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This mistake almost cost me my GST refund at Changi Airport; Buy these Charles & Keith handbags in India instead

A simple mistake at Changi Airport nearly cost us our GST refund after a full day of shopping for Charles & Keith bags.

Published on: May 20, 2026 11:00 AM IST

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Shopping in Singapore is one of my favourite parts of a trip to the Lion City, and Charles & Keith is always on my list. The designs are stylish, the prices are better than in India, and the GST refund makes the purchase even sweeter. On our recent visit, we spent the day shopping, eating, and making the most of Changi Airport's unusual flexibility. We checked in our luggage, left the airport, and returned hours later for our flight. Everything seemed perfect until we reached the GST refund kiosks. One airport officer asked a question that instantly made me nervous. Where was the luggage carrying our purchases? That one question made me realise how easily a shopping win can turn into a very expensive mistake.

Charles and Keith shopping in Singapore feels rewarding, but claiming your GST refund correctly is just as important as choosing the right bag. (Canva.com)

By Neha Ravi Khandelwal

Neha Ravi Khandelwal
Neha Ravi Khandelwal is a Senior Digital Content Producer, Lifestyle at HT Shop Now, where she specialises in furniture, home, and travel, turning real-world expertise into practical advice that readers can rely on.

Career journey and experience
Neha began freelance writing in 2010 and started her mainstream media journey with the Times of India in 2022, and later joined the Hindustan Times. In the past, she has led interior design projects, interned in visual merchandising at Shoppers Stop and Pantaloons, and managed operations for multiple women-led startups.

To satiate her curiosity, she has completed beginner’s certifications in pottery, scuba diving, baking, creative writing, and more. She takes pride in having read over 2000 books (yes, she did count, and can share a list!) and spent 8 years practising Bharatnatyam and has even ghostwritten a book on Ladakh Tourism.

Subject expertise
With a Master’s in Interior Design and 10 years of building homes, Neha knows space-saving furniture and budget-friendly finds inside out. She instantly visualizes rooms and curates practical, stylish solutions.

In travel, she offers packing guides, luggage tips, and trip advice, all backed by research, expert input from field experts, and hands-on experience.

Education and professional background
Neha holds a Master’s degree in Interior Design and had early stints as a visual merchandising trainee at Shoppers Stop and Pantaloons. These experiences shape every article she writes.

Editorial Philosophy
I write with one single goal: To simplify searching through the abundance of products on the market by finding the right one suited to my readers' needs based on personal experience, user reviews and ratings. When all else fails, Neha speaks to experts who can solve the query.

Why do people shop for Charles & Keith in Singapore?

Charles and Keith in Singapore usually offers a wider selection, access to newer collections, and prices that feel more attractive than in India. Add the GST refund, and the savings become even better. For handbag lovers, it is one of those purchases that feels fashionable, practical, and genuinely worth bringing home.

A quick summary of what happened at the GST refund counter

We checked in our luggage before claiming the GST refund.
Our Charles & Keith were already inside the checked baggage.
The officer said he might need to see the items physically.
No merchandise means no manual approval if the kiosk fails.
We were lucky the kiosk found our purchase record.

Always claim your GST refund before checking in your bags. Keep all purchased items with you until the refund is processed. Do not gift, consume, or use anything before the claim is complete.

The good news is that Changi Airport makes this easy. You can complete your GST refund at the airport even if you still have time left in Singapore and want to head back into the city afterwards.

I have to say that the level of flexibility is seriously impressive.

But if going to Singapore is not on the cards, or you simply cannot go through the hassle of shopping and then claiming a refund. Skip the need to shop and buy these Charles & Keith handbags under ₹10000 from Myntra instead!