China Life Tips: Instant tax refunds redouble shopping fun

In the first half of this year, China recorded 13.64 million visa-free visits by foreign tourists, a 53.9 percent increase compared to the same period last year. This reflects efforts to improve the travel experience, including updates to departure tax refund policies.

Foreign tourists can now claim VAT refunds for purchases as low as 200 yuan ($27.82) per day, down from the previous threshold of 500 yuan, with cash refunds up to 20,000 yuan. The “refund-upon-purchase” service enables visitors to receive instant refunds directly at stores or nearby counters, adding to their shopping convenience.

To further streamline the experience, China is expanding tax refund stores, broadening the range of refundable goods, and refining refund procedures, ensuring an efficient and seamless shopping experience for global visitors.