Secrets to saving while shopping abroad

MANILA, Philippines - Traveling comes with many perks such as seeing amazing sights, making personal discoveries and learning new things. For travelers who love to shop, these perks come with a bonus — the chance to take home unique finds and the best bargains.

And with the right information, they can maximize trips by taking advantage of the many shopping and tourism perks offered by top Asian destinations.

Tax refunds in Singapore. In Singapore, travelers who spend a minimum of SG$100 in a single day can claim tax refunds.

Tourists are allowed to get a seven percent Goods and Services Tax (GST) refund on purchases made from participating retailers, thanks to Singapore’s Tourist Refund Scheme.

Buyers just have to provide proper documentation such as receipts and refund forms issued by retailers and present it at the Changi Airport GST Refund counter before they leave Singapore.

VAT rebates in Bangkok. A trip to Bangkok, Thailand allows travelers to splurge on very affordable deals on food and clothes.

Aside from the low prices, they can also avail themselves of the seven percent Value Added Tax (VAT) rebate for items worth more than 5,000 baht.

Stores taking part in this refund scheme are easy to find. Friendly Thais eagerly assist and even post signs of “VAT Refund for Tourists” at their establishments.

Travelers only need to ask for a VAT refund form after making a purchase and keep their original receipts. Present the paperwork to the Customs Inspection for VAT Refund desk at the international airport to have the tax refund approved.

Hong Kong’s Quality Tourism Services. Hong Kong is every shopper’s dream destination with its constant sales and free trade economy. Because of the huge number of shops, restaurants and hotels, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) came up with the Quality Tourism Services (QTS). This is a list of HKTB-accredited establishments so travelers can easily access unique shops, affordable accommodations and superb restaurants. Now, it’s easier to find high quality establishments with QTS. The HKTB visitor hotline is +852 2508 1234.

To enjoy such perks and have an even bigger shopping budget, travelers can book budget-friendly seats early with a trusted airline.

Cebu Pacific Air, the country’s leading low-cost carrier, provides the lowest possible fares to key Asian destinations, including the shopping havens of Singapore, Bangkok and Hong Kong.

Cebu Pacific also flies to Beijing, Macau, Shanghai, Osaka, Seoul, Busan, Taipei, Brunei, Jakarta, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, and Ho Chi Minh. 

Find out more about budget travel opportunities to many other destinations and get the chance to widen your horizon through the country’s number one airline. Call (02) 7020-888 or (032) 230-8888 or log on to www.cebupacificair.com.