Departure Tax Refund (VAT)
Get back 9-11% on in-store purchases over 500 CNY at 'Tax Free' stores - refund at the airport on departure.
The basics
Get back 9-11% on in-store purchases over 500 CNY at 'Tax Free' stores - refund at the airport on departure.
What qualifies?
Purchases on one day, in one tax-free store, over 500 CNY, kept unused, within 90 days before departure.
Where do I claim?
Customs counter BEFORE check-in (show goods), then the refund desk after security - allow 30 extra minutes.
Cash or card refund?
Both; Alipay/WeChat refunds are increasingly available at major airports.
Frequently asked
What qualifies?
Purchases on one day, in one tax-free store, over 500 CNY, kept unused, within 90 days before departure.
Where do I claim?
Customs counter BEFORE check-in (show goods), then the refund desk after security - allow 30 extra minutes.
Cash or card refund?
Both; Alipay/WeChat refunds are increasingly available at major airports.
Updated 2026-10-29