Malaysia Shopping Discounts Guide 2026: No Tax Refunds, Use Mall Tourist Cards and Hotel Taxes to Save

There is no tax refund for shopping in Malaysia; save money with mall tourist cards

Friends planning to shop in Malaysia should note that starting from 2018, Malaysia has abolished the GST and replaced it with SST. Therefore, looking for a tax refund counter at the airport is pointless. This change means travellers have lost a way to save money, but don't be disheartened, as in several major malls in Kuala Lumpur, tourists can obtain discount cards by showing their passports. It's worth noting that there is an additional tourism tax when staying in hotels, so remember to allocate this expense when planning your trip.

What is SST: What taxes are you actually paying when shopping

When shopping in Malaysia, different categories of goods and services are subject to different tax rates. Sales tax is divided into 5% or 10% depending on the goods category, with some goods having specific rates. The service tax is generally 8%, but for services like dining, telecommunications, parking, and logistics, it is 6%. Additionally, each credit card incurs an annual fee of RM25. From 1 July 2025, the scope of the service tax will expand, with healthcare, education, and construction charged 6%, and rental and beauty services charged 8%. These taxes are already included in the price and will not be refunded to travellers, so when shopping, consider them as included.

• These taxes will not be refunded to travellers; when looking at the price tag, consider them as already included.
• From 1 July 2025, the service tax will be expanded to cover medical, education, and construction at 6%, and rental and beauty services at 8%.

Hotel tourism tax: RM10 per night

Foreign tourists staying in hotels are required to pay a RM10 tourism tax per room per night. This fee is collected by the hotel and is usually charged separately at checkout. Malaysian citizens and permanent residents are exempt from this fee. This policy will be effective from 15 December 2025 as per the official gazette, so travellers planning to stay longer in Malaysia should factor in this expense.

• When comparing hotel prices, remember to include this tax, as it can add up to several hundred dollars for longer stays.
• Malaysian citizens and permanent residents are exempt, so local friends travelling with you won't need to pay.

Suria KLCC: widest range of discounts

At Suria KLCC, travellers can present their passport at the service desk to receive a discount card, enjoying discounts from 10% to 50%, depending on the merchant. The minimum spend varies from RM150 to RM1,000, differing by store. The discount card is valid for 7 days from the date of collection, so remember to bring your passport when visiting, otherwise you won't be able to get it.

• The minimum spend varies from RM150 to RM1,000, differing by store, so check clearly before you go.
• The card is valid for 7 days from the date of collection, so plan your short trip accordingly to make the most of it.

Mid Valley and The Gardens: Same procedure

At Mid Valley and The Gardens, travellers can present their passport at the mall service desk to receive a discount card. These two malls are connected, so one card can be used in both locations. The card is valid for 7 days from the date of collection, and participating merchants and discounts are subject to on-site announcements.

• The two malls are connected, so one card is all you need to cover both.
• Participating merchants' discounts are subject to on-site announcements.

Sunway Pyramid: Offers welcome gift packs and gifts for reaching spending thresholds

At Sunway Pyramid, travellers can collect a welcome gift pack with their passport. Spending over RM400 with three receipts can be exchanged for a mystery gift. Additionally, some brands offer discounts ranging from 5% to 15%. Actual offers are subject to mall announcements.

• To redeem the mystery gift, you need to spend at least RM400 and provide three receipts, not just one.
• Actual content is subject to the mall's announcement.

If you can't find tourist offers: don't bother with these places

At Mitsui OUTLET PARK KLIA, there used to be a tourist coupon event, but it ended on 30 September 2025. Meanwhile, Genting Highlands and Johor Premium Outlets only have regular membership clubs, not tourist cards based on passports. As for Berjaya Times Square, Lotus's, and AEON, no tourist offers can be found on their Malaysian websites. While you can still shop at these places, don't expect tourist discounts.

• The tourist coupon at Mitsui OUTLET PARK KLIA ended on 30 September 2025, so don't rely on outdated guides.
• Genting Highlands and Johor Premium Outlets only have regular membership clubs, not tourist cards based on passports.
• You can still shop at these places, but don't expect tourist discounts.

Get Online Before Shopping

When shopping in Malaysia, you'll need internet access on the spot to get a tourist card, check merchant discounts, and compare prices. So, it's best to set up a data plan before heading to Malaysia. eSIM activation is instant after payment, with the QR code sent via email; physical SIM cards will be mailed to Hong Kong. All plans and real-time prices are available on our Malaysia destination page.