Good news for overseas visitors – China will expand its instant tax refund for purchases by overseas tourists nationwide.
The move is being seen as boosting inbound travel and consumption at a time when the world is in turmoil over Trump tariffs.
New rules allow foreign visitors to receive tax rebates immediately after buying, rather than upon departure from China.
Under the new rules, tourists making purchases at designated stores can receive their refunds on-site after completing a credit card pre-authorisation.
Upon departure, Customs will verify the traveller's identity and the goods, and the refund agency will lift the pre-authorisation once all information is confirmed.
Li Xuhong, deputy dean of the Beijing National Accounting Institute, said, "By tapping into inbound consumption potential, the move would improve China's tourism climate and help promote high-quality economic growth."