Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) Office Open for Business as Usual at Sydney Airport? (Solved)

Hi,

Currently living overseas, but will come back to Sydney for a holiday over Xmas. Plan to buy an iPhone while there (via discounted Woolworths/Big W gift cards) and then claim back GST via TRS on the way out of country.

Given Covid/lack of travel/much of airport shut over the last ~2years - is the old TRS process still relevant? ie:
1. Buy within 60 days, have correct name/address on business receipt
2. Declare at TRS office at airport (use TRS app, line up, show product and receipt)
3. Wait for refund back to Credit Card/nominated method

Main concern was that TRS office had physically closed and there was some new process in place

Thanks

Comments

  • +11

    I actually did the work and called them, got bounced between depts as per usual…

    Anyway, YES they are still operating in airports when there are international flights.

  • +2

    I googled the contact number for you.

    Within Australia: 131 881
    Outside Australia: +61 2 6196 0196.

    • -3

      Perhaps you could try calling it, wait until someone answers (if they ever do) and then post the answer here.

      That might be something useful you can do with your spare time, instead of posting useless comments like the one above.

      • +3

        Someone is having a bad day today.

      • +8

        oh the irony

    • +4

      This is actually the wrong number, I called it and they directed me to the TRS specific helpline.

    • +1

      A bit challenging calling a landline from overseas, hence the post

      • +1

        So waiting for an answer after 1hr 7minutes was not challenging at all huh. Thanks to @raptormesh. By the end of the day, this is ozbargainhelpsupport.

      • Do the overseas phones not have numbers on them or something?

  • Can you claim GST on gift cards?

    • +2

      no - gift cards don't have GST. GST is paid at the time of redemption.

      Some "gift vouchers" will incorrectly write "gst included" on them.

    • No, however claiming on an item paid with gift cards is ok.

      Actually mentioned in another ozbargain comment: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/348671

      • Thanks. That's pretty cool.

  • One more question guys. If we Pay with PayPal and applied discount code.how does they generate the invoice? Does it come with discount price or with original price? Please do share you experience. Thanks

    • +1

      Just email that shop and request a tax invoice with your name (as your passport). If it doesn't say tax invoice and your name is not on it, you are out of luck.

    • +1

      Really depends on the seller and what system they're using to generate tax invoices. I purchased something with a nice juicy eBay discount code + discounted gift cards, blah blah and the seller generated a tax invoice with the full RRP. Happy days! :)

      • Yeah some of them do that

  • Thanks mate appreciate your help 🙂

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