How to Buy Apple Products in Hanoi and Save with Tax Free
If you’re traveling to Vietnam and planning to buy an Apple product, this blog will guide you on how to save up to 25% compared to European prices. I’ll explain what Tax Free is, how to claim a VAT refund in Vietnam, and share my experience purchasing a MacBook Pro 14 M3 in Hanoi, saving both on the price and the 10% VAT.
What is Tax Free in Vietnam?
Tax Free in Vietnam allows non-residents (tourists) to recover the 10% VAT (Value Added Tax) on eligible purchases when leaving the country through an international airport, such as Hanoi’s Noi Bai. Essentially, since tourists aren’t residents, they’re exempt from paying VAT on goods taken out of Vietnam.
For example, if you buy an Apple product worth €1,000 (including VAT), you can claim a €100 refund at the airport, minus a small processing fee. Additionally, Apple products in Vietnam are often 15% cheaper than in Europe due to lower base prices, making the total savings around 20-25%.
Why Buy Apple Products in Vietnam?
Beyond the 10% VAT refund, Apple products like MacBooks, iPhones, or AirPods are typically priced 15% lower than in Europe. This makes Vietnam an excellent place to purchase genuine Apple devices, provided you buy from authorized sellers to avoid scams or counterfeit products.
In this blog, I’ll share my experience buying a MacBook Pro 14 M3 in Hanoi, ensuring I got an authentic product while maximizing savings through the Tax Free system.
Where to Buy Official Apple Products in Hanoi?
As of April 2025, there are no official Apple Stores in Hanoi. However, you can buy genuine Apple products from Authorized Resellers. To find them, visit Apple’s official locator page, which lists trusted retailers in Vietnam. On this page, you can filter by product (e.g., MacBook, iPhone) and location to find authorized stores in Hanoi. Always verify the store’s credentials to ensure you’re purchasing authentic Apple products.
The best Apple reseller in Hanoi
Based on my personal experience, I highly recommend F.Studio (by FPT)- Apple Authorized Reseller for purchasing Apple products in Hanoi. This is where I bought my MacBook Pro 14 M3, and the process was seamless, professional, and hassle-free.
- Trusted Apple Reseller: F.Studio is an officially authorized retailer, ensuring you get 100% genuine Apple products with valid warranties.
- Smooth Tax Free Process: The staff provided clear guidance on the VAT refund process, and the Tax Free paperwork worked perfectly at Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport.
- Exceptional Service: The team was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and helped me choose the right product with no pressure.
- Convenient Location: Located in Hanoi, the store is easy to access for tourists and locals alike.
The entire experience—from selecting my MacBook to receiving the VAT refund—was flawless. For a reliable and stress-free purchase of Apple products like iPhones, MacBooks, or AirPods, F.Studio is my top choice in Hanoi.
Tips for Buying Apple Products in Hanoi
- Check for Tax Free eligibility: Ensure the store offers VAT refund forms and displays a “Tax Free” sign.
- Request a VAT refund form: Present your passport at the store and ask for the refund paperwork.
- Keep receipts and products unused: At the airport, you’ll need to show the items (in original packaging) and receipts.
- Plan airport time: The VAT refund process at Noi Bai Airport can take 20-30 minutes, so arrive early.
How to Get Your Tax Free Refund at Hanoi Airport
Claiming your Tax Free refund (10% VAT) at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport is straightforward if you follow the right steps. Below, I’ll guide you through the process based on my experience getting a refund in Hanoi airport.
Step-by-Step Guide to Claim Your VAT Refund
1. Prepare Your Documents:
- Ensure you have the VAT refund form provided by the store (e.g., F.Studio). This form should include the total price paid, your passport number, and the product’s serial number.
- Keep the purchase receipt and the product’s box, as the serial number on the box must match the refund form.
- Have your passport ready for verification.
2. Visit the VAT Refund Counter:
- After passing security and immigration, locate the VAT refund counter in the departure area of Noi Bai Airport. It’s typically a small window or desk marked “VAT Refund.”
- Arrive early, as the process can take 15-30 minutes, especially during busy times.
3. Present Your Items and Documents:
- Show the purchased product (e.g., your Apple device), the refund form, the receipt, and your passport.
- Officials will verify that the serial number on the product’s box matches the refund form and check your passport details.
- In my case, they didn’t open the MacBook’s packaging (I had used it for 5 days), but they inspected the box. Note: Products should ideally be unused and in original packaging to avoid issues.
4. Receive Your Refund:
- Once everything is validated, you’ll receive the refund, typically in Vietnamese Dong (VND), but some airports may offer USD or EUR (confirm with the counter).
- The refund is approximately 10% of the purchase price, minus a small processing fee.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Refund
- Double-check the refund form at the store to ensure it includes your passport number and the correct serial number.
- Keep the product in its original box to simplify the verification process.
- Plan extra time at the airport, as lines at the VAT refund counter can vary.
- Ask the store for Tax Free instructions when purchasing to avoid surprises.
By following these steps, I successfully claimed my VAT refund for my MacBook Pro at Hanoi Airport without any hassle. With the right preparation, you can save on your Apple purchases too!
Check our TikTok of how to claim the tax free in Hanoi Airport.
