China Tax Refund Guide – Claim VAT as a Tourist
Hi friends! 👋I just got back from China – and wow, I’m still buzzing from all the shopping! From skincare and fashion to snacks and tech gadgets, China is truly a shopper’s paradise. But here’s something many Malaysians might not know you can actually get a tax refund on some of your purchases! That’s right – through China’s Tax Refund Scheme, you can claim back the VAT (Value-Added Tax) on eligible items bought at participating stores.
Let me walk you through everything you need to know – from how the tax system works to how to claim your refund like a pro. Grab your phone or a notepad, because this guide could save you some serious yuan! 💴💡
🧾 Tax Refund and Exemption in China
When shopping in China, price tags typically include VAT (Value-Added Tax), which is usually around 13% and applies to most goods and services.
But here’s the good news: Tourists can get a refund on this tax for eligible items purchased at approved tax-free stores. 🙌
This means:
✅ More budget for your next bowl of hotpot or street snacks 🍲
✅ More skincare from top Chinese and international beauty brands 💆♀️
✅ And more unique souvenirs to bring home for family and friends 🎁
💡 Value-Added Tax (VAT) in China
China's Value-Added Tax (VAT) is generally 13%, and it applies to most consumer goods, including:
👗 Fashion & apparel
💻 Electronics & gadgets
💄 Beauty products & skincare
🍫 Snacks & packaged food
🧃 Non-alcoholic beverages
You might not notice it right away, but this tax can add up quickly—especially when shopping in major retail stores or shopping districts like Nanjing Road in Shanghai or Wangfujing in Beijing.
🧠 Tip: Always check whether the price displayed includes VAT. Some stores show both “tax-included” and “tax-excluded” prices, so it’s good to confirm before paying.
📜 The Current Tax Refund System – What’s Eligible in China?
In China, tax refunds for tourists generally fall under two main categories:
1. General Goods
This includes non-consumable items such as clothing, electronics, accessories, bags, toys, and souvenirs.
Conditions:
- Minimum purchase of CNY 500 (before tax) at the same store on the same day
- No maximum limit on spending
- Goods must be taken out of China within 90 days from the purchase date
2. Consumable Goods
Some consumable items like packaged food, cosmetics, supplements, and personal care products may also be eligible under the same store policy, depending on the shop.
Conditions:
- Must be unused and taken out of China in your personal luggage
- Products must remain sealed and in original condition
- Refund eligibility may vary between stores
⚠️ Not all stores process both categories the same way. Some treat general and consumable goods separately. Always ask the staff about the tax refund policy before purchasing.
✅ Tax Refund Conditions – Are You Eligible in China?
Here’s what you need to qualify for a tax refund in China:
✅ You must be:
- A non-resident of China (foreign passport holder)
- Staying in China for no more than 183 days
✅ You must:
- Present your original passport when making purchases (photocopies are not accepted)
- Spend at least CNY 500 in a single day at the same designated tax-free store
- Purchase items for personal use only – not for resale or commercial purposes
- Leave China within 90 days from the date of purchase
- Take the goods out of China in your luggage, unused and in original packaging
✈️ Customs may inspect your tax refund items at the airport before departure, so keep your goods, receipts, and passport easily accessible in your carry-on luggage.
Cheap Hotels in China
5 star
Good6877 Ulasan
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.55km dari pusat bandar
This is a luxurious hotel located in the heart of Beijing, featuring stunning European-style architecture. The hotel seamlessly blends elegant European design with a high-end, opulent atmosphere, making you feel as if you've been transported to Europe. Many of the staff members are bilingual in Chinese and English, which is incredibly helpful and convenient for foreign visitors.
