Tax-free shopping in Australia (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: Travellers leaving Australia, including residents, can claim back GST on goods bought from one business for AUD 300 or more. The claim is lodged in person at the airside Tourist Refund Scheme facility after passport control.

RuleWhat applies
VAT refund for visitors availableVAT refund for visitorsYes [1]
Who qualifiesVAT refund for visitorsTravellers leaving Australia by plane or ship, including Australian citizens and residents. Crew members and transit passengers are not eligible. [2]
Minimum purchaseVAT refund for visitors300.00 AUD per purchase [1]
Time limit to take goods outVAT refund for visitors⚠ Not yet verified
Refund procedureVAT refund for visitorsAfter passport control, present your passport, boarding pass and tax invoices at the airside TRS Facility to lodge the claim. Oversized or restricted goods (powders, liquids, aerosols, gels, dangerous goods) must first be inspected by an ABF Client Services officer before check-in. [3]

Notes

  • The scheme refunds the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax (WET) on goods bought in Australia and taken out of the country as accompanied baggage.
  • Claims can only be made at the final departure point from Australia, not on domestic flights or at domestic terminals.
  • The AUD 300 can be made up of several tax invoices from the same business (same ABN). Tax invoices of AUD 1,000 or more must identify the buyer.
  • Australia has no month-count deadline. Goods must be bought within 60 days before departure from Australia, and the claim must be lodged before departure.
  • Goods must be carried or worn on board as cabin baggage unless they are oversized, subject to aviation security measures or must be checked in by the airline. A claim can be prepared beforehand on the My TRS Claim website and shown as a QR code.

Sources

  1. Australian Border Force (Department of Home Affairs): Information for retailers (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Department of Home Affairs: Documents related to the processing of goods under the Tourist Refund Scheme (FOI FA 24/10/01014, Document 1: Tourist Refund Scheme procedural instruction) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Australian Border Force (Department of Home Affairs): Claiming for oversized or restricted goods in your checked-in luggage (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.