Shanghai tax refund tips

Introduction of tax refund

Shanghai initiated a tax refund policy on July 1, 2015, with the aim of improving the overseas tourists' shopping experience and encouraging higher overseas tourist numbers.

Overseas tourists who stay on the Chinese mainland for less than 183 days can claim back up to 11 percent on goods bought at designated department stores.

The minimum purchase for the rebate is 500 yuan ($79) at one store in one day. The refund is valid when the purchase is made within 90 days before departure.

Tax free shops

By the end of this September, Shanghai had a total of 371 tax free shops scattered across the city.

Procedures of tax refund

1. Choose shops with the "Tax Free" logo and buy goods;

2. Get the Foreign Tourists Shopping Tax Refund Application Form and VAT invoice when leaving the shops;

3. Prepare passport or other travel documents, tax refund application form, VAT invoice and purchased tax refund goods;

4. Find the Customs Verification Counter at the airport, submit the previously mentioned materials for check, and get custom stamps on tax refund application form;

5. Head to security check;

6. Find the Tax Refund Counter and present stamped tax refund application form, VAT invoice, passport or other travel documents to apply for refund from tax refund agencies;

7. Get the refund.

Shanghai has started a tax refund policy since July 1, 2015, allowing overseas tourists who stay on the Chinese mainland for less than 183 days to claim back up to 11 percent on goods bought at designated department stores. [Photo/WeChat account: shanghaitourism]