The hotel's location is superb, offering excellent access to transportation, shopping, and major attractions. Overall, the stay was exceptional; everything from the ambiance to the service was impressive. It's a highly recommended hotel that I would gladly choose to stay at again.DariKRW 200,446
3574 Ulasan
Yansha Commercial Area Beijing|7.59km dari pusat bandar
Our stay was absolutely fantastic! The location is super convenient, and the room was spotless with really comfortable bedding. He Yao and Ya Ning provided genuine and attentive service. During our stay, the cleaning staff did an incredibly thorough job, even helping with laundry, which was a wonderful touch. The environment is pleasant, and overall, it's a solid choice – definitely no regrets. It was a very satisfying stay, and I wholeheartedly recommend it.DariKRW 88,616
5888 Ulasan
International Trade CBD/Chaoyang Joy City Beijing|4.64km dari pusat bandar
The hotel service was exceptionally thoughtful and attentive. The front desk staff were warm and polite, and check-in was super fast. The room was clean and tidy, and housekeeping was prompt and meticulous. Any requests were handled quickly. It was a comfortable and reassuring stay, and I'll definitely choose to stay here again!DariKRW 169,643
Outstanding6414 Ulasan
International Trade CBD/Chaoyang Joy City Beijing|2.63km dari pusat bandar
The location is quite good, about 600 meters from Exit B of Jianguomen Subway Station. However, be aware that this exit doesn't have an escalator or elevator going down, so if you have large luggage, you might want to avoid it.
The hotel service is very professional and thoughtful. Of course, it's rare for five-star hotels these days to help guests with their luggage. The Chang Fu Gong still offers turn-down service, which is a nice touch.
The hotel has a small garden. Although not large, it's well-designed, and you can take a stroll there, or enjoy the view from a window seat during breakfast. The breakfast selection is quite comprehensive and the food is good, but it would be even better if there were some daily variations. I stayed for three consecutive days, and the menu was pretty much the same.
The hotel facilities are a bit dated, but they are very well-maintained and convenient to use. The toilets have been upgraded with washlets, which is a plus. The hygiene is excellent.DariKRW 149,107
Outstanding7485 Ulasan
China International Exhibition Center Area Beijing|7.13km dari pusat bandar
As someone who frequently travels to Beijing for business, this was my first time staying at the Metropark Hotel. Upon entering the lobby on the third floor, you can still sense the hotel's former grandeur and prestige. The room was spacious and comfortable, offering a great view. The hotel breakfast was plentiful and delicious. Its excellent location and convenient transportation make it a great choice for both business and leisure travelers. A special thanks to Manager Liu Shujun at the front desk; she upgraded my room upon hearing it was my first stay. It was a fantastic experience, and I'll definitely be returning to Metropark on my next business trip to Beijing.DariKRW 118,527
Very Good2542 Ulasan
International Trade CBD/Chaoyang Joy City Beijing|4.46km dari pusat bandar
The concierge in the lobby was very professional and the front desk processed check-in quickly. Although some of the room facilities are a bit dated, the bedding was very comfortable. The bathroom amenities were nice to use. For an executive room, it would have been even better if the bottled water provided was mineral water. The food and drink selection at the executive lounge was good, and the service staff were very warm and attentive. It takes a bit of time to get to the subway from the hotel, so if you have luggage, I'd recommend taking a taxi for more comfort. Despite being an older hotel, the overall service details totally live up to a five-star standard. Most importantly, the view from the room is truly amazing, directly facing the CCTV tower – a truly unique experience!DariKRW 211,161
Outstanding5192 Ulasan
International Trade CBD/Chaoyang Joy City Beijing|4.7km dari pusat bandar
We stayed here during the May Day holiday, and it was quite busy. There was a minor hiccup initially: I had requested a room with a good view when booking, but upon arrival, the designated 13th-floor room with a view wasn't ready. They offered a 11th-floor room with a fire door instead. The front desk staff was very accommodating, saying I could change rooms anytime if I wasn't satisfied. The 11th-floor room did offer a view of the CCTV Tower, but having an internal door made me feel a bit uneasy, so I asked to switch again. They then arranged a quiet room on the 19th floor. The staff throughout this process were incredibly friendly, and their service was prompt and excellent. The room itself was simply decorated but had great facilities, and the water pressure was strong. Even with the May Day crowds, food deliveries were quite timely. The only downside was the exorbitant parking fee. It's 10 yuan an hour for underground parking with no cap. After one night, my parking bill came to 225 yuan. Compared to the room rate of over a thousand, the parking fee was quite painful. Those who need parking should be prepared!DariKRW 234,375
Outstanding2294 Ulasan
Wangjing Area Beijing|10.18km dari pusat bandar
Always a pleasure to come back to EAST. Everything is on point, above all for late check in. It went as quick as before. I was in my room in no time. I loved the food menu, simple but very tasty. I tried the swimming pool this time, mind blown away. Really amazing experience swimming in that pool. They got a steam room and sauna. The hotel is very minimalist when you compare it to other hotels. But the comfort and location is unparalleled. Attached to the indigo mall and subway. I am using DD a lot and from the hotel everything seems short distance. Rooms are as shown on the pictures. Bed are very comfortable. I like the options on their menu. It’s also easy to order from outside providers or just go next door to the mall.DariKRW 128,125
Business travel
Good10421 Ulasan
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|0.86km dari pusat bandar
One of the best things about this hotel is the location. The subway station is just a few steps from the lobby. Since it’s on Line 2, we could easily reach most major sightseeing spots in Beijing without any hassle.
