No Customs Inspection Is Required
If the system indicates that your goods do not require inspection, you can proceed with the tax refund process according to the instructions provided by the kiosk or service counter.
Step 4: If Customs Inspection Is Required
If your goods are selected for customs inspection, do not check them in.
You may be asked to provide:
- The inspection notice printed by the tax refund kiosk
- Your tax refund application form
- Your passport or other eligible travel document
- The invoice or electronic invoice showing the refundable goods
- The actual purchased goods
Take these items to the designated Customs counter for inspection.
For this reason, it is best to keep your refundable purchases together and easily accessible.
Step 5: Receive Your Tax Refund Approval Document
After completing the required procedures and customs inspection, if applicable, you will receive the relevant tax refund approval document.
You can then proceed to the designated refund payment location.
Step 6: Receive Your Refund
Follow the airport or seaport instructions and proceed to the designated:
- Tax refund counter
- Bank counter
- Cash refund counter
Refund methods may vary depending on the location and current system arrangements.
Always follow the latest instructions shown at the airport or tax refund service counter.
Important: Complete the Refund Process Before Leaving Taiwan
One of the most important rules to remember is:
You must complete the required tax refund application and approval procedures before taking the refundable goods out of Taiwan for the first time.
If you leave Taiwan without completing the required process, you generally cannot apply for the refund afterward.
Likewise, if your goods are selected for customs inspection but you do not complete the inspection, your refund may not be approved.
For this reason, it is a good idea to allow extra time at the airport on your departure day.
This is especially important if you have:
- Many refundable purchases
- High-value goods
- Large luggage
- Items that may require customs inspection
Helpful Tax Refund Tips for Travelers
To make the process easier, remember the following:
- Check whether the store displays the official tax refund sign.
- Spend at least NT$2,000 at the same store on the same day.
- Bring your passport when shopping.
- Ask for the tax refund documents on the day of purchase.
- Keep your receipts and refund forms safe.
- Do not check in refundable goods before confirming whether customs inspection is required.
- Keep refundable goods together for easier inspection.
- Take eligible goods out of Taiwan within 90 days of purchase.
- Allow enough time at the airport to complete the refund process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I combine purchases from different stores to reach NT$2,000?
Generally, no.
The minimum spending requirement applies to purchases made:
At the same authorized store on the same day.
For example, if you spend NT$1,200 at Store A and NT$1,500 at Store B, the two purchases normally cannot be combined to meet the NT$2,000 requirement.
Can I combine purchases made on different days?
Generally, no.
The purchases must usually be made at the same shop on the same day.
Can I put my tax-refundable goods in checked luggage?
Yes, but you should first complete the tax refund system check.
Your goods may be selected for customs inspection, so do not check them in until you know whether inspection is required.
Can I apply for a refund after returning home?
Generally, no.
The tax refund process must be completed before the refundable goods are taken out of Taiwan.
If you leave Taiwan without completing the required procedures, you usually cannot apply afterward.
Does every Tax Refund Shop offer immediate refunds?
No.
Only certain participating stores provide on-site small-amount tax refunds.
Always ask the store staff or check the store’s tax refund information.
Official Tax Refund Information
For the latest rules, service locations, airport refund counters, and detailed information, visit the official:
Taiwan Foreign Traveler E-VAT Refund Service
https://www.taxrefund.net.tw/ttr/
You can also refer to the official tax refund information video:
2023 Foreign Traveler E-VAT Refund Information Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2reFpklPif0
Final Travel Tip
Taiwan’s shopping tax refund process is relatively straightforward if you remember three key points:
Shop at an authorized Tax Refund Shop, spend at least NT$2,000 at the same store on the same day, and complete the refund process before leaving Taiwan.
Keep your passport, receipts, tax refund forms, and purchases organized, and allow some extra time at the airport.
With a little preparation, you can enjoy shopping in Taiwan and complete your tax refund process smoothly before heading home.