Tax Refund Guide for Foreign Visitors

Learn about refund eligibility, procedures, and documents. Download the relevant guide below.

退税基本信息

What is departure tax refund?

Departure tax refund is a system that refunds value-added tax on eligible goods purchased in China by foreign travelers, if the goods are unused when leaving the country.

Who can get a refund?

  • Non-residents staying in China for no more than 183 days
  • Travelers with a passport or other ID when purchasing goods
  • Purchases that meet the qualifying product rules

What goods are eligible?

Usually includes apparel, luxury items, bags, cosmetics, and other eligible goods.

  • Clothes, shoes, hats, scarves, and other apparel
  • Watches and jewelry
  • Handbags and leather goods
  • Cosmetics and skincare products
  • Other eligible goods

Refund procedure

  1. Show your passport at a designated refund store
  2. Complete the refund documents at the designated location after purchase
  3. Submit the refund forms and goods to customs when departing
  4. Receive the refund by cash, card, or transfer

Tax refund guide documents

📄 Chinese guide

Departure tax refund guide — Chinese version

下载 PDF

📄 English guide

Departure tax refund guide — English version

下载 PDF

📄 Korean guide

Departure tax refund guide — Korean version

下载 PDF

National Taxation Administration multilingual versions are also available on the official website.