What you get back
Around 9% of the price you paid, for most goods.
The mechanics: the refund rate is 11% of the VAT-inclusive invoice for goods taxed at 13% VAT (8% for goods at the 9% rate), and the refund agency keeps a 2% service fee. So you net about 9%.
Note that this is a refund *out of* the price you paid, not a discount on top — budget around 9% back, not 13%.
Who qualifies
Foreign nationals, and residents of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, who have been on the Chinese mainland no more than 183 days continuously. A normal tourist comfortably qualifies.
The threshold is now ¥200
Since 27 April 2025, the minimum is ¥200 spent by one person, on one day, in one registered tax-refund store — down from ¥500. That change is what makes this worth bothering with for ordinary purchases rather than just luxury goods.
The store has to be a registered tax-refund shop. Look for the 退税 signage, or just ask: *"可以开离境退税单吗?"*
Two ways to claim
At the airport, the traditional way. Get the refund application form from the shop at the time of purchase, show the goods and paperwork to customs at your departure port, then collect at the refund counter.
In the store, immediately (即买即退). You sign an agreement, the store places a pre-authorisation hold on your credit card, and hands you the refund in cash on the spot. You still have to present the goods and paperwork at departure — if you don't, the hold is charged. This went nationwide in April 2025, and since 1 September 2026 an instant refund claimed in one city is recognised when you depart from another.
What changed in 2026
A package that took effect 1 July 2026 made this much less painful:
- Refund claims under ¥10,000 now go to random sampling for physical customs inspection — most travellers are no longer opened up and checked.
- Processing is fully paperless: electronic refund forms and electronic invoices.
Cash limit
You can take up to ¥20,000 back as cash per person — raised from ¥10,000 in the 2025 package. Above that it goes to a bank card or mobile wallet. Many agencies now pay out to Alipay or WeChat Pay directly.
What to bring to the airport
- The same passport you used at purchase
- The tax refund application form (electronic is fine now)
- The VAT invoice (electronic is fine)
- The goods themselves, unused and available for inspection
- Your boarding pass at the refund counter
The practical traps
- Customs verification happens before check-in if the goods are going into checked baggage. Arrive early — this is the step that catches people out.
- The refund counter is usually after security. Two separate stops.
- Used goods can be refused. Don't wear the jacket.
- Food and consumed alcohol don't qualify.
- Ask for the form at the till. It cannot be issued afterwards.