China Tax Refund (退税, tuì shuì) for Visitors
Foreign tourists can claim back the value-added tax (增值税, zēng zhí shuì) on many goods bought in China. The paperwork used to be a hassle; a newer instant-refund option makes it almost painless. Here is what you need to know for 2026.
Last updated: January 2026 — reflects the latest departure tax-refund rules and the instant-refund (即买即退, jí mǎi jí tuì) option.
Who qualifies
- You are a foreign visitor (not a Chinese resident) leaving the country with the goods.
- The shop displays the tax refund (退税, tuì shuì) sign or is a registered refund store.
- You spend above the per-store minimum in a single day (typically around ¥500 at one shop).
- Goods are taken out of China within 90 days of purchase, unused.
Instant refund vs. airport refund
There are now two ways to get your tax refund (退税, tuì shuì):
- Instant refund (即买即退, jí mǎi jí tuì) — at participating malls, the refund is paid to your Alipay (支付宝, zhī fù bǎo) or card on the spot, at the time of purchase. Fastest, and you get the money before you fly.
- Airport refund (离境退税, lí jìng tuì shuì) — you collect a refund form at the shop, then claim at the customs (海关, hǎi guān) desk and refund counter before departure. Slower, but works at any registered store.
If the shop offers instant refund, take it — it removes the airport queue entirely.
Step by step (airport refund)
- At the shop, ask for a tax refund form (退税单, tuì shuì dān) and show your passport. Keep the form and the receipt.
- On departure day, keep the goods unused and with you.
- Before check-in, find the customs (海关, hǎi guān) desk; an officer stamps your form (sometimes they inspect the goods).
- Take the stamped form to the refund counter and choose cash (现金, xiàn jīn), Alipay (支付宝, zhī fù bǎo), or card.
- Allow extra time — the desk can have a queue during peak flights.
How much do you get back?
The standard refund rate is around 11% of the purchase price after the tax is removed, minus a small service fee. On a ¥1,000 item you typically walk away with roughly ¥90–100 back. Luxury and department-store purchases benefit most; very small buys may not clear the minimum.
Rates and minimums are set by the tax refund operator and can change, so treat the in-store sign as the source of truth.
Estimated refund at 11%: ¥—
Net you likely receive (~9%): ¥—
Estimates only. Real rates, minimums (often ¥500 per store) and per-day limits change; the refund agent keeps a commission. Keep your invoice (发票, fā piào) and receipt (收据, shōu jù). See our full Tax Refund guide for the step-by-step.
FAQ
Can I get a refund on food or services?
No. Tax refund (退税, tuì shuì) applies to physical goods taken out of the country — not hotels, meals, or tours.
What if I miss the customs (海关, hǎi guān) stamp?
Without the stamp the refund is rejected, so do customs before check-in, not after. Build in buffer time at the airport.
Do I need the goods in my hand luggage?
Customs can ask to see them, so keep high-value items accessible rather than deep in checked bags.
Tax refund (退税, tuì shuì) rules, rates and the list of participating stores change. Confirm current eligibility and the instant-refund option with the shop and the tax refund operator before you buy.