Foreign visitors are reaping the rewards of China's instant tax-refund system which has been recently rolled out nationwide, with the streamlined services bringing greater convenience to customers from overseas and enhancing their overall shopping experience.
In early April, China's State Taxation Administration introduced the refund-upon-purchase policy across the nation, allowing foreign tourists to instantly claim value-added tax (VAT) rebates at participating stores rather than having to wait until just prior to their departure from the airport.
In Beijing, over 1,000 tax-free stores across the city are involved in the initiative, offering everything from time-honored brands, luxury goods, the latest digital products, and an array of cultural and creative items.
Eligible overseas tourists who purchase products valued at more than 200 yuan (around 28 US dollars) at the same tax-free store on the same day can obtain a VAT invoice and a tax refund application form, allowing them to choose to receive an instant refund.
At the China World Mall in Beijing's bustling CBD, which is home to over 100 tax-free stores, foreign visitors can head to a dedicated service counter to claim back their instant tax refunds.
"We've marked all eligible tax-refund retailers on all of our digital signage screens. Moving forward, China World Mall will gradually assist all qualified retailers in applying for departure tax refund eligibility," said Cui Peng, manager of the operations department of China World Mall.
The procedure requires tourists to present valid documentation and provide a credit card pre-authorization guarantee, which will later be approved and returned with a customs verification stamp at the airport so long as they depart China within a 17-day period.
Operators of the tax-free stores said the improved tax refund system has helped to bring in even more foreign customers and given a major boost to business.
"Our conversion rates have improved, and we've seen an increase in visits from foreign customers. At peak times, we process over a dozen transactions with foreign customers per day. The upgraded tax-refund system has further enhanced operational efficiency," said Guo Shaogang, store manager for tech and electronics firm DJI's China World Mall branch.
"After speaking with our staff, customers can complete their tax-refund applications right away. The streamlined instant tax refund process offers greater convenience," said Guo Shaogang, a staff member for the Wuyutai Tea Shop located in the popular Wangfujing Street commercial district.
Foreign travelers visiting Beijing have also hailed the improvements in the tax-refund procedure, with many happy to have extra cash to immediately spend on other potential purchases.
"Foreigners can save money when they travel in China, I think they will be very happy about this," said one visitor.
"A lot of Americans are scared to come to China. I think that [the tax refund system] would probably increase tourism. It would be really good for tourism in the country," said another tourist at a shopping mall.
"Tax free is a really good option for people to buy more. At the end of the day, the more you buy, the more they make, so I think tax-free options are really good for people who want to purchase," said another visitor.
China's upgraded tax refund policies attract foreign visitors, stimulate purchases
