In Reply to: not correct posted by daza on Tuesday, 4. January 2011 at 12:35 Bali Time:
recent change to the rules? I bought a video camera at Harvey Norman within 30 days of departure and was able to claim the GST back on my departure from Aus (I only found out I could do this when the salesman let me know)
From the Aus gov website and current I believe:
Tourist Refund Scheme
As part of the new tax system, the Australian Federal Government introduced a Tourist Refund Scheme. The scheme is administered by Customs and Border Protection and took effect on 1 July 2000.
The scheme means tourists and Australian overseas travellers may be entitled to a refund of goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax (WET) on purchases of goods bought from Australian retailers. However, certain conditions apply.
To claim a refund you must:
•Spend A$300 or more in the one store and get a single tax invoice
•Buy goods no more than 30 days before departure
•Wear or carry the goods on board and present them along with your tax invoice, passport and boarding pass to a TRS facility prior to departing
•Claims are only available up to 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of your flight.
The refund only applies to goods you take with you as hand luggage or wear onto the plane when you leave Australia. It does not apply to services or goods consumed or partly consumed in Australia, such as chocolate and perfume. However, unlike other tourist shopping schemes, most of the goods such as clothing and cameras, can be used in Australia before departure.
Please note that if you bring the goods back into Australia, you could be liable to pay GST.
Travellers can claim the refund from Customs and Border Protection officers at the Tourist Refund Scheme counter, located on the first floor of Terminal 1, immediately after completing Customs and Border Protection formalities when departing Australia.
For more information about the Tourist Refund Scheme, please visit www.customs.gov.au.