Foreigners will soon be able to get refunds of the VAT they paid on goods bought in Vietnam if they are leaving the country from Noi Bai airport in Hanoi or Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City.

Under Decision No. 1214/QD-TCHQ issued by the General Customs Department, refunds will be paid out from July 1, when visitors submit the receipts for the goods they bought.

Application forms cum receipts for refunds of VAT for visitors who are checking in their luggage will be verified and processed outside the security areas at both airports.

For refunds of VAT for visitors who only have hand-luggage, the customs officers will verify the forms cum receipts at counters inside the security area.

Travellers leaving Vietnam will be refunded their VAT immediately after their goods, receipts cum declaration forms are certified by customs officers prior to boarding.-VNA