Paying
How does the China departure tax refund work?
Short answer
Spend above the minimum threshold at a participating store in a single day, ask for the tax refund form and keep the goods. At departure, show the goods and the form to customs before check-in, then collect the refund at the airport refund counter — cash or back to your card.
The conditions
- Minimum spend in one store on one day — the threshold is set nationally and is low enough for a single department-store visit
- The store must participate — look for the tax refund sign
- Goods must leave the country with you and be unused
- There is a time limit between purchase and departure
At the airport
Customs inspection comes before check-in for goods you are checking in, so arrive early. Have the goods, the form and the receipts together — inspects do happen, and they are quicker if everything is in one envelope.
After the stamp, go to the refund counter in the departure hall.
Cash or card
Cash is immediate; card refunds take days to weeks and sometimes never arrive if the card is closed. If the amount matters to you, take cash.
Related questions
What percentage do I get back?
The refund is a portion of the VAT included in the price — up to around 11% depending on the goods. The exact rate is printed on the form.
Can I claim for online purchases?
Generally no. The scheme applies to participating physical stores with the refund form issued at the time of sale.
What if I am leaving overland or by ferry?
Major land and sea ports have refund points too, but coverage is thinner — check your departure port before you rely on it.
Related guides
Verified 2026-09-11. Policies and booking channels change — check the official channel before you rely on it.
Get ChinaPass — these answers offline, with the phrase cards that work at the counter when your data does not.