China Tax Refund for Tourists: How to Claim (2026)
Spend 200 yuan or more in a participating store and you can reclaim VAT when you leave China — sometimes on the spot. How the departure tax refund works.
- Minimum spend
- ¥200 in one store on one day
- Cash refunds
- Up to ¥20,000; larger amounts by bank transfer
- Who
- Foreign visitors staying under 183 days
- Look for
- “Tax Free” / 离境退税 signs in participating stores
How it works
China refunds VAT on goods bought by overseas visitors in participating “departure tax refund” stores. The minimum purchase was lowered from ¥500 to ¥200 per store per day in April 2025. Ask the shop for the refund application form and keep the official invoice (fapiao).
When you leave China, show the unused goods, form and invoice to customs at the departure port, then collect the refund at the refund counter. Refunds of up to ¥20,000 can be paid in cash; larger refunds go to a bank account.
Instant refund (refund upon purchase)
Many stores in major shopping districts now offer “refund upon purchase”: you receive the refund at the time of sale (secured against a card pre-authorisation) and complete the customs check when you leave. Policy updates in 2026 extended this service; according to Shanghai’s official guidance it can be completed in a different city from the purchase from 1 September 2026.
Before you go
- Passport (the shop records it).
- Refund application form and official invoice for each store.
- Goods unused and in your hand luggage for inspection.
- Arrive at the airport early to visit customs before check-in.
FAQ
How much tax do I get back in China?
The refund is a share of the VAT paid, minus a service charge. Depending on the VAT rate of the goods it is up to about 11% of the price, less any refund agency fee.
Related briefings
Sources
- Shanghai government — departure tax refund guide for overseas visitors
- Shanghai government — departure tax refund FAQ
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