China Tax Refund for Tourist：When You Travel and Shop in China

In recent years, the number of international tourists visiting China has been steadily increasing. China has implemented numerous preferential policies to enhance the convenience and safety of international tourists travelling within the country, ensuring a secure, convenient, and cost-effective experience for visitors from abroad.

Today, we will primarily discuss China's latest tourism tax refund policies, common questions and answers, and recommendations for tourist attractions in China: 

Departure Tax Refund ‘Buy Now, Refund Now’ Policy

On 4 April 2025, the State Administration of Taxation of China issued Announcement No. 9 of 2025, announcing the implementation of the ‘Buy Now, Refund Now’ policy for tax refunds on purchases made by overseas travellers upon departure nationwide, effective from the date of the announcement.

With the implementation of the policy, major cities across China have responded by establishing tax-refund stores in large shopping districts, pedestrian streets, tourist attractions, resorts, cultural and historical sites, airports, passenger ports, and hotels in provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Sichuan, and Chongqing. International luxury brands, domestic trendy products, traditional shops, cultural and creative stores, souvenir shops, gift shops, and specialty stores are being encouraged to become tax-refund stores.

For details of the original policy document, please refer to:

Announcement by the State Administration of Taxation on the Promotion of the ‘Buy Now, Refund Now’ Service Measures for Tax Refunds for Overseas Tourists

Common Questions About the ‘Buy Now, Refund Now’ Tax Refund Policy for Overseas Tourists

Q:Where to shop to get a tax refund?

A:Purchases made at stores with the "Tax Free" sign are eligible for a tax refund upon departure.

Q:What is the minimum purchase threshold to qualify for departure tax refund?

A:Overseas travelers are eligible to apply for a refund if they spend at least 200 yuan (about $27.75)at the same store on the same day and meet other relevant requirements. 

Q:What is the maximum amount for departure tax refund?

A:The upper limit for cash refunds has been raised from 10,000yuan to 20,000 yuan, with no cap on other refund methods.

Q:How to calculate a tax refund amount?

A:Amount of the tax refund = sales invoice amount (including VAT)of the tax-refundable goods x tax refund rate - service fee charged by tax refund agencies for processing the tax refund

Q:How to calculate a tax refund amount?

A:In accordance with China's VAT rate, the tax refund rate for general merchandise is 11%.After deducting service fee, the actual refund is about 9% of purchased merchandise.

Q:How to claim a tax refund?

A:This year, China will significantly expand the implementation of the"refund-upon-purchase" policy for overseas visitors. While shopping at designated stores, they can receive their refund on-site after completing a credit card pre - authorization.

Recommended tourist attractions in China

Top Tourist Attractions in China by Region

Conclusion:

China's tourism tax refund policy has brought us great convenience and benefits when travelling in China. Of course, if you have any questions about the policy or your trip, you can contact us directly, and we will provide you with reasonable, accurate, and up-to-date information.

We are a company dedicated to providing travellers with the most unique, authentic, and distinctive travel experiences, allowing them to gain a direct understanding of local culture, lifestyle, and customs, and creating the most flexible China adventure itineraries! All our travel consultants are passionate travellers who have explored the world and travelled extensively in China. We understand travellers' expectations and know how to meet them from a local Chinese perspective.

We promise no shopping stops, no detours, and only the highest quality service. We offer 24/7 customer service to meet your needs before, during, and after your trip. Your satisfaction is our greatest reward.

Join us at Chinadventure.org for an unforgettable journey!

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