Tourist VAT refund

Submitted by Narayan24 on Mon, 01/02/2010 - 11:00am

ANZ and the Fiji Islands Revenue and Customs Authority (FIRCA) on Friday signed a Service Level Agreement (SLA) for the provision of VAT refunds to departing tourists effective 1st February 2010.

The Tourist VAT Refund Scheme (TVRS) allows for refunds to be collected at the ANZ Nadi Airport Branch and at the Suva Wharf for visiting cruise liners.

FIRCA CEO Mr Jitoko Tikolevu said the scheme will boost the tourism industry further and would position Fiji as a competitive shopping destination for tourists.

"As a start, the actual refund will be paid out in Fijian dollars with credit card options to be explored later," Mr Tikolevu said.

Conversion to foreign currency is an individual option, but the nominated currency must be on the ANZ Standard Currencies Listing.

ANZ CEO for the Central Pacific Region and General Manager for ANZ Fiji Mr Norman Wilson said this partnership not only strengthens ANZ's relationship with FIRCA and the Fiji Government but it also supports ANZ's tourism segment.

"In addition ANZ (as the designated Refund Agency) will not be charging any service fees," Mr Wilson said.

To be eligible for a VAT refund a tourist must not be a Fiji citizen, holder of a Fiji passport, employed in Fiji the past six months, not a member of cabin or flight crew and not under the age of 13.

To qualify a tourist must:

* Spend FJ$500 (VAT inclusive) or more in any of the registered VAT refund outlets on the same day.

* Take the goods out of Fiji within two months from the date of purchase.

* Present the goods for inspection along with the Refunds Form, original tax invoice, passport and international boarding pass to a Customs Officer at the Tourist VAT Refund Inspection Counter.