Since China introduced the nationwide "refund-upon-purchase" tax policy, shopping in Henan has become more convenient for international visitors. On August 29, the province launched its first "instant tax refund" service, allowing foreign tourists to claim rebates directly at the point of purchaseand making shopping more hassle-free and rewarding.
On the same day, Mr. Xu, a South Korean tourist, bought a DJI drone at Dennis David Plazain Zhengzhou's Jinshui district. With staff assistance, he received an on the spot tax rebate of over 500 yuan.
"Before, refunds could only be processed at airport duty-free shops. Now I can handle itright at a service desk in a downtown mall, and it only takes about ten minutes. It's soconvenient," Xu said. He mentioned he planned to use the rebate to buy a blind box or enjoy another meal of Henan cuisine.
Earlier this year, China upgraded its departure tax refund system for international visitors, introducing a "refund-upon-purchase" policyand rolling it out nationwide. According to the Henan Provincial Bureau of State Taxation Administration, the new model allows eligible tourists to receive refunds immediately at designated stores via credit card pre-authorization, with final verification drone by the customs upon departure. The key feature, "buy-and-refund", lets visitors get their rebates during the shopping process. This not only allows tourists to enjoy the benefits right on the spot, but also encourages repeat spending and boosts the city's international profile and appeal.
To make shopping easier for international visitors, Henan has selected Zhengzhou's Dennis David Plaza and Grand Emporium Plaza as the first pilot stores. Under the new system, shoppers can claim on-the-spot tax refunds for purchases worth up to 220,000 yuan, a move aimed at turning inbound tourist flows into increased consumer spending. (Chinese source: Henan Daily Reporter: Wang Ge, Jia Yongbiao and Li Qianqian Translator: Tang Jiaxin Proofreader: Zhao Hanqing)
