Hey TFCians,
Did you know you can get a tax refund on an iPhone purchase?
Generally, Apple Stores worldwide don’t participate in tax refund schemes. However, in some countries, you can find authorized resellers that do.
Last year, I visited Japan and purchased two iPhones (for personal/family use) from an Apple Store. They didn’t offer a tax refund, but I found a few stores that sold iPhones and also provided tax refunds. However, I chose the official Apple Store because I needed the option to exchange my phone. If I had opted for a tax refund, I wouldn’t have been able to use the phone before getting the refund at the airport. On the other hand, I bought a Pilot Custom 823 pen from Itoya, and they refunded the tax at the store.
This time, a few days ago, I visited Taiwan and decided to purchase an iPhone from a reseller that offers tax refunds.
I found Studio A, an authorized Apple reseller in Taiwan, which participates in the tax refund scheme. You can simply Google "tax refund stores in Taiwan" to find all the eligible stores.
Here’s the direct link: Taiwan Tax Refund Stores
The process at the airport (TPE):
It was quite a simple and hassle-free process! If you have any experiences with tax refunds in different countries, do share—it would be helpful for everyone.
This version improves flow, readability, and clarity while maintaining all the original details. Let me know if you’d like any further refinements!
Update: 11/03/2025
Received the tax refund today on my yes private credit card.
Did you know you can get a tax refund on an iPhone purchase?
Generally, Apple Stores worldwide don’t participate in tax refund schemes. However, in some countries, you can find authorized resellers that do.
Last year, I visited Japan and purchased two iPhones (for personal/family use) from an Apple Store. They didn’t offer a tax refund, but I found a few stores that sold iPhones and also provided tax refunds. However, I chose the official Apple Store because I needed the option to exchange my phone. If I had opted for a tax refund, I wouldn’t have been able to use the phone before getting the refund at the airport. On the other hand, I bought a Pilot Custom 823 pen from Itoya, and they refunded the tax at the store.
This time, a few days ago, I visited Taiwan and decided to purchase an iPhone from a reseller that offers tax refunds.
I found Studio A, an authorized Apple reseller in Taiwan, which participates in the tax refund scheme. You can simply Google "tax refund stores in Taiwan" to find all the eligible stores.
Here’s the direct link: Taiwan Tax Refund Stores
Tax Refund Process in Taiwan
In Taiwan, the VAT is 4%. At the time of purchase, I asked for a tax refund. The store requested my passport number, country, and full name as it appears on my passport, but they didn’t ask for a physical passport copy. They then provided me with a tax refund form, which I could use to claim my refund at the airport. Unlike in Japan, I could use the phone immediately before claiming the refund.
The process at the airport (TPE):
- Before immigration, visit the tax refund counter – At EVA Air’s check-in counter, they informed me to visit the tax refund counter before clearing immigration.
- Using the self-service kiosk – When I arrived at the counter, no staff were present. A security guard directed me to a self-service kiosk for tax refunds to a credit card.
- Steps at the kiosk:
- Scan your passport and boarding pass
- Scan the barcode on the tax refund form received from the store
- View the eligible refund amount on the screen
- Swipe your credit card for the refund
- The machine displays an approval message and prints a receipt
It was quite a simple and hassle-free process! If you have any experiences with tax refunds in different countries, do share—it would be helpful for everyone.
This version improves flow, readability, and clarity while maintaining all the original details. Let me know if you’d like any further refinements!
Update: 11/03/2025
Received the tax refund today on my yes private credit card.
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