Departure tax refunds and instant refunds

Eligible visitors generally include overseas travellers who have stayed in the Chinese mainland for no more than 183 consecutive days. Confirm that the store issues or uploads the sales invoice and tax-refund application details, and keep available digital or paper records.

• Use valid identity documents matching entry records
• Keep goods available for possible inspection
• Save purchase and refund-application records
• Confirm that the departure port processes refunds

At participating stores, travellers may receive an advance after signing an agreement and completing pre-authorisation on their own credit card. Travellers must still complete the applicable departure checks; document verification may be digital, and physical goods inspection depends on the current rules.

• Use a card in the traveller's own name
• Leave within the agreed period and port conditions
• Incomplete verification may trigger the pre-authorisation
• 2026 measures simplified checks for some smaller claims