Last checked: July 2026
If you shop in China as a foreign visitor, you may be able to claim a tax refund when you leave the country.
For some eligible goods, the final refund can be around 9% after fees. For example, if you spend about 1,000 US dollars on eligible items, you may get around 90 dollars back. The exact amount depends on the product category, tax rate, and service fee.
But one simple mistake can make you lose the refund completely: opening or using the goods before customs verification, or checking your luggage too early.
I’m Mr. Panda, your local friend in Guangzhou, China. This guide explains how China’s tourist tax refund works, what changed in the latest policy update, and what mistakes you must avoid at the airport.
Quick Answer: How Does China’s Tourist Tax Refund Work?
The basic idea is simple:
- Shop at an official tax refund store.
- Buy eligible goods.
- Get the tax refund application documents.
- Keep the goods unopened and unused.
- Before leaving China, go to customs verification at the departure airport or port.
- After customs verification, process the refund through the refund agency.
In some places, refund-upon-purchase may allow you to receive the refund earlier at the store, but you still need to complete the required departure procedures when leaving China.
Who Can Apply?
Foreign visitors can usually apply for China’s departure tax refund if they meet the rules. Residents from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan may also qualify under relevant rules.
One common basic rule is that your stay in mainland China should usually not exceed 183 consecutive days.
Always confirm current rules with the store, airport, and official local tax refund instructions.
Minimum Spending Requirement
The threshold is not only for luxury shopping.
A common rule is that the same visitor, on the same day, at the same official tax refund store, must spend at least 200 RMB on eligible tax-refundable goods.
This means you may qualify with electronics, clothes, tea, local gifts, or other eligible products if the store and goods meet the rules.
What Goods May Qualify?
Examples may include:
- Electronics
- DJI products
- Clothes
- Skincare or cosmetics
- Tea
- Local gifts
- Other eligible consumer goods
But not everything qualifies.
Items that usually do not qualify include:
- Duty-free shop items
- Restricted export items
- Goods that do not meet tax refund rules
- Items that have been opened, used, or consumed before customs verification
Before buying, ask two questions:
- Is this an official tax refund store?
- Can this specific item qualify for the tax refund?
Two Refund Methods
Foreign visitors should understand two main methods.
Method 1: Standard Departure Tax Refund
This is the traditional airport process.
You buy eligible goods at a tax refund store, keep the documents, and process the refund when leaving China.
The general flow is:
- Shop at an official tax refund store.
- Get the tax refund application form and invoice.
- Keep goods unopened and unused.
- Before checking luggage, go to customs verification.
- After customs confirms the goods and documents, go to the refund counter or machine.
- Receive the refund by the available method.
The most important point is this:
Customs first, luggage later.
If your goods are in checked luggage and you already checked the bag before customs verification, you may lose the refund.
Method 2: Refund-Upon-Purchase
Refund-upon-purchase means some stores can give you the refund earlier, at or near the time of shopping.
This sounds easier, but it does not mean you can ignore departure procedures. You still need to complete the required verification when leaving China.
Under newer policy upgrades, refund-upon-purchase is becoming more standardized and convenient in more places. But the exact process may vary by city, store, payment method, and refund agency.
Always ask the store what you must do before leaving China.
What Changed in the Latest Policy Update?
China has been upgrading departure tax refund services to make the process more convenient for overseas visitors.
Important changes and directions include:
- More convenient customs verification for some purchases
- More electronic documents and online verification
- Wider use of refund-upon-purchase
- More refund methods, including mobile options like Alipay and WeChat Pay in some places
- More standardized time limits for refund-upon-purchase procedures
This is good news for travelers, but the safest rule remains the same: keep your documents, keep your goods unused, and complete customs verification before checking luggage.
The Biggest Airport Mistake
The biggest mistake is checking your luggage too early.
If your refund goods are inside your checked bag, customs may need to inspect them before the bag is checked in.
So the safest airport order is:
- Arrive early.
- Keep refund goods accessible.
- Go to customs verification before luggage check-in if goods are in checked luggage.
- Get customs confirmation.
- Then check luggage or proceed with the refund process as instructed.
Do not open or use refund goods before customs verification.
Documents to Keep
Keep these items together:
- Passport
- Tax refund application form
- Sales invoice or receipt
- Eligible goods
- Payment card or account used if required
- Photos or digital backups of documents
Even if electronic documents are supported, paper documents and screenshots can still help when traveling.
Watch My Full Video Guide
If you prefer a step-by-step visual explanation, watch my full China tax refund guide here:
Final Tax Refund Checklist
Before leaving China, check:
- You bought from an official tax refund store
- Your goods are eligible
- Spending meets the minimum requirement
- You have the application form
- You have the invoice or receipt
- Goods are unopened and unused
- Goods are accessible before customs verification
- You go to customs before checking luggage
- You leave enough time at the airport
- You follow the refund agency’s instructions
FAQ
How much tax refund can tourists get in China?
For many regular goods, the final refund may be around 9% after service fees. The exact amount depends on the product and refund rules.
What is the minimum spending amount?
A common minimum is 200 RMB at the same official tax refund store, on the same day, by the same visitor, for eligible goods.
Can I open the goods before leaving China?
Do not open, use, or consume tax refund goods before customs verification. This can cause you to lose the refund.
Can I check my luggage first?
If the refund goods are in checked luggage, do not check the bag before customs verification. Customs may need to inspect the goods.
Is refund-upon-purchase the same as a store discount?
No. It may give you the refund earlier, but you still need to complete the required departure procedures.
Do duty-free items qualify?
Usually no. Duty-free items are already tax-free and normally do not qualify for the departure tax refund.
Should I arrive at the airport early?
Yes. Tax refund procedures can take time, especially if you bought expensive items or travel during a busy period.
Get the Rest of Your Trip Ready
The tax refund is a nice bonus, but it works best when the rest of your China setup is solid. Make sure payment and pre-trip preparation are done first:
If this is your first China trip, start with the full beginner guide here:
Start Here: First-Time China Travel Guide
You can also explore more practical China travel guides here: