Traveling in mainland China just got more affordable – Exit tax refunds to expand nationwide by year-end

▲ Currently, only Hainan in mainland China has an exit tax refund policy. (Photo / from Rednet)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

On the 21st, China's State Council issued the "Several Opinions on Promoting the Reform and Development of Tourism," which includes expanding the scope of the exit tax refund policy for overseas travelers' purchases to all eligible regions across mainland China. Specific measures will be announced by the end of December. It is expected that foreigners purchasing goods worth 800 RMB (approximately 4,000 TWD) or more at designated stores may be eligible for partial tax refunds.

China's exit tax refund policy applies to foreigners (including those from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau) who have resided in mainland China for no more than 183 consecutive days. If they purchase tax-refundable goods worth 800 RMB (approximately 4,000 TWD) or more at the same tax-refund store on the same day, and leave the country within 90 days of purchase, they can receive a partial refund of the taxes paid on those goods.Currently, only Hainan has been piloting this policy since 2011.

In addition, under the premise of effectively implementing the supervision of inbound and outbound travelers' luggage and goods, mainland China will also study the feasibility of adding new duty-free shops at entry ports. The country has also proposed multiple measures aimed at expanding tourism shopping consumption. These include implementing the China Tourism Commodity Brand Construction Project; preserving and promoting time-honored brand heritage; encouraging localities to introduce recommended lists of tourism commodities; as well as supporting the development of specialty commodity shopping zones, providing convenient services such as finance and logistics, and fostering shopping tourism.