Good news for travelers: China now offers a departure tax refund for overseas visitors. With the new July 2026 rules, the process is faster and simpler than ever.
1️⃣ Who is eligible for China’s departure tax refund policy?
In short, overseas visitors — defined as foreign nationals and compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan who have stayed in China’s mainland for no more than 183 consecutive days before departure — are eligible for the departure tax refund policy.
2️⃣ Where can I shop to qualify for a tax refund?
Purchases must be made at tax-free stores. A full list of tax-free stores is available at the Service Platform for Departure Tax Refund.
3️⃣ Which goods qualify for a refund?
Personal items purchased in person by overseas visitors at a tax-free store are eligible, excluding:
(1) goods prohibited or restricted from exiting China
(2) those subject to VAT exemption policies
The tax-refund items must have not been used or consumed yet before departure
4️⃣ What is the minimum purchase amount required for a refund?
To get the refund, you need to spend at least 200 yuan. All purchases must be made at the same store, on the same day.
5️⃣ How much tax can I refund?
6️⃣ What refund methods are available?
7️⃣ How do I claim a refund? (Refund-Upon-Departure process)
Shop at a tax-free store;
Obtain a Refund Application Form for Overseas Visitors from the store;
Present goods to the customs for verification;
Collect your refund from the designated refund agency
8️⃣ How do I claim a refund? (Refund-Upon-Purchase process)
Shop at a tax-free store;
Obtain a Refund Application Form for Overseas Visitors from the store, select the “Refund-Upon-Purchase” option and receive the refund immediately at the store;
Present goods to the customs for verification;
Confirm completion with the refund agency
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