Where to Shop in Sri Lanka for Tourist VAT Refunds – A Smart Shopping Guide

Visiting Sri Lanka and Want Your VAT Back?

If you’re a tourist in Sri Lanka, did you know you can get a refund on the VAT (Value Added Tax) you paid while shopping here?

Under Sri Lanka’s Tourist VAT Refund Scheme (TVRS), you can claim your refund on eligible goods purchased during your trip — but only if you shop at authorized retailers. And yes, it’s worth it, especially when shopping for gems, fashion, electronics, and tea!

Here’s your complete guide to the most visited tourist-friendly shops in Sri Lanka where you can shop smart and get your VAT back before departure.

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✅ What’s the Tourist VAT Refund Scheme (TVRS)?

The TVRS allows non-resident tourists to claim back VAT paid on eligible goods when:

• You shop from an authorized retailer
• You spend over LKR 50,000 (exclusive of VAT) on eligible goods
• You leave Sri Lanka within 90 days of arrival
• You present your goods and invoices at the TVRS counter at BIA Airport

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🛍️ Best Places to Shop in Sri Lanka for VAT Refunds

🏙️ Colombo – The Capital of Fashion & Electronics

1. Odel (Alexandra Place) – Fashion, gifts, perfumes
2. Barefoot Gallery – Handcrafted textiles, batiks
3. Laksala (Fort & Independence Arcade) – Sri Lanka’s official souvenir store
4. Paradise Road – Interior decor and art
5. House of Fashion – Affordable fashion for all ages
6. Romafour – Electronics, mobile phones
7. Cotton Collection – Local fashion brands with international flair

These shops usually display the “TVRS Authorized Retailer” logo at their entrance.

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🌄 Kandy – Culture, Tea, and Traditional Crafts

• Selyn Handlooms – Fair trade, locally made textiles
• Jayamali Batiks Studio – Authentic batik clothing
• Kandy City Centre Mall – VAT-eligible brand stores in a modern mall
• LUV SL by Odel – A local favourite for souvenirs and fashion

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💎 Galle & Southern Coast – Gems, Handicrafts & Beachwear

• Galle Fort Boutique Shops – Clothing, jewelry, handmade crafts
• Lihiniya Gems – Certified gemstone dealer
• Orchid House – Small gifts and local crafts
• Barefoot Galle – Handloom clothing and accessories

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🍃 Nuwara Eliya & Ella – Tea & Factory Shops

• Mlesna Tea Centre
• Dilmah T-Lounge
• Glenloch Tea Factory Outlet
  (Remember: only unopened, packed goods are eligible for VAT refund)

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🛫 Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) – Last-Minute Shopping

• Tea Export Stores – Buy last-minute tea and keep invoices
• Jewelry Counters – Gems and luxury goods
• TVRS Counter – Located in the departure area

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📝 What Goods Are NOT Eligible for VAT Refund?

• Food and beverages consumed locally
• Hotel stays and service bills
• Online purchases
• Used or partially consumed items
• VAT-exempt items
• Items not shown to customs before departure

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🔍 How to Identify an Authorized Retailer

Look for the official TVRS logo at the shop entrance, or ask the staff if they provide Tourist VAT Refund Invoices (TVRI).

We also provide you a list of eligible shops and coordinate your shopping route when you subscribe to our support service.

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💡 Pro Tip: Use Our VAT Refund Calculator

Estimate your refund in seconds!
Enter your total purchase amount and see how much tax you can claim back at the airport.

👉 Try the Calculator Here

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💬 Need Help? We’ve Got Two Plans for You

Plan	Price	What You Get
🧾 Self-Service	USD 5	Email guide + refund checklist
🤝 Full Support	USD 10	WhatsApp support + help till refund

✅ Click Here to Join Now

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🎁 Final Thoughts

Shopping in Sri Lanka is a joy — and with the Tourist VAT Refund Scheme, it’s also a way to save money on your purchases. Whether you’re picking up luxury tea, handwoven garments, or sparkling gemstones, make sure you:

• Shop at TVRS-eligible stores
• Collect your TVRI invoices
• Claim your refund at the airport before you leave

We’re here to make the process easy, smooth, and tourist-friendly.

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📞 Questions?

📲 Message us on WhatsApp: +94 75 994 4559
📧 Email: info@srilankavatrefund.com