More GST relief for travellers from Sunday

More GST relief for travellers from Sunday

International visitors and Singapore residents returning from overseas will enjoy more goods and services tax (GST) relief from Sunday.

Those who spend 48 hours and more abroad will get GST relief valued at up to $600 for goods, double the current $300.

If they are away from Singapore for fewer than 48 hours, they will get GST relief valued at up to $150 for goods.

Currently, the GST relief depends on a traveller's age, in addition to the time he spends outside Singapore. The age criterion will be removed from Sunday, said Singapore Customs in a statement yesterday.

The statement said: "The GST relief has been revised upwards to keep pace with rising expenditures. The revision also brings relief amounts closer to international norms."

The new relief applies to all travellers including children except pass and permit holders, and crew members.

All goods brought into the country for local use or consumption are subject to 7 per cent GST.

To minimise the inconvenience to travellers bringing in small amounts of goods for personal use or consumption, they are granted GST relief based on the value of the goods.

~News courtesy of Omy~