The hotel staff is well trained, very polite, and most importantly, helpful, especially the front desk staff, 嘉鑫, who helped us solve many problems with professionalism and efficiency. Big shout-out to her!
The luggage storage service is also very convenient. We used it after check-out so we could still explore around Beijing before heading to the airport. The process was smooth and hassle-free.
However, there is one area that could be improved to make the hotel even better: dining. Every day when we went to the dining hall for lunch around 11 a.m., we were told to wait in line for at least an hour. Because of this, we ended up relying on ******* delivery for most of our lunches. The delivery locker system was very helpful, since the restaurant clearly has limited capacity and cannot accommodate all hotel guests during peak time.
Overall, it was a very pleasant stay with great facilities and service. Totally worth the price.DariKRW 100,893
Very Good3511 Ulasan
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.62km dari pusat bandar
Why did I come to Beijing? Because I managed to snag a ticket to Mayday's concert on the evening of May 16th. Originally, I was thinking of doing a whirlwind trip, arriving Saturday morning and leaving Sunday night. But since I was already here, shouldn't I visit places like the National Museum and the Forbidden City? So, I ended up booking for three nights. Although the hotel is a bit old, the overall cleanliness was good, and the staff were very friendly and efficient. The hotel's location is pretty central, making it super convenient for getting around, and there are plenty of food options nearby. There's a 7-Eleven right across the street, and a Starbucks and McDonald's just a short walk away. My overall stay was really pleasant. The room even had an air purifier. The only downside was that the air conditioning was a bit noisy. I booked a room in the annex, and coming out of the elevator, I noticed the carpet colors were different on each side, which made me wonder if the other side was the main building. All in all, it offered great value for money.DariKRW 118,304
Outstanding11305 Ulasan
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.25km dari pusat bandar
I was extremely disappointed in this hotel due to my room smelling like smoke / cigarettes, poor sound proofing, and the front desk staff soliciting good reviews and asking me not to leave a negative review during checkout. I picked this hotel based on the good reviews and the fact that they are trying to stifle bad reviews makes one completely lose faith in the review system. Details below:
I booked the jiangnan room (room 8531) and when I first got into the room it smelled like smoke and cigarettes. I requested for them to clean it and was surprised when they were done cleaning an hour later… which tells me that they most likely don’t have a proper procedure to clean after smoke (they just sprayed perfume it seems). I requested they do a more thorough clean of my room and they sent me to a new room, which also smelled like cigarettes and smoke. This was troubling because the second room was the themed room and was supposed to be for little kids. After one night, I returned back to my original room.. and unfortunately it still smelled like cigarettes and did so for the 5 nights that I stayed there.
I realized that ventilation is most likely shared across rooms because every day, my room smelled like cigarettes. So if someone smokes in their room, it affects the rooms around them.
Another thing was that sound proofing is not good as you can hear if someone else is showering or flushing their toilet. The second night there, I heard the water run for hours and I finally went to the lobby to get earplugs because I could not sleep.
Lastly, during checkout, I was highly discouraged from leaving a negative review. They asked several times to rate them highly and if I could not do so, to not leave a review. They asked to see my order from trip.com and when I asked why, they said they were going to take the survey… it seemed like they were going to give themselves a good review on my behalf. They then offered a small discount so that I would not leave a negative review, which I didn’t consent to. They told me that bad reviews would cause trouble for the front desk…. Shame on the owners because these issues are not going to be solved without major renovations and are not due to the staff.
