Movie Tickets, Phones, Flights & More: Here's What Gets Cheaper With GST

The Goods and Services Tax {GST} is now applicable, kicking in a huge tax reform in India. Now, we don’t want to throw big economic jargons at you, but we do want to tell you how it will affect your day-to-day life. Here’s our breakdown of what goes cheaper now onward.

Looking to buy a new phone? Do it now! The tax on smartphones will be lowered from 13.5 per cent to 12 per cent. In other words, you can gift yourself a phone and while you’re at it, buy these dreamy Bollywood phone covers too?

Good news for moviegoers as the entertainment tax has now been kept at 18 per cent, although it differs state to state. Basically, tickets for INR 100 and below will be taxed at 18 per cent {down from 28 per cent}. A blip of a silver lining? Check out these halls that cost INR 100 and less.

Non-A/c restaurants {and non-alcohol restaurants} have become cheaper with the GST tax capped at 5 per cent. This means, it’s time to hit your neighbourhood eatery with your squad and gorge on those chaknas. However, there is a slight confusion between the restaurants that both have outdoor and indoor seating areas {with ac and alcohol}. We’re waiting to see how the one pans out.

Under the GST, the tax on certain personal care items will be lowered from 24-28 per cent to 18 per cent. Under this, items such as soaps, toothpaste, hair oil and more will become cheaper. So next time you’re in a supermarket, it’s okay to splurge a bit more.

#LBBTip: Kajal becomes cheaper as well as the tax rate will be slashed from 18 per cent to 12 per cent. In other words, be goth ready!

All the wanderlust folks out there in India, there’s some good news finally. Economy class flight tickets have gone down from 5.60 per cent to 5 per cent. Looking to upgrade to business? Skip it because that’s become costlier. #BookNow

If you’ve got a tight budget, then it’s good news for you because hotels with tariff rates below INR 1,000 will be exempted from GST. However, if you’re checking into a hotel with tariff between INR 1,000 and INR 2,500, the tax levied will be 12 per cent.

#LBBTip: If you’re heading to Goa anytime soon, stay at this hostel and Portugese villa for under INR 1,000.

Certain kitchen items such as pickles and mustard sauce will be taxed at 12 per cent as opposed to the current 18 per cent tax rate. Looking for delish pickles made with pork an chicken? Get them here.

#LBBTip: The GST on cashew nuts has been slashed to 5 per cent from 12 per cent. Head to Miru’s organic store in Andheri and get them on.

Though just a slight relief, but transport services will see a one per cent drop. Cab rides are set to be taxed at 5 per cent as opposed to the current 6 per cent tax rate. Ola and Uber woes? Just got a per cent cheaper.

Under the new GST rollout, luxury cars and SUV’s will be taxed at 43 per cent as opposed to the earlier 50 per cent tax rate. Planning for the future with your savings? Now is the time to invest and reap the GST benefits.

Under the new GST reform regular items such as meat, milk, cereal and other food grains have been completely exempted from it. Go on, make those healthy smoothies for yourself and don’t let anything hold you back.

Plan your trips, vacation, and grocery trips well and don’t let the tax bug bite you.