Who may qualify?
The policy applies to eligible overseas visitors who have resided in mainland China for no more than 183 consecutive days before departure. Purchases must meet the official store, goods, value and departure requirements.
04 · Shopping
Departure VAT refunds for visitors
Use recognised tax-refund stores, keep the goods and documents together, and confirm the departure port procedure.
Source-checked travel orientation · Reviewed 19 October 2026What should I keep?
Keep the passport used for the purchase, sales invoice, tax-refund form and unused goods available for inspection. Confirm that your departure port provides the service.
Shopping
Before you rely on this
- Ask whether the shop is an official tax-refund store
- Keep invoice, form and goods together
- Allow extra time at the departure port
Reviewed 19 October 2026
Official references
General travel information only. Rules, availability and individual eligibility can change; verify high-stakes details with the competent authority for your passport, date and itinerary.
WhatsAppScan with WhatsApp to message ChinaMaxxing
WeChatScan with WeChat