China’s "Buy & Refund" tax rebate policy is a game-changer for international shoppers! Here’s your step-by-step guide to maximize savings on your purchases while exploring China.
🌟 What is "Buy & Refund"?
This policy lets you claim a 11% or 8% VAT refund 💰 on eligible purchases made at designated stores. The best part? You can get the cash immediately after shopping instead of waiting until departure!
📍 Where to Shop?
Look for stores with these official blue signs 🛑:
TAX FREE SHOP (general tax refund stores)
In-store Tax Refund Merchant (for "Buy & Refund" locations)
Popular spots include Shanghai’s Nanjing Road, Beijing’s SKP Mall, and Xi’an’s Bell Tower area.
🛒 Eligibility & Requirements
Passport: Must show your valid passport (stamped with entry date within 183 days) 🌍.
Minimum Purchase: ¥200 per store per day 💰 (down from ¥500 in 2024!) .
Items: Excludes prohibited goods (e.g., alcohol, tobacco) and tax-exempt items .
离境时间: Depart China within 90 days of purchase .
🚀 How to Get Your Refund
Step 1: Shop Smart
Ask for a Tax Refund Form 📄: At checkout, request the Tax Refund Application Form and keep your receipt.
Choose "Buy & Refund" Stores: Opt for shops with this service to get cash instantly .
Step 2: Immediate Cash at the Store
Verify Your Info 🔍: Staff will check your passport, purchase details, and scan your items.
Credit Card Pre-Authorization 💳: Swipe your card to secure the refund amount (no charges yet!).
Sign the Agreement ✍️: Confirm you’ll depart via the specified port within 17 days (varies by city) .
Receive Cash 🤑: Get your refund in RMB on the spot!
Step 3: Customs Check at Departure
Bring Your Items: Keep purchases unopened and unused for customs inspection 👮.
Stamp the Form ✅: At the airport/port, present your passport, Tax Refund Form, and items to customs. They’ll stamp it if everything checks out.
Drop Off the Form 📮: Deposit the stamped form in the designated mailbox or hand it to the refund agency.
Step 4: Finalize the Process
Credit Card Release: If you followed all steps, your pre-authorization will be canceled within 3 working days .
If You Missed Customs: The agency will charge your card, but you can still claim the refund later by submitting the stamped form .
💡 Pro Tips
Use International Credit Cards: Visa/Mastercard work, but check for currency conversion fees (usually 1–3%) .
Track Your Refund: Apps like Alipay 📱 offer instant refunds to your account (no Chinese number needed!) .
Avoid Last-Minute Hassles: Arrive at the airport 2 hours early for customs and Tax Refund Counter.
Maximize Savings:
Group Purchases: Combine receipts from the same store to meet the ¥200 threshold.
Cash vs. Card: Cash refunds cap at ¥20,000 ; larger amounts go to your bank.
📍 Top "Buy & Refund" Destinations
Shanghai: Nanjing Road’s New World Department Store .
Beijing: SKP Mall and China World Mall .
Xi’an: Bell Tower shopping district (newly expanded in 2025!) .
🚨 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Forgetting Customs Stamp: No stamp = no refund!
Throwing Away Receipts: Keep all documents until you leave China.
Exceeding Time Limits: Depart within 90 days of purchase.
📌 Final Checklist
✅ Passport + valid entry stamp
✅ Tax Refund Form + receipt
✅ Unused purchases
✅ Credit card for pre-authorization
✅ Departure within 90 days
With this guide, you’ll shop smarter and save big in China! 🛍️💸 Don’t forget to explore local markets and iconic stores—your wallet will thank you later!
Safe travels and happy shopping! ✈️✨