Tax refunds for tourists in China
Last verified 9 October 2026 against official sources.
Quick answer
Spend at least ¥200 in one participating store on one day and you can claim VAT back when you leave China. Many stores now pay the refund instantly. Since July 2026 the process is paperless and refunds work across provinces.
Who can claim
Overseas travellers who buy goods at participating “departure tax refund” stores and take the goods, unused, out of China.
The rules
- Minimum spend: ¥200 in the same store on the same day (lowered from ¥500 in April 2025).
- Instant refund: participating stores can pay the refund at the store. You provide a credit card for a pre-authorisation hold, customs checks the goods when you leave, and the hold is released.
- Standard refund: claim at the refund counter at your departure airport or port. Refunds up to ¥20,000 can be paid in cash; larger amounts by bank transfer.
What changed in July 2026
- Paperless: no paper forms or invoices.
- Claims under ¥10,000 get random spot checks instead of mandatory inspection.
- Instant refunds are recognised across regions — buy in one province and leave from another.
- The window to leave China after an instant refund is now 28 days nationwide.
Tips
- Ask for the tax refund at the till — staff will tell you if the store participates.
- Keep the goods unused and easy to reach at the airport in case customs asks to see them.
FAQ
What is the minimum spend for a tax refund in China?
¥200 in the same participating store on the same day.
Can I get the tax refund at the store?
Yes, at stores offering instant refunds. You give a card for a pre-authorisation hold, which is released after customs checks your goods at departure.
Sources
- Beijing Government — tax refund threshold lowered to ¥200 (April 2025)
- Shenzhen Government — instant tax refund nationwide (April 2025)
- State Taxation Administration — departure tax refund upgrade (May 2026)