If you’ve done some shopping in China, you may be able to claim back part of the tax when you leave. China’s tourist VAT refund scheme returns a percentage of what you spent on eligible goods. Here’s how it works.

Who qualifies

• Overseas visitors (including travellers from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan) who stay in mainland China for fewer than 183 days.
• You must buy from “Tax Free” designated stores — look for the sign or ask staff before paying.
• There’s a minimum spend (commonly around ¥200 in a single store on the same day) to qualify.
• Goods must be unused and taken out of the country within a set window (typically 90 days of purchase).

The refund is a percentage of the price (the VAT portion, minus a service fee), so expect to get back roughly 8–11% in practice.

Getting the paperwork in the store

1. Tell the cashier you want a tax refund before paying.
2. Show your passport.
3. They issue a Tax Free Application Form along with the receipt — keep both safe and don’t pack the goods deep in checked luggage.

Claiming at the airport

Do this at your final departure point from mainland China:

1. Go to the Customs counter before check-in (or as directed) with your passport, forms, receipts, and the unused goods available for inspection.
2. Customs stamps your forms.
3. Take the stamped forms to the tax refund counter (usually after security/immigration) to collect your money — by card or, sometimes, cash.

Tips

• Arrive early — refund desks can be slow, and you don’t want to miss boarding. (departure tips)
• Keep goods accessible — customs may want to see them, so don’t bury them in your hold bag.
• Bring every original receipt and form; photocopies won’t do.
• Refund rules and thresholds vary slightly by city, so confirm the local minimum when you shop.

It’s a little admin, but on a big purchase the refund is well worth the ten minutes.