New Fijian Tax Refund For Visitors Announced

Good News For Visitors to Fiji

FIJI LURES TOURISTS WITH TAX REFUND
Taxes on purchases to be refunded at departure

SUVA, Fiji (Fijilive, Feb. 1, 2010) - Tourists spending FJ$500 (US$255) or more while in Fiji can now claim a tax refund upon departure commencing today as part of efforts by the government to enhance Fiji’s profile as a tourist destination.

The Fiji Islands Revenue and Customs Authority (FIRCA) and its designated refund agency, the Australian and New Zealand (ANZ) Bank, have signed an agreement Friday formalizing the new tourist Value Added Tax (VAT) Refund Scheme.

Under the agreement, departing visitors can collect their refunds at the ANZ Nadi International Airport branch or the Suva Wharf for cruise liner travelers.

FIRCA CEO Jitoko Tikolevu said the scheme would boost the tourism industry further and 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," Tikolevu said.

Refunds, exempt of service fees, can also be paid in a foreign currency using ANZ’s currency listing.

An estimated FJ$1.7 million (US$868,000) is expected to be paid out in refunds this year.

Norman Wilson, ANZ CEO for the central Pacific and general manager Fiji said the joint venture would strengthen ANZ's relationship with the Fiji government, while sustaining its foreign exchange business.

Eligible visitors must be over 13 years and spend FJ$500 (US$255) or more in a VAT registered outlet. Refunds are valid for a two-month period.

Fiji citizens and holders of Fiji passports are exempted from the scheme. The exemption also covers those working in Fiji for the past six months and members of airline flight crews.

Sounds good but there are limitations - this from an NZ travel professionals newsletter -

“Clients travelling to Fiji and spending more than FJD500 in one day at selected tourism outlets in Suva and Nadi are now entitled to claim a 12% refund from the country’s customs authorities on departure.
More than 42 registered outlets have already joined the scheme, with ‘many more’ expected to come online Goods must be taken out of Fiji within two months of purchase, and visitors have to present purchases along with a VAT refund form, the original tax invoice, passports and international boarding pass/cruise ship boarding pass at special desks being set up in both pre and post check-in areas in Nadi International Airport and on board all cruise ships entering Suva Harbour.”

Sounds like it is aimed more at the odd large purchase - note "in one day" - than the usual tourist nick-nacks and it will depend on buying from retailers who have joined the scheme.

Thanks for the clarification Marilyn.

But I'd still like to try my luck with a hotel bill!!