One of the perks of shopping in the UAE as a tourist is that you can reclaim the 5% VAT on your purchases when you leave. The scheme is operated by Planet Tax Free on behalf of the FTA and is available at all UAE international airports, sea ports, and land borders.
Are you eligible?
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must not be a UAE resident or a crew member of a flight or vessel leaving the UAE.
- Goods must be exported from the UAE within 90 days of purchase.
- Minimum spend per receipt: AED 250.
How to claim — at the shop
Look for the "Tax Free" sticker. At the till, present your passport and ask for a tax-free tag. The cashier will attach a tag to the back of your receipt — without this tag, no refund is possible later.
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How to claim — at the airport
- Before checking in your luggage, go to a Planet validation kiosk or counter.
- Scan your passport and your tax-free tags.
- The system may ask to physically inspect high-value items — keep them in your hand luggage if possible.
- Choose your refund method: cash (up to AED 35,000 per tourist per day) or back to your card.
How much do you actually get back?
You won't receive the full 5%. Planet charges an admin fee of AED 4.80 per tag plus 15% of the VAT. So on a AED 1,000 purchase the VAT is AED 50, the admin cut is roughly AED 12, and you receive about AED 38.
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Items that don't qualify
- Anything consumed inside the UAE (meals, hotel stays, taxi rides).
- Vehicles, boats, aircraft.
- Goods that aren't accompanied by the tourist when leaving.