The front desk staff and cleaning staff for the most part, were lovely and doing their jobs. But they cannot do anything if the structure of the hotel itself is fundamentally flawed.
I would absolutely not stay in this hotel again.DariKRW 125,223
Good6758 Ulasan
Qianmen, The Temple Of Heaven and Chongwenmen Beijing|1.02km dari pusat bandar
The hygiene and overall environment were decent, and the view was okay. However, two things happened during my stay that were quite frustrating…
The hotel's humidifier suddenly started leaking severely, like a waterfall cascading down the edge of the table. I called the front desk, and they said they would send someone to fix it. I waited for about seven or eight minutes, but no one showed up. During this time, the floor got completely soaked (p5p6). Finally, I called again to follow up, and the front desk sent a cleaning lady. She said it was because the person who filled it earlier didn't do it properly, and then the hotel just dropped the matter.
Sunday, around 6 PM:
The hotel and the convenience store are connected, and the door was open. After buying some things, I thought I'd enter the hotel through there, but found it blocked off by a cloth strip.
Just then, a plump male staff member came over and told us off, saying we couldn't pass through there and hotel guests couldn't enter from that side, and we had to use another door and go around. We asked which door, and he sarcastically replied, “Don’t you know which door you came in from?” His whole demeanor was contemptuous, with that kind of expression “😒”!
If we can't enter, couldn't he just say so nicely? For a five-star hotel, is this the kind of staff quality you have? And isn't he in the service industry? Why did he have to ask us if we knew, with that extremely sarcastic tone the whole time 🙄
It truly felt like I paid to suffer. I won't be staying here again…DariKRW 108,482
1739 Ulasan
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.47km dari pusat bandar
For a two-night stay during the Children's Day holiday in Beijing, we chose the Peace Hotel in Jinyu Hutong. It perfectly fit our itinerary, offering views of the Forbidden City from the hotel, and incredible value for money!
📍 Location
The hotel is situated at Jinyu Hutong No. 3, right next to Wangfujing Pedestrian Street and the Jinyu Hutong subway station on Line 8, next to a Lego store – super convenient! The next morning, it was easy to bike to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.
In terms of price, among the many luxury hotels in the vicinity, this one was remarkably affordable and offered excellent value. Seriously, there are so many high-end hotels nearby, like the Waldorf Astoria, The Peninsula Beijing, and The Regent, among others. We even got an upgrade to a room one floor below the executive lounge.
Food, Drinks & Shopping
Being so close to the Wangfujing commercial district and various major hotels, shopping was a breeze. Directly opposite the lobby bar on the ground floor is Chanel at The Peninsula Beijing. Further south, you'll find a cluster of luxury car dealerships like Rolls-Royce. One block north are Intime in88 and APM, where you can find trendy spots like Zhuye Bubble Tea and well-known chain restaurants. We ordered Heytea delivery two nights in a row and had lunch at APM both days! Across the street at Macau Center, there's a Peet's Coffee and McDonald's.
On a side note, let me mention some clear drawbacks: the hotel is visibly old. If this is a concern for you, consider it carefully. A prime example is the air conditioning, which has yellowed manual dial controls [facepalm emoji], giving it a rather retro feel. However, the location and views are truly unbeatable! The lobby is very bright and well-lit, making it quite comfortable.DariKRW 137,723
Very Good12721 Ulasan
International Trade CBD/Chaoyang Joy City Beijing|2.52km dari pusat bandar
I stayed at the Sofitel last year, and I chose it again this year because of my excellent previous experience. I messaged Manager Li in advance on WeChat, and everything was perfectly arranged. They upgraded us to a quiet room on a higher floor with a view of the China Zun. I also realized the subway station is actually less than a five-minute walk away, which I didn't notice last time! Taking a taxi around the Second Ring Road is really slow every day. Plus, Ziguangyuan and Scitech are right behind the hotel, so the surrounding amenities are pretty good. The only thing the room really needs is an upgrade to smart devices; otherwise, everything else was great!DariKRW 190,402
Outstanding7126 Ulasan
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.28km dari pusat bandar
Excellent location! You can walk to the Forbidden City and the National Art Museum of China. Next door is Siji Minfu Roast Duck (delicious!) and Tong Ren Tang, where I bought some skincare products. The room was clean, the service was great, and the front desk staff were very friendly. Before I left, they even gave me some Daohuacun snacks. Thank you all!DariKRW 115,848
Outstanding3685 Ulasan
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.72km dari pusat bandar
The room was clean and tidy, the bedding was soft and comfortable, the service was warm and attentive, and the location was convenient. Great value for money, highly recommend!
