Tag: allowance

  • Smaller duty-free alcohol allowance and GST relief for overseas shopping

    Smaller duty-free alcohol allowance and GST relief for overseas shopping

    From midnight tonight, Singapore duty-free allowances will be cut by about a third for returning travellers. Other allowances have also been reduced. Travellers staying outside of Singapore for fewer than 48 hours will be liable for 7 per cent GST on items bought overseas worth more than SG$100 – down from the previous threshold of $150. For travellers outside the country for a period longer than 48 hours, the $600 threshold will similarly be lowered, to $500.

    The changes were announced yesterday by Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat as part of the nation’s new Budget. From April 1, the alcohol concession will also be lowered from three litres of wine or beer to two litres. The spirits cap remains at one litre.

    According to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore and Singapore Customs, the cuts to Singapore duty-free allowances are designed to support the city state’s existing tax intake in the face of increasing international travel.

    Returning travellers are required to declare taxable items on arrival, and have been advised to keep purchase receipts to assist in calculating any taxes due. Advance declaration and payment is available via the Customs @ SG mobile app or web portal. Failure to declare or a false declaration can incur a fine of $10,000 as well as up to a year in prison.

  • Malaysia’s Malindo Air adjusts checked baggage allowance for economy class

    Malaysia’s Malindo Air adjusts checked baggage allowance for economy class

    Malindo Air has adjusted the checked baggage allowance for its economy class passengers under the Value and Flexi fare options effective last friday. The baggage allowance for Value fare option is now 15kg, and 30kg for Flexi fare option, from 25kg previously for both fare options. The baggage allowance for business class and its ATR flights remain as 40kg and 15kg respectively.

    Malindo Air CEO Chandran Rama Muthy said the business rationale to the adjustment is to keep up with the industry changes and passengers’ demand.

    “This option allows passengers who are cost-sensitive to enjoy more competitive airfare with services that fit their needs. We want to keep our products relevant to the market and bring better flying experience to our passengers,” he said in a statement.

    The airline will honour passengers who have made a booking before Feb 15, 2019 and flying on or after Feb 15, 2019 to enjoy the original baggage allowance upon booking, as reflected on their flight itinerary.

    Passengers may top up additional baggage allowance during the booking process, through “Manage My Booking”, Malindo Air ticketing offices, customer care centre and the airline’s preferred travel agents.

  • Cebu Pacific extends free additional 25kg baggage allowance to all its Middle East passengers

    Cebu Pacific extends free additional 25kg baggage allowance to all its Middle East passengers

    The Philippines’ largest carrier, Cebu Pacific (CEB), has announced a special promo exclusively for our valued guests in the Middle East.

    Starting February 13 to March 15, 2017, all passengers originating from Doha, Dubai, Kuwait and Riyadh travelling to Manila with pre-purchased baggage allowance of 40 kilograms will be receiving additional 25 kilograms baggage allowance, free-of-charge.

    The extra baggage allowance will be given upon check-in of the guest at the airport.

    For those guests with connecting flights to other domestic destinations, the additional 25kg will be carried over up to their next flight, given that their flight itineraries were booked under one reference number only.

    This promotion is not valid on return flights from the Philippines to the Middle East and on bookings with Cebgo connecting flights.

    “With the launch of this special promotion, CEB opens up more opportunities for its travelers across the Middle East region, most especially the Filipinos, to maximize their trip to the Philippines by allowing them to bring more items for their families and friends back home. Not only is CEB able to continuously make travel accessible and affordable to everyone through our  trademark low fares, but now providing another avenue for them to get the best out of their travel,” Atty. JR Mantaring, CEB Vice President for Corporate Affairs.

    CEB currently offers flights to a total of 37 domestic and 29 international destinations, operating an extensive network across Asia, Australia, USA, and the Middle East. Its 58-strong fleet is comprised of four Airbus A319, 36 Airbus A320, seven Airbus A330, eight ATR 72-500, and three ATR 72-600 aircraft. Between 2017 and 2021, CEB expects delivery of one more brand-new Airbus A330, 32 Airbus A321neo, and 13 ATR 72-600 aircraft.