How to get your instant in-store tax refunds in Guangzhou?

Whether you're in Guangzhou for travel or business, shopping is always a must. Now, overseas shoppers can receive tax refunds while shopping through an easy online process.
The number of foreigners coming to Guangzhou has increased since the 137th Canton Fair opened on April 15. Compared to the same period last year, the number of foreign travelers rose by 34.68%. The third and final phase of the fair will be held from May 1 to May 5.
On April 27, the Ministry of Commerce, along with five other government departments in China, announced new measures to optimize tax refund policies, making it even more convenient for foreigners traveling and shopping in China.
Key enhancements include lowering the minimum purchase threshold for tax refunds from 500 yuan to 200 yuan, increasing the number of tax refund stores, enriching the supply of tax refund goods, and enhancing the convenience of the tax refund process.
In 2024, inbound consumption by overseas tourists accounted for only about 0.5% of China's GDP, while inbound consumption in major countries worldwide accounted for between 1% and 3% of GDP. The tax refund rate for general goods, based on the value-added tax level, reaches 11%, which is equivalent to a 10% discount.
Leading the way is Taikoo Hui in Tianhe District, Guangzhou, the first location in South China to implement Instant In-store Tax Refund services.
After purchasing eligible goods and signing a simple agreement with a credit card pre-authorization, overseas travelers can immediately receive their tax refund without needing to wait until departure.
Moreover, Taikoo Hui has introduced an upgraded online service. Shoppers can now follow the instructions to access the mini-program on their mobile devices and, within as little as five minutes, receive the refund directly into their accounts—all without leaving the store.
After enjoying the refund, travelers must go through Customs Inspection and submit the original tax refund materials to the tax refund counter when departing the country. Failure to submit these materials will result in refund recovery procedures for the relevant credit cards.
To experience the full process and learn more details, we invite you to join GDToday's special stringer, Elina, as she visits the DJI Authorized Experience Store in Taikoo Hui and demonstrates the Instant In-store Tax Refund journey.
Guangzhou optimizes tax refund polices and improves inbound consumption convenience
Recently, Guangzhou has increased the number of tax refund stores and expanded the variety of tax refund goods. The city has introduced departure tax refund measures that enable travelers to receive tax refunds immediately upon purchase. Currently, 349 stores in Guangzhou offer tax refund services, with 10 pilot stores implementing the instant tax refund policy.

Taikoo Hui, a shopping mall in Guangzhou, has launched a one-stop online instant tax refund service for departing tourists, with twenty-five brand stores participating in the initiative. Tourists can upload purchase details and documents via their mobile phones at these stores to complete the tax refund process instantly and receive their refunds within five minutes.
Since the 137th Canton Fair opened on April 15, the average daily number of tax refund transactions in Guangzhou has reached a record high, increasing by 1.68 times compared to the same period last year. During the Canton Fair, one of Guangzhou’s eight consumption scenarios, the Guangzhou Shopping Carnival has become a highlight, offering global buyers a rich array of procurement events and personalized inbound travel products. Under this consumption initiative, Guangzhou has launched over 200 promotional activities, featuring numerous discounts and offers at major shopping centers.
Following the introduction of the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, Guangzhou has welcomed over 3 million inbound travelers, marking a year-on-year increase of 75%. Among them, 1.11 million entered visa-free, representing a 275% increase from the same period last year.

Guangzhou has enhanced payment convenience for inbound travelers, with over 15,000 key merchants supporting foreign card transactions. The city has also improved services for short-term visitors through the UnionPay Travel Pass card solution, allowing temporary visitors to register and use the card for mobile payments.

Reporter | Dai Bosi, Guo Chuhua

Video | Zeng Xiangxing

Photo | Guangzhou Municipal Commerce Bureau

Poster | Zeng Xiangxing

Editor | Hu Nan, James, Shen He

Special thanks to Tianhe District Office, Guangzhou Tax Service, State Taxation Administration of the People's Republic of China and the Institute for International Education, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies.

Source: GDToday