China | Updated its Tax Refund Policy for International Tourists

China has updated its tax refund policy for international tourists, a positive move for tourism and it is shifting to a refund - upon departure model according to information provided by the STA, the State Taxation Administration.

In this way with the implementation of this change, international visitors can instantly claim VAT at free - stores, enabling them to reuse the refunded amount in real time for further shopping and tourism activities. 

VAT rebates have up to now only been available when flying out of the country and the policy shift was first trialled in airports of important Chinese cities such as Beijing, Guandong, Shamgai, Sichuan and Zhejiang.

STA said that it is now set for a nationwide rollout adding that the streamlined refund policy will enhance the overall shopping experience for international visitors.

Link - https://www.travelmole.com/news/china-streamlines-vat-refunds-for-foreign-travellers/