Global Blue (formally Global Refund), has signed a service provider agreement with the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, which will see the company become the exclusive payment supplier for tax free shopping, allowing travellers to reclaim the excise they’ve paid while shopping in Australia.
Under the tourist refund scheme (TRS), Global Blue will work with Australian Customs and Border Protection to facilitate refund payments of the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalization tax (WET) for Australian and outbound foreign travellers, when they approach customs with their claim.
“Global Blue is a market leader in tax free shopping, offering globally acquired insights and innovation and we look forward to building a strong relationship with Australian Customs and Border Protection, to ensure quick and efficient refund payments to overseas travellers,” said Nathan Brown, Country Manager for Global Blue Australia.
For travellers to claim a refund they must spend A$300 (GST inclusive) or more in one store and receive a single original tax invoice for the purchase, which they then take with their international boarding pass and passport to a customs officer at a Tourist Refund Scheme facility*.
In addition to tax refunds, Global Blue is continuing to grow its presence in Australia by offering efficient products and services to benefit travellers and merchants. Currency Choice, a dynamic conversion service that allows foreign customers to pay by credit card in their home currency at point of purchase, is also part of the suite of Global Blue offerings available in Australia.
“Currency Choice offers customers peace of mind by providing them with the comfort of knowing exactly how much they are spending abroad and the knowledge they won’t face unexpected costs when they return home,” Mr. Brown stated.
Currency Choice also offers multiple benefits for merchants, both as a recognised and trusted brand for travellers which encourages spending in store, and by providing rebates on every transaction.
“Currency Choice is a brand that many international travellers know and trust and allows the best experience possible for both merchants and their international customers by providing travellers with transparency and security when buying in-store overseas,” said Mr. Brown.
Travellers choosing to use Currency Choice can pay on Visa and Mastercard, with the service available at major hotels, airport retailers, leading stores, serviced apartments and hospitals and clinics.
“Global Blue is excited to have touched down in Australia and we are looking forward to working with Australian Customs and Border Protection to deliver an efficient, professional refund service, while also growing our brand presence and providing merchants and travellers with market leading products,” said Mr. Brown.
www.global-blue.comFor full details please refer to http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page4646.asp
Media Contacts
Peri Muddle
Burson-Marsteller
Email: peri.muddle@bm.com
Mobile: +61 (0)421 685 285
Nathan Brown
Country Manager - Australia
Global Blue Australia
Email: nbrown@global-blue.com
Mobile: +61 (0)458 141 499
