Singapore startup rings up GST refunds on mobile

Singapore

PAPER receipts may soon become relics when it comes to tax-free shopping. Homegrown startup Tourego got the ball rolling with the world's first fully-mobile tax refund solution last December, allowing travellers to Singapore to claim Goods and Service Tax (GST) refunds using their phones.

Travellers first register their passport details with a photo on Tourego's namesake mobile app. At a participating retailer, they hand their phones to the cashier, who issues a digital refund ticket if requirements are met.

Under the law, travellers must spend at least S$10…