TRS Claim at BNE - Noob Questions

Lozb10 on 23/12/2016 - 18:35

Hi ozb mates,

I will be heading overseas tomorrow deparing from BNE international airport, this is my first time trying to claim TRS, total purchases are less than $1000, and the items will be carried on the plane.

A few noob questions:
1. will using the TRS app speed up the process? (I have read that in some airports, there are no separate queues, not sure of the case in BNE)

  1. If I have put in all information in the app, do I still need to bring the invoices?

  2. I have also read that we can simply fill in a form and drop it off instead of queuing up, is it still available at BNE? Is there anywhere I could download the form and pre-fill at home?

  3. If the only option is queuing up, when should I (or would you) get to the airport? Let's say the flight is at noon on 24 Dec.

Any other tips would be great. Thank you and wish you all a Merry Xmas & happy NY.

Cheers,
ozb10

Travel

Comments

  • retiredfeline on 23/12/2016 - 18:51
    +1

    Using the app and printing or storing the QR code doesn't hurt, you can opt to use or not use the QR code queue. If there is only one queue then having the QR code allows them to access your claim faster.

    Yes, you still need to show the invoice and the goods, the QR code just uses your prefilled details.

    Haven't used the drop off option before.

    Don't know what the queue is line in BNE.

  • modsec802 on 23/12/2016 - 19:45
    +2

    1a. Definitely. There's a separate queue in BNE which you can only use if you have the app. The other queue is always full of Chinese tourists not following instructions.
    1b. Yes you need the items, receipts, passports and boarding pass with you even if you're using the app
    2. you can only fill out the forms during times of limited staff availability - I've seen the forms once in Brisbane and I travel internationally every couple of months. No you can't do this beforehand as they don't want to let people claim TRS without showing the goods, but it doesn't take long to fill out - you need to leave original receipts in the envelope and they mail them back to you
    3. I'd arrive at the airport three hours before so 9am which will give you enough time to do an express claim

    • ozb10 on 23/12/2016 - 23:25

      Was hoping there's an option with the form drop-off to save time, guess I will have to queue up early.
      Thanks for the information!

    • pointzilla on 26/12/2016 - 22:54

      Do they really take the receipts? I am in the same situation as OP but want the recripts to take with me to my destination.

      The custom there (destination) is going to charge me 50% for anything above $500 (I have bought 750$). So I expect that I pay about 125$ on my arrival to that country. The thing is I bought at a cheap price and the custom in destination country will assume an extravagant RRP (probably about 1200$) if I don't show receipts.

      Do you think there is a way to get the receipts back and with me on my trip?

      • retiredfeline on 26/12/2016 - 23:05

        If collecting TRS refund in the queue they stamp the invoice to ensure that you cannot use it twice.

      • modsec802 on 27/12/2016 - 08:04

        If the counter is closed you need to leave the original receipts in the box with the claim form. You could always take a photocopy with you.

  • xoom on 23/12/2016 - 20:17
    +1

    Using the app or going throught the trs website certainly helps. I was in and out thanks to no queue in the prefilled area. Just downloaded the pdf with the qr code. Scanned my phone and it beeped giving the ok. Showed the receipts. They stamped it. Didnt ask for the goods even though i offered to show them.

    Meanwhile those that did not prefilled their trs applications were queued up. Long arse queue too.

    • ozb10 on 23/12/2016 - 23:27

      Hope mine will be as smooth as your situation. Thanks for sharing your experience.

  • sam567 on 24/12/2016 - 09:04

    Yes, use the TRS app or website and have your QR code, goods, invoices and passport with you.

    But be prepared to fill out the forms at the airport, if you find yourself without enough time to join the QR queue.

  • ozb10 on 28/01/2017 - 08:27
    +2

    Thank you all for sharing. I will just share my experience.

    Got to BNE the morning, passed customs just under 2 hours before my flight during Christmas as my pickup got delayed, there were queues (about 6 at pre-filled and 8-10 at the normal Q) at TRS. The TRS has maybe 2-3 counters, but only 1 staff was there at the time. I could barely hear an announcement from a not-so-loud speaker advising we could simply fill out the form, probably why many were still queuing up.

    Took me about 5 minutes filling out the form, dropped it off in the enveople provided along with the original tax invoices and submitted in a box nearby. No one ever checked if I actually took the purchases overseas. Did not use the QR code I got either. There were not many forms left on the table there, not sure whether it will be refilled or we will need to queue up if run out.

    When I came back few weeks later, got the invoices back in the mail with TRS stamped on them and refund has been credited within 2 weeks (which was great considering it was peak holiday season).

    So my tips are:
    * unless you are in a hurry getting the refund, if the form is available, use it. Instead of waiting and worrying if I was going to make it before my flight, I actually had plenty of time left to enjoy a coffee
    * remember your bank details or credit card details you want the refund to go to
    * photocopy your invoices if you need them before getting home
    * prepare for the worst and get there early lol

  • anna10 on 20/02/2017 - 13:56

    Thanks ozb10, good info.

  • Smaland on 23/03/2017 - 23:41

    Hi @ozb10 and others

    Anyone has experience at Gold Coast airport? My international flight is 10am. Do they have the TRS form there or download from website? Is it after or before immigration?

    And do they need to see the box? It is iphone 6.

    Thanks
    Sm

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