Fantastic stay! Check-in at the front desk was efficient, the room was spotless, and the soundproofing ensured a peaceful night's sleep. The staff were thoughtful and meticulous, the amenities were comprehensive, and getting around was easy. I'll definitely choose this place again.
The hotel's location is excellent with convenient transportation. The room was quiet and clean, perfect for both work and rest. The service was professional and efficient, and the breakfast was rich. Overall, a perfect experience – my top choice for business trips.
The entire experience exceeded my expectations! It was clean, the environment was elegant, the service was attentive, the bedding was comfortable, there was plenty of hot water, and the soundproofing was good. There were plenty of dining options nearby, and the value for money was incredible. I truly recommend it!DariKRW 168,527
Breakfast
Good2551 Ulasan
Wangjing Area Beijing|10.16km dari pusat bandar
1. The female staff member at the front desk was so cold during check-in; she didn't even greet me, kept her head down, and barely spoke a word. I won't mention her name tag, but I hope this improves.
2. The restaurant staff were very nice, but the breakfast was truly terrible. The selection didn't change at all over my three-day stay, and there was hardly anything to eat.
3. The room was spacious and comfortable, but there were stains on the wallpaper in some areas.
4. It's been a long time since I've seen a five-star hotel that still puts plastic bags in its trash cans...DariKRW 179,241
Outstanding4312 Ulasan
International Trade CBD/Chaoyang Joy City Beijing|2.93km dari pusat bandar
The hotel's location is excellent, making it easy to get to all the major attractions in the city center. There are all sorts of restaurants nearby, so dining is super convenient, and McDonald's is very close. They have a free laundry room with a dryer, which is handy. Breakfast was good, although it did get quite crowded. What was really annoying was that they had a loudspeaker blaring out reminders, which nobody paid attention to anyway. With so many people already there, this just made everyone talk even louder, making the dining area really noisy and feel a bit cheap. I strongly recommend they stop playing those announcements.DariKRW 96,429
Outstanding2398 Ulasan
The Grand Canal CBD Beijing|21.34km dari pusat bandar
The room was spacious, clean, and tidy. What I liked most was the TV, which offered a wide variety of free TV series. Ordering takeout was also incredibly convenient (watching 'Dream of the Red Chamber' while enjoying bubble tea and braised dishes was just bliss). Although the hotel was a bit far from tourist attractions, it actually allowed us to take less popular routes, avoiding the crowds. This meant we had a good chance of getting a seat for the entire journey instead of standing, which was a huge relief (I honestly couldn't handle the crowded Beijing subway anymore during the last few days). Finally, a big shout-out to the front desk staff! The two ladies working on the evening of Jan 2nd and the afternoon of Jan 3rd were both gentle and enthusiastic. The hotel also provided excellent luggage storage service. Five stars! 💓💓💓💓💓DariKRW 40,625
Excellent14 Ulasan
Beijing Wtown/The Simatai Great Wall Beijing|109.66km dari pusat bandar
Very satisfied, the kids had a great time
Hygiene: Hygienic conditions are also very good
Environment: Full score for the environment
Service: Nothing except the phone at the front desk couldn't get through, and I also helped to make coffeeDariKRW 196,429
Excellent359 Ulasan
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.47km dari pusat bandar
To experience the authentic courtyard atmosphere, I specifically chose the hotel's Hutong Suite. Outside, Beijing was freezing, but as soon as I entered the room, I was instantly warmed. The bedding was incredibly comfortable, and in the evening, they even provided a complimentary wellness tea and special small snacks, which was a very thoughtful touch! In the morning, I also enjoyed the hotel's breakfast in-room dining service, recharging for the day in the ancient-style room. A special shout-out to Chloe and Willow, thank you for your warm and attentive service. I will definitely choose to stay here again next season!DariKRW 1,751,786
Outstanding886 Ulasan
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.12km dari pusat bandar
Youfang Hotel has an antique and charming decor, excellent hygiene, and clean, comfortable bedding. It's a safe and secure place to stay with children. The location is very convenient, close to Beijing's city center and JinYu Hutong subway station, making it easy to get around with elderly family members and kids. The hotel service deserves a perfect 10 out of 10; the staff are patient with children and attentive to guests. I'd definitely stay here again if I have the chance!DariKRW 85,938
Excellent2499 Ulasan
Alpine Skiing Centre/Horticultural Exposition Park Beijing|71.5km dari pusat bandar
Cleanliness: The room was spotless, tidy, and free from any unpleasant odors.
