In China, foreign tourists can return the money spent on shopping, the refund amount will be 11% of the total purchase price. Compensation becomes possible only if the purchases were made at the same trading establishment and their value exceeds five hundred yuan, which is about 80 US dollars. A VAT refund is possible if the period of stay in China does not exceed 183 days and all documentation will be completed within ninety days from the date of purchase.
What purchases are tax free: clothes, shoes, watches, jewelry, cosmetics, stationery, sporting goods, electronics, medical instruments, furniture. VAT refunds are only possible if the goods are presented at customs in their original packaging.
Where is shopping with tax free available?
In all stores where you can do shopping with the possibility of VAT refunds, it is customary to post relevant advertisements written in English and Chinese. Be prepared for the fact that there are few such stores in China and in most cases they are pavilions. In this case, the staff should be asked to provide a special check, which will need to be filled out carefully. If the seller does not speak English well, there may be serious difficulties in issuing a check.
Official sources indicate only a few places where the tax free system operates.
- You can contact Beijing Airport staff at Refund Point on the second floor of Terminal 3 and the Domestic Arrivals Hall, as well as on the first floor of Qinglan Hotel.
- In Shanghai, you can visit the institution at Nanjing Dong Road, 99.
- In Guangzhou, VAT refunds are possible if you contact the office located on the second floor of the Guangdong International Hotel.
- In Hong Kong, you need to contact the bank located at Des Voeux Road Central, 10.
Peculiarities of shopping and dining in China
In supermarkets and shopping malls, the prices of goods are fixed. Tax free does not work in markets and small shops, but you need to bargain, since sometimes you can negotiate a 50% discount. Keep in mind that tipping is not customary in China. If you wish, you can leave a tip in the amount of 10% of the established amount in cafes of large hotels and in restaurants.
