Shopping in Australia is not just about spending money, if you know how, you can actually get money back up to 10% of your total purchases before returning to Indonesia. This is a complete shopping guide for travelers, from how to save money in stores, understanding refund rights, to maximizing shopping at duty free. Don't depart before reading this!
Understanding GST: Tax Already Included in All Prices
All prices in Australian stores already include GST (Goods and Services Tax) of 10%, there is no additional tax when paying at the cashier. The price you see is the final price, different from some countries that display prices before tax. The good news is, as a traveler who will leave Australia, you are entitled to claim back the 10% GST through the Tourist Refund Scheme, the most beneficial program that is often not utilized by Indonesian tourists.
Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS): How to Get a 10% Refund When Returning Home
This is the biggest "secret" of shopping in Australia that you must take advantage of!
What Is the Tourist Refund Scheme?
The Tourist Refund Scheme is an official program of the Australian government managed by the Australian Border Force (ABF). This program allows anyone departing from Australia to claim back the 10% GST and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) from goods purchased. This program applies to physical goods that you bring out of Australia, not to services such as accommodation, dining at restaurants, or vehicle rental.
TRS Claim Requirements
Based on the official guide from the Australian Border Force, here are the requirements that must be met to claim the Australia GST refund:
- Minimum purchase of AUD300 (including GST) from one store with the same ABN (Australian Business Number)
- Goods purchased a maximum of 60 days before the departure date
- You personally paid for the goods, claims cannot be made on behalf of someone else
- Goods must be carried as cabin baggage (except oversized goods or liquids that must go into checked baggage)
- Have the original tax invoice from the store
What Can and Cannot Be Claimed?
Can be claimed:
- Electronics (laptop, camera, smartphone, headphone)
- Clothing, bags, shoes, accessories
- Jewelry and watches
- Wool, supplements, packaged cosmetics
- Wine and alcohol products (WET claim)
- Online purchases from Australian retailers, simply print the digital invoice
Cannot be claimed:
- Services: hotel, dining at restaurants, tour packages, car rental
- Transportation tickets and accommodation
- Gift cards
- Goods that have been partially consumed
- Goods that you do not take out of Australia
How to Claim TRS at the Airport: Step by Step
- Download the official TRS app from the App Store or Google Play before the departure day
- Input all invoices into the app, a QR code will be automatically generated as a TRS Claim Code
- On the departure day, complete check-in earlier and pass immigration
- Find the TRS counter in the international departure area (after passport control)
- Show your passport, boarding pass, original invoice, TRS QR code, and the goods being claimed
- Refund can be received in cash immediately or transferred to a credit card within 2–8 weeks
TRS Counter Locations at Australian Airports
Based on official information from each airport, Australia tourist tax refund counters are available at:
- Sydney Airport — International terminal, after passport control
- Melbourne Airport — T2 Departures, after the customs area
- Perth Airport — International terminal, departure area
- Brisbane Airport — International terminal, departure area
- Adelaide, Darwin, Cairns, Gold Coast — Their respective international terminals
Duty Free Australia: Save Money Shopping at the Airport
Besides TRS, duty free is another way to shop more economically while transiting at the airport!
What Is Duty Free and How Does It Work?
Duty free Australia is a store that sells import tax-free products specifically for international passengers. Unlike TRS, duty free directly sells products without customs duties, savings can reach 20–40% compared to regular retail prices. In Australia, the main duty free operators are Heinemann (Sydney, Melbourne) and Dufry (Perth). You can shop before departure or after arriving in Australia.
Duty Free Australia Allowance: Limits You Must Know
Based on official data from the Australian Border Force, these are the duty free Australia allowance limits that apply when entering Australia:
- General goods: AUD900 per adult (18 years and above), AUD450 for children under 18
- Alcohol: 2.25 liters per adult (18 years and above)
- Cigarettes/tobacco: 25 grams or 25 cigarettes per adult
- Families can combine quotas, a couple with two children has a total quota of AUD2,700 for general goods
Duty Free Australia Sydney Airport
Duty free Australia Sydney Airport is operated by Heinemann Tax & Duty Free in International Terminal 1. It is available in two areas: the arrivals area (before immigration) for arriving passengers, and the departures area (after immigration) for departing passengers. Available products include perfume, cosmetics, alcohol, cigarettes, chocolate, electronics, branded bags, and souvenirs. You can pre-order online and pick up at the airport to save time.
Duty Free Australia Melbourne
Duty free Australia Melbourne is located in Terminal 2, the international departures area after passport control, operated by Heinemann with product selections similar to Sydney. What is unique in Melbourne is that the TRS counter for claiming the Australia GST refund is located right near the duty free area — so you can claim the refund and immediately shop duty free in one route.
Duty Free Australia Perth
Duty free Australia Perth is operated by Dufry in the international terminal of Perth Airport. Available products include Australian wine, chocolate, skincare, and premium branded goods. Perth is the main gateway from Indonesia — especially from Bali and Jakarta — making this duty free one of the most relevant for Indonesian travelers.
Return Policy Australia: Strong Consumer Rights
Shopping in Australia and it turns out the item is not suitable? Don't worry, your consumer rights are protected! The return policy Australia is strictly regulated by Australian Consumer Law (ACL), one of the strongest consumer protection laws in the world. Based on ACL, retailers are required to accept returns if:
- The item is damaged or defective since purchase
- The item does not match the description displayed or promised
- The item is not fit for the intended purpose
- The item is not durable as reasonably expected
For returns due to change of mind (dislike, wrong size), the policy fully depends on each store, there is no legal obligation for this. Many large stores such as David Jones, Myer, and JB Hi-Fi have flexible return policies. Always keep the receipt and original packaging to make the process easier.
Tips for Shopping in Australia to Save More
These strategies can significantly reduce your shopping expenses!
- Collect receipts from one store until reaching AUD300 to claim TRS, shopping in several different visits can still be claimed as long as it is from the same ABN
- Ask for a special tax invoice for items valued at AUD1,000 and above, the invoice must include your name according to your passport
- Take advantage of sale seasons, Australia has two major sale seasons: Boxing Day (26 December) and End of Financial Year Sale (June–July)
- Shop at DFO (Direct Factory Outlet) for branded goods at lower prices, available in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth
- Keep all receipts from the first day, items purchased 60 days before departure can still be claimed under TRS
- Pre-order duty free online on the Heinemann or Dufry website before departure to lock in the best price
Stay Connected for a Smoother Shopping Experience
Check prices, compare products, and confirm OTP for credit card transactions, all require a stable internet connection. Activate the Australia New Zealand eSIM from Global Komunika before departure so you are immediately connected once you land in Australia, without needing to queue to buy a SIM card at the airport.
Shop Satisfied, Maximum Refund!
A shopping guide in Australia is not complete without understanding the Tourist Refund Scheme, a program that returns 10% of your total purchases before flying home. Take advantage of duty free Australia in Sydney, Melbourne, or Perth to save more, understand the return policy Australia as protection of your rights, and keep every receipt from the first day. With the right strategy, your holiday to Australia can be much more economical!
