Can I only get my tax refund at the airport, or on the day I leave the country? I'm going to visit Thailand, fly from Chiang Mai to Phuket and then go back to China. The plane from Phuket is very early. Not just the day of departure. And only before boarding the plane. After waiting in line at the airport for the official tax refund stamp, you can't get the tax refund immediately! You must wait for the normal boarding procedures, such as boarding, hanging luggage, going through customs, checking passports, etc. Then, before you leave the customs and board the plane, you can queue up at the tax refund window next to the departure hall with your tax refund form.