Beijing and Shanghai offer tax refunds to overseas tourists in July, 2015

Overseas visitors are able to claim tax refunds on purchases made in Beijing and Shanghai starting in July, 2015.

According to the policy, overseas tourists (including those from China’s Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) who have stayed on the Chinese mainland for no more than 183 days may receive tax refunds on consumer goods purchased at designated department stores.

Currently, there are 86 designated tax free stores in Beijing, and 27 in Shanghai, which cover the major shopping malls, tourist shopping centers, and residence areas of foreigners.

The minimum purchase for a tax refund is 500 yuan (about 82 USD) at any one store in one day. The refund rate is 11% of the invoice value. However, 2% of the rebates are charged by the rebate agency as service fee. Therefore, visitors actually enjoy a rebate rate of 9%.

How to Apply for Rebates:

1. Purchase goods in designated stores with the “Tax Free” sign. Claim the invoice and tax refund form.

2. Go to the tax refund agencies at the airport and present the refund form, invoice, passport or ID card as well as the purchased products. The officer will stamp on the refund form.

3. Go through the joint check procedure, head to the refund desk, have the materials examined and have the rebates back.

Beijing and Shanghai offer tax refunds to overseas tourists in July, 2015