First mobile tax refund system by Tourego
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Singapore has introduced the world’s first mobile tourist tax refund system, Tourego.
Approved by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS), Tourego migrates the paper-based tax refund process on to an app, allowing users to receive and store their refund tickets in an e-wallet.
As well as that, Tourego provides shopping, food and travel tips about Singapore, plus users can compile a shopping list recommending retail partners. Already the network covers 100 businesses, with more expected to be announced soon.
Tourego aims to solve the worldwide problem of tourists spending too much time at airports trying to obtain their tax refunds, says founder/CEO Tan Tie Wee.
As well as enhancing the shopping experience for tourists, the app helps retail partners improve their efficiency as well as gain big-data insights into consumer behaviour,” he says.
“We are grateful to the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), IMDA, Spring Singapore and IE Singapore for their support as Tourego contributes to Singapore’s vision to be a smart nation.”
With Singapore as its first market, the Tourego app is free to download but is currently available only to non-Singaporeans to register for an account.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which organisations have supported the Tourego system in Singapore?
Which organisations have supported the Tourego system in Singapore?
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB), IMDA, Spring Singapore, and IE Singapore have all provided support for the Tourego mobile tax refund system. Their assistance helps Tourego contribute to Singapore's goal of becoming a smart nation.
Q.What benefits does Tourego offer to retail businesses?
What benefits does Tourego offer to retail businesses?
Retail partners can improve their operational efficiency by using Tourego and gain valuable big-data insights into consumer behaviour. The system also enhances the overall shopping experience for tourists visiting Singapore.
Q.Who developed the Tourego system and what problem does it aim to solve?
Who developed the Tourego system and what problem does it aim to solve?
The Tourego system was developed by founder/CEO Tan Tie Wee. Its primary aim is to solve the global problem of tourists spending excessive time at airports when attempting to obtain their tax refunds.
Q.What additional features does the Tourego app offer beyond tax refunds?
What additional features does the Tourego app offer beyond tax refunds?
Besides processing tax refunds, the Tourego app provides users with shopping, food, and travel tips about Singapore. It also allows users to compile a shopping list, which recommends various retail partners.
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