Travellers shopping in China can now enjoy on-the-spot tax refunds, thanks to a revised nationwide policy that rolled out on 27 April 2025.
Foreign visitors who spend at least 200 yuan (approx. S$36) at the same store on the same day can now claim an immediate value-added tax (VAT) refund. This can be processed at participating stores or designated refund counters in shopping areas, using mobile payment platforms like WeChat Pay and Alipay, credit cards, or cash. The previous minimum spend was 500 yuan, and refunds were only available at airport counters after submitting paperwork.
The maximum instant refund amount has also been doubled to 20,000 yuan.
Eligible goods include luxury items, heritage products, traditional Chinese medicine, and locally branded consumer goods. Food and beverage purchases are not covered.
However, not all shops are enrolled in the new programme. While many luxury boutiques and major malls in cities like Beijing and Shanghai offer the service, its implementation remains patchy, particularly in smaller retail outlets. Authorities plan to expand participation across tourist hotspots, cultural venues, and accommodation sites.
To qualify, travellers must present their passport at checkout. Refund claims are validated digitally, but visitors must still verify purchases at an e-tax refund kiosk at the airport before departure. Failing to do so could lead to the refund being reversed.
In 2024, inbound tourist spending in China hit US$94.2 billion, a 77.8% increase from the previous year. The new policy aims to further boost this by making shopping more seamless for international travellers.