Service: The staff were warm, welcoming, and very attentive.
Facilities: Everything was well-equipped and easy to use. They even have a robot that delivers food to your room! The bed was incredibly comfortable, and the innovative clothes rack by the door was a nice touch.
Environment: The location is conveniently located with easy access to transportation, and parking is available.DariKRW 27,902
Outstanding3442 Ulasan
International Trade CBD/Chaoyang Joy City Beijing|6.06km dari pusat bandar
The room was clean and very comfortable. It was bright and airy upon entering, and they even gave us a free room upgrade, which was a really nice touch. The facilities were excellent and well-equipped. Breakfast offered a great variety of options too, and was quite plentiful. Most importantly, the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. Plus, the location is super convenient, being less than 200 meters from the subway station and right in the city center. Overall, a really great stay!DariKRW 106,920
🔁 Tax Refund Procedures – How to Claim It in China
Source: Kazim Abbasi & Co.
Here’s a simple breakdown of how to claim your tax refund in China:
🛍️ At the Store:
- Shop as usual at a designated tax-free store (look for the “Tax Free Shopping” sign).
- Inform the cashier that you would like to apply for a tax refund.
- Present your original passport during checkout. The store will issue a Tax Refund Application Form along with your official receipt.
- Keep the purchased goods unused and in original packaging – this is important for customs inspection later.
- Stay organised by keeping all your forms, receipts, and purchases in a separate pouch or folder.
🛫 At the Airport:
- Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight.
- Before checking in, go to the Customs Verification Counter in the departure hall.
- Present your passport, receipts, tax refund forms, and purchased goods for inspection.
- After customs approval, head to the Tax Refund Counter to receive your refund. Refunds may be given in cash (CNY) or refunded to your credit card, depending on the airport.
🧠 Tip: Not all airports offer the same refund process. It’s a good idea to check the airport’s procedures in advance and keep your goods easily accessible for inspection.
🏪 Duty-Free Shops in China – Where to Shop Tax-Free?
Here are some popular spots for tax-free shopping in China that tourists love:
👜 DFS Duty Free (Hainan / Beijing / Shanghai) – Offers a wide range of international luxury brands, beauty products, and designer goods
📱 Suning / GOME – Great for electronics, home appliances, and gadgets
💄 Watsons / Mannings – Pharmacy chains with skincare, cosmetics, and health supplements
👗 ZARA / H&M / local fashion boutiques – Affordable fashion and seasonal collections
🎁 Silk Market (Beijing) / Yuyuan Bazaar (Shanghai) – Ideal for souvenirs, tea sets, traditional crafts, and local specialties
🧠 Tip: Always ask, “Is tax refund available?” or look for signs like “退税” (tax refund) at the entrance or payment counter. Not all stores are part of the tax refund program, so it’s best to confirm before shopping.
🔥 China Tax Refund Tips
Source: Kanakkupillai
Here are some helpful tips I wish I knew before my trip – learn from my experience! 👇
🔖 Keep Your Passport Handy
You’ll need to show your original passport every time you make a tax-free purchase, so don’t store it too deep in your bag.
