Planning a trip to Mongolia? Here's some good news for savvy travellers: foreign tourists can now enjoy VAT refunds on goods purchased during their stay — thanks to a newly enhanced and tourist-friendly electronic system.

The Financial Information Technology Centre (FITC), in collaboration with the General Department of Taxation, has upgraded Mongolia’s electronic receipt and VAT incentive platform — eBarimt — to streamline the process of claiming VAT refunds. These improvements align with international standards and make it easier than ever for overseas visitors to register receipts and reclaim VAT on personal purchases.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a VAT refund in Mongolia, tourists must meet the following conditions:

• Duration of Stay: Must remain in Mongolia for fewer than 90 days.
• Minimum Purchase Amount: A single purchase must total at least MNT 500,000 (VAT included) from a retailer displaying the Tax Free symbol.
• Eligible Goods: Items must be intended for personal use. The following are excluded:
  • Excise goods (e.g., alcohol, tobacco)
  • Medicines and pharmaceutical products
  • Food items
  • Precious metals and minerals (e.g., gold, silver)
  • Goods prohibited from export
  • Purchases made more than 90 days prior to departure

Registration Process

1. Register Online: Prior to shopping, submit your personal details via the official tax refund website or the eBarimt mobile application.
2. Receive a Barcode: Once registered, you will receive a barcode via email. Present this barcode at participating stores when making purchases.

Shopping Guidelines

• Participating Stores: Look for the Tax Free sign at store entrances. These are authorised to issue tax-free receipts.
• Notify the Cashier: Inform staff that you are eligible for a VAT refund. Present both your passport and your registration barcode.
• Collect Receipts: Ensure that you receive a tax-free receipt for each qualifying purchase — this is essential for processing your refund.

Claiming Your VAT Refund at Chinggis Khaan International Airport

1. Locate the Kiosk: Head to the Tax Free self-service kiosk, situated on the 2nd floor of the departure terminal.
2. Submit Information: Scan your passport and tax-free receipts, then confirm the displayed refund amount.
3. Choose a Refund Method:

• Cash Refund: Collect cash at the tax refund counter in the international departure area, after passport control.
• Electronic Refund: Provide details of your international bank card to receive the refund via bank transfer (processing times may vary).

Useful Resources

• VAT Refund Portal: tax-refund.ebarimt.mn
• eBarimt Mobile App: Available via major app stores for managing receipts and submitting refund claims
• Chinggis Khaan International Airport Information: en.ulaanbaatar-airport.mn

By following these simple steps, international visitors can efficiently reclaim VAT on qualifying purchases — adding even greater value to their Mongolian journey.

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