China Rolls Out Nationwide On-Site Tax Refunds to Boost Inbound Tourism

(Yicai) April 9 — China will expand its instant value-added tax refund for foreign tourists nationwide to promote inbound travel and consumption.

When purchasing goods at designated stores across China, foreign tourists can obtain tax refunds on-site by completing a credit card pre-authorization, the State Taxation Administration announced yesterday. Upon departure, customs authorities will verify their identity and items to lift the pre-authorization.

This service was earlier piloted in Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. It was applied to overseas tourists, as well as travelers from China’s Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, who resided in the Chinese mainland for no more than 183 consecutive days.

Promoting this…