🗃️ Stay Organised
Keep your receipts, tax refund forms, and any product packaging together. A simple folder or pouch can help keep things neat for airport inspection.
🛍️ Plan Your Purchases
Try to make larger purchases at the same store on the same day to meet the CNY 500 minimum spending requirement.
⛔ Don’t Open Your Purchases
For tax refund eligibility, goods must remain unused and in their original packaging until you leave China.
📍 Airport Refund Counters Are Your Last Chance
If you miss out in town, most international airports in China have tax refund counters—just be sure to arrive early and complete the process before check-in.
📱 Use Translation Apps
Some staff may have limited English, so using apps like Google Translate can help avoid confusion during shopping or at refund counters.
💳 Use a Credit Card With No Foreign Transaction Fees
Using a card with zero FX fees helps you get better exchange rates and makes tracking your spending easier than using cash.
Flights from Kuala Lumpur to China
- Pergi Balik
- Sehala
KUL17:4525j 5m1 hentianPKX18:50Kuala Lumpur - Beijing|Jum, 19 Jun|Xiamen AirlinesPKX20:0520j 40m1 hentianKUL16:45Beijing - Kuala Lumpur|Sel, 23 Jun|Xiamen AirlinesKRW 384,100KRW 422,1009% off9% offKRW 422,100KRW 384,100- KUL17:4520j 55m1 hentianPKX14:40Kuala Lumpur - Beijing|Jum, 19 Jun|Xiamen AirlinesPKX20:0520j 40m1 hentianKUL16:45Beijing - Kuala Lumpur|Isn, 22 Jun|Xiamen AirlinesKRW 384,100KRW 422,1009% off9% offKRW 422,100KRW 384,100
- KUL17:4523j 10m1 hentianPKX16:55Kuala Lumpur - Beijing|Jum, 19 Jun|Xiamen AirlinesPKX20:0520j 40m1 hentianKUL16:45Beijing - Kuala Lumpur|Kha, 25 Jun|Xiamen AirlinesKRW 384,100KRW 422,1009% off9% offKRW 422,100KRW 384,100
KUL1:00 PM3j 5mTanpa hentiBJS2:00 PMKuala Lumpur - Beijing|Wed, Jun 24|Xiamen Airlines
BJS1:00 PM3j 5mTanpa hentiKUL2:00 PMBeijing - Kuala Lumpur|Wed, Jun 24|Xiamen AirlinesCari Penerbangan LainCari Penerbangan Lain
Tambang penerbangan yang dipaparkan dari ${{departCityName}} ke ${{arrivalCityName}} adalah berdasarkan harga purata daripada pelbagai syarikat penerbangan untuk 3 bulan seterusnya, mengikut pangkalan data Trip.com terkini.
💬 Final Thoughts – It’s Totally Worth It!
Shopping in China is already an exciting adventure, but getting a tax refund on top? That’s the real win 🏆. The process might seem a bit complicated at first, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature. If you’re planning a trip to China soon, I say: shop smart, shop tax-free! 🛍️✨ And remember, don’t forget your passport – and maybe leave some extra space in your luggage just in case. 😉
✈️ Book your flight to China now on Trip.com
🏨 Find the best hotel deals in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and beyond
📱 Grab a China eSIM for fast internet right when you arrive
Happy travels and enjoy your shopping spree across China! ❤️
FAQs: China Tax Refund
What is the Tax Refund Scheme for Tourists in China?
The Tax Refund Scheme allows eligible international tourists to claim a refund on the Value-Added Tax (VAT) paid on qualifying goods purchased at approved stores in China. This helps visitors save money on their shopping before leaving the country.Who is eligible to claim a tax refund in China?
Foreign visitors holding a valid international passport, staying in China for no more than 183 days, and departing from designated international airports are eligible to apply for a tax refund on eligible purchases.What is the minimum spend required to qualify for a tax refund?
You must spend at least CNY 500 in a single receipt at a participating tax-free store to qualify for the tax refund under the scheme.How and where can I claim my China tax refund?
You can claim your tax refund at designated Tax Refund Counters located at major international airports such as Beijing Capital International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. You will need to present your original passport, receipts, tax refund forms, and the purchased goods for inspection before departure.
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