Beijing has launched the first batch of centralized tax refund points, offering a pilot "Buy Now, Refund Now" service for efficient departure tax refunds for overseas travelers.
In a fresh move to boost inbound spending, China unveiled a new set of measures on April 27 to further optimize its departure tax refund policy to improve the shopping experience of overseas travelers.
The minimum purchase threshold for departure tax refunds has been lowered, allowing overseas travelers to apply for a refund if they spend at least 200 yuan (about 27 U.S. dollars) at the same store on the same day and meet other relevant requirements, according to a circular jointly issued by the Ministry of Commerce and five other government departments.
So far, Beijing has a total of three centralized tax refund points providing "Buy Now, Refund Now" service, along with 16 large comprehensive shopping malls offering the instant refund service.
The upper limit for instant departure tax refunds has been raised from the previous 50,000 yuan (about 6,925.3 U.S. dollars) to 220,000 yuan (about 30,471.34 U.S. dollars), which means that foreign tourists can instantly receive tax refunds on purchases of up to 220,000 yuan after completing a credit card pre-authorization.
Overseas tourists can claim tax refunds on site at a centralized refund point with a tax refund application form issued by any departure tax refund store in Beijing.
"The fact that it's here the shopping mall and all you do is go downstairs and it's very fast and easy, and I don't have to wait in the long line at the airport, which was really nice," said Jordan, American tourist.
Driven by the new policy of departure tax refund, sales at some shops have also seen growth in recent times.
"In May, sales increased by about 20 percent compared to April. Over 90 percent of foreigners usually claim a tax refund," said Gao Deyao, deputy manager of DJI Flagship Store at Beijing China World Mall.
"We currently have over 100 brands in our shopping mall that offer tax-free shopping. Next, we will centrally declare the stores that meet the tax-free requirements and assist them in communicating with the tax authorities," said Cui Peng, operation manager of Beijing China World Mall.
China started to implement the departure tax refund policy for overseas travelers in 2015. Since its implementation, the scale of departure tax refunds has grown year by year, benefiting an increasing number of overseas travelers.
Beijing launches first batch of centralized tax refund points for overseas tourists
A major port in northern Venezuela came under U.S. airstrikes in the early hours of January 3, which caused extensive damage to civilian infrastructure, destroyed critical medical supplies in a warehouse, and severely impacted centuries-old cultural heritage sites, according to local residents.
The La Guaira Port, a vital hub for imports that support daily life in the region, was heavily damaged during the attack.
Large quantities of medical supplies stored at the port were destroyed. A historic cultural building dating back for some 300 years was also badly damaged by the bombardment.
Residents living near the port recalled the terrifying scenes as explosions shook nearby neighborhoods.
Humberto Bolivar, who lives in a community separated from the port by only a main road, said the blast waves shattered his home's windows, while stray shrapnel struck the water tank on his roof. According to reports, three missiles were fired at the port that night.
Bolivar said that beyond material losses, he is most concerned about the psychological impact on his children, who remain too frightened to leave their home days after the attack.
"The United States invaded our country. The children were frightened. This is not good for them, because it leaves some children with psychological trauma. They do not want to go to school or leave the house, because they are afraid that something worse might happen. We truly do not want this to happen to our country," he said.
Apart from civilian facilities, local cultural heritage site was also affected.
The La Guaira state government building, a structure with nearly 300 years of history and once served as the site of Venezuela's first national customs office, was struck by the force of the explosions.
Windows of the building were shattered, and furniture scattered across the floor.
"As people of La Guaira, we feel deep pain. Our cultural heritage has been bombed. We are living in constant anxiety and suffering, and life can no longer be the same as it was before," said a local named Henry Cumares.
The U.S. side has claimed the airstrikes targeted warehouses allegedly used to store narcotics. However, locals refuted such accusation.
"According to what Donald Trump said, they bombed this place using the excuse that the warehouses here were used to store drugs at the port. But based on the video released by our governor, these warehouses that were burned contained medicine for kidney patients and foods. Many people depend on these supplies to survive. I think the bombing is extremely despicable," said a local resident named Alejandro Capriles.
US strike hits Venezuelan port, wrecking medical supplies, heritage building
