Maximizing Your Savings: Customs and Tax Refund Guide at TBS
Shopping in Georgia is an adventure, but the real reward comes when you fly home. By understanding the Georgian Revenue Service (RS) regulations and the VAT refund process, international travelers can reclaim significant amounts on their luxury purchases and souvenirs before departing from Tbilisi International Airport.
Save on Your Purchases in Georgia:
Reclaim Up To 18% VAT on Shopping
The Three Steps of Tax-Free Shopping
1. Shop at Tax-Free Stores
Ensure the shop has the "Tax Free" logo. Spend a minimum of 200 GEL on a single invoice and request the special VAT refund form.
2. Customs Validation
Before checking your luggage at TBS Airport, visit the Customs Desk to have your Tax-Free forms stamped by an officer.
3. Collect Your Cash
After passport control, head to the bank counter to receive your refund in cash or have it credited to your card.
Crucial Rule: Do Not Pack Away Your Items!
The Customs Officer at Tbilisi Airport may ask to see the purchased goods before stamping your forms. Ensure the items are unused, in their original packaging, and easily accessible in your carry-on or top of your suitcase.
Georgia Customs Allowances & Regulations
Entering or leaving Georgia requires strict adherence to duty-free limits. Here is what you can carry without paying additional taxes:
Alcohol: Up to 4 Liters of Wine or 2 Liters of Spirits.
Tobacco: 400 Cigarettes or 50 Cigars.
Cash: Declaration required for amounts over 30,000 GEL.
Personal Effects: Duty-free up to 3,000 GEL in value.
Customs Checkpoint at TBS.
Refund Comparison: Cash vs. Card
| Refund Method | Cash Refund (TBS) | Credit Card Refund |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Time | (Instant) | (3-10 Business Days) |
| Currency Options | GEL, USD, EUR | Account Currency |
| Service Fees | Small Handling Fee | Varies by Bank |
Get your refund immediately at the airport bank counter in major currencies. Best for those who need liquid cash for duty-free shopping.
Your refund is processed digitally. It takes longer but is safer as you don't carry extra cash during your flight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It is highly recommended to arrive at least 3 to 4 hours before your departure. The process of getting your forms stamped by Customs and then collecting cash at the bank can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes during peak travel times.
No. In Georgia, VAT refunds only apply to industrial goods such as electronics, clothing, and accessories. Consumables like food, beverages, and services like hotel stays or transportation are not eligible for tax-free shopping.
To qualify for a refund, the total amount on a single tax-free invoice must be at least 200 GEL (excluding VAT). Multi-day receipts or combined small purchases usually do not count unless issued on the same invoice.
Yes. The Customs Officer at TBS Airport has the right to inspect the goods. They must be unused and in their original packaging. If you pack them in your checked luggage, visit the Customs Desk before checking in your bags.
A VAT refund form is valid for 3 months from the date the items were purchased. You must export the goods from Georgia and get the Customs stamp within this 90-day window.
Yes, banks and refund operators usually deduct a small administrative fee (around 15-20%) from the total VAT amount. You will receive approximately 13-15% of the total purchase price back.
At Tbilisi Airport, you can choose to receive your refund in Georgian Lari (GEL), US Dollars (USD), or Euros (EUR). Note that exchange rates determined by the airport bank will apply for non-GEL refunds.
If you are carrying cash or securities worth more than 30,000 GEL (or equivalent in foreign currency), you are legally required to declare it to Customs to avoid penalties or confiscation.
No. The Tax-Free program is exclusively for foreign citizens who do not have a residence permit in Georgia. You must present your foreign passport at the time of purchase and at Customs.
Unfortunately, if the goods are in your checked luggage and you have already sent it, Customs cannot verify the export. Always visit the Customs Desk *before* checking in your bags if the items are not in your carry-on.