Visitors to South Africa who permanently reside in another country are able to claim back VAT paid on all goods purchased during their stay, provided the goods are exported on departure. For visitors departing from O R Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka International Airport, Durban, follow these 3 easy steps:
Documentation
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When making a purchase, identify yourself to the shop assistant as a foreign visitor and request a TAX INVOICE for the goods purchased. If the amount you spend exceeds R5 000 your name and address MUST appear on the TAX INVOICE issued by the store.
For purchases exceeding R10 000 you are required to furnish |
proof of payment. This may take the form of a credit card receipt or similar proof.
You can only claim VAT on items purchased for over 250 Rand. The claim can be on multiple items on one receipt, but not separate purchases. |
Inspection
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The goods MUST be presented for inspection on your final departure from South Africa. If the items are packed into your
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hold luggage, present the goods to the custom officials in the departure hall before checking in for your flight.
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Claim your VAT refund
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Present your claim at the VAT Refund Office. VAT Refund Offices are located at O R Tambo International Airport – Johannesburg, Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka International Airport – Durban. The location of the VAT Refund Office is clearly sign posted.
You will need your:
If the TAX INVOICES were not presented to a customs official for inspection, you will also need to show the goods at the VAT Refund Office. Your VAT refund claim will be processed and you will be issued with a VAT REFUND cheque or card. Once loaded with your VAT |
refund, the card may be used to make purchases or withdraw cash from any ATM wherever the MasterCard® Acceptance Mark is displayed (excluding the common monetary area being South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho and Swaziland).
You may also choose to transfer the money to your credit card account. This service costs R28. Refunds for amounts below R3 000 are generally loaded onto the card within 3 days of your date of departure unless there is an invoice for over R10 000. Refunds for greater amounts are loaded once the claim has been approved by the South African Revenue Service. This generally takes up to 3 months. Full details on how to use the card, review the balance and all other information regarding the VAT Refund Scheme, may be found here. |
For more information, please visit: http://www.taxrefunds.co.za
