Who can claim
Foreign visitors who buy eligible goods at tax-refund-designated stores and take them out of China within the permitted period may claim a refund of part of the VAT. You need a passport, the store’s tax-refund form and the goods. Rules and minimum spend change; confirm at the shop.
At the airport
Go to the customs tax-refund desk before checking in the goods. Show the form, receipts, passport and unused goods. Customs stamps the form; then go to the refund counter or use the designated refund method. Arrive early: the desk can be slow and may be in a different terminal from your gate.
What reduces the refund
Service fees, currency conversion and ineligible items reduce the amount. Goods must be unused and in original packaging; opening or using them can disqualify the refund. Keep all receipts and the refund form.
Reality check
The refund desk is before check-in, and the queue can be longer than security.
Local tip: Keep goods unused and receipts in one envelope.
Step by step
- Shop at stores displaying the tax-refund sign.
- Ask for the tax-refund form and keep receipts.
- Do not use the goods before departure.
- Go to customs before check-in with passport, form and goods.
- Get the customs stamp, then claim at the refund counter.
- Keep a copy of the refund receipt.
Typical costs
| Item | Cost / note |
|---|---|
| Minimum spend | Varies; check the shop |
| Refund rate | A portion of VAT, minus fees |
| Service fee | Varies by refund operator |
Prices are indicative and change. Confirm with the official provider before paying.
Documents to prepare
- Passport
- Tax-refund form
- Original receipts
- Unused goods
Common mistakes
- Checking in goods before customs inspection
- Using the item before departure
- Missing the airport deadline
- Losing the form
If things go wrong
- If customs is closed, ask the airport information desk for the alternative desk.
- If the refund is less than expected, ask for the fee breakdown.
FAQ
Can I claim on food or services?
Usually only eligible goods, not services or consumed food. Check the list at the shop.
Can I claim after leaving China?
Some operators allow mail claims, but it is slower and rules vary. The airport desk is the standard route.
Money in China: the field guide
China is a mobile-payment economy with a cash safety net. The goal is not to find the one perfect app; it is to have two working payment paths and a small cash reserve.
Build a payment stack
Use Alipay or WeChat Pay as primary, the other as backup, a physical bank card as third, and a few hundred RMB as fourth. Test each before you depend on it. A card that works in a hotel may fail at a noodle shop; that is normal, not a crisis.
Understand the fees
Foreign cards can carry a 1–3% foreign-transaction fee, and ATMs add their own charges. When a terminal offers to charge you in your home currency, decline and pay in RMB; the conversion is usually worse. Keep receipts for refunds and tax claims.
Fraud and mistakes
Never share a payment QR code, SMS code or password. Do not let a stranger “help” you pay and then keep your phone. If a payment fails, stop after two attempts and switch method; repeated retries can lock the card. If you are overcharged, ask for the bill and dispute through the app or your bank.
Quick checks
- Two payment apps tested
- One physical card plus cash
- Bank told about travel dates
- No shared QR codes or SMS codes
- Receipts kept for refunds
Printable checklist
Print this page or save it as a PDF. Tick each item before you go.
- Passport
- Tax-refund form
- Original receipts
- Unused goods
- Shop at stores displaying the tax-refund sign.
- Ask for the tax-refund form and keep receipts.
- Do not use the goods before departure.
- Go to customs before check-in with passport, form and goods.
- Get the customs stamp, then claim at the refund counter.
- Keep a copy of the refund receipt.
This guide is a practical summary, not an official or legal document. Rules and prices change. Use the official links below, and confirm with the relevant authority or a qualified professional.
Last verified 2026-10-29. China Handbook is independent and not affiliated with any government. Information is provided for general guidance only.