Estimate your refund
Enter your spend details.
What this solves
NZ's Tourist Refund Scheme refunds the 15% GST on goods you buy and take out of the country. Most visitors use a third-party operator like Global Blue because the airport IRD refund desk only operates at certain airports and hours. The catch: third-party operators take a commission, typically 5%, plus a flat fee. The actual refund is meaningfully smaller than 15%.
This tool breaks down what you actually get back. It also flags the eligibility rules — you must spend over $100 on goods at any one retailer; consumables and food don't qualify; you must take the goods out of NZ within 60 days.
How to read the result
- Gross GST = 15% of spend, after removing non-refundable items.
- Operator commission = 5% for Global Blue (varies by operator).
- Flat fee = $5–$15 typical per claim.
- Net refund = what you actually see back in your account.
Limitations
- IRD has final say on what is refundable; this is an estimate only.
- Some operators charge per-store fees; this tool assumes one consolidated claim.
- Currency conversion fees on the refund payment apply.
FAQ
Q: When can I claim?
A: At the airport, after customs and security. Bring the goods, original receipts, and your passport.
A: At the airport, after customs and security. Bring the goods, original receipts, and your passport.
Q: Do consumables qualify?
A: No — only goods you take out of NZ. Food, alcohol, tobacco, services, accommodation are excluded.
A: No — only goods you take out of NZ. Food, alcohol, tobacco, services, accommodation are excluded.
Q: How long does the refund take?
A: 1–3 months by credit card. Faster with some operators.
A: 1–3 months by credit card. Faster with some operators.