Australia’s Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) let’s you claim the tax back on goods you’ve bought when you leave the country.

Australia has a 10% GST (Goods & Services Tax) on everything you buy.
But if you’re leaving the country – you can claim the tax back at the airport as long as you meet some basic requirements.

How It Works

Say you’ve just bought yourself a new camera for $300.
Keep your receipts, and make sure your camera is in your carry-on baggage.

After you get your passport stamped you go to the TRS desk at the airport, show them the camera and the receipt, and they swipe the tax back onto your credit card – voila!

The Fine Print

• You must spend more than $300 in the one store, but you can combine multiple receipts.
• It must be for physical goods (which you can show the Customs guy at the airport) so no, you can’t claim back your skydiving ;).
• You must be leaving the country within 60 days from the date of purchase.
• You must have the goods in your carry-on baggage.

There’s no limit to how many items you can claim.

Also – the scheme is open to everyone – including Australians.

But remember that if you bring the goods back into Australia, they now form part of your duty-free allowance.

More info is available from Customs here – http://customs.gov.au/faq/TRS.asp