Visitors review information about the refund-upon-purchase service at the Hongqiao International Talents Service Center in Shanghai. [Photo/WeChat ID: hongqiaoshangwuqu]
To enhance the consumption experience for overseas visitors and foster a world-class business environment, Hongqiao International Talents Service Center has officially launched the “Instant Refund” service for departure tax refunds on overseas traveler purchases.
After shopping at designated tax-refund stores in Shanghai, overseas visitors can proceed to the centralized refund counter at Hongqiao International Talents Service Center to complete their tax refund procedures in advance. This allows overseas visitors to skip the queues at the airport departure tax refund counter when leaving China, saving both time and effort.
“Refund-Upon-Purchase” Service
The refund-upon-purchase service allows overseas visitors to receive the equivalent amount of their tax refund in renminbi on the spot when purchasing eligible goods at designated stores in Shanghai. To do so, visitors must sign a service agreement and complete a credit card pre-authorization.
Procedures
1. Required Documents
· Valid identification document of the overseas visitor
· Unused and unopened tax-refund items
· Departure Tax Refund Application Form and original purchase invoices
· A credit card in the visitor’s own name that supports pre-authorization.
2. On-site Processing
Sign the service agreement. Provide a credit card for pre-authorization.
3. Receive the equivalent amount of the actual tax refund in renminbi on the spot.
4. Departure Verification
Before departure, present the unused goods to Customs for inspection, then place the application form (bearing the Customs verification seal) into the dedicated mailbox located in the departure lounge, after clearing Customs and security. There is no need to wait in line at the tax-refund counter.
Eligibility
On the same day, the same overseas visitor must spend between 200 yuan ($29.26) and 222,200 yuan at the same store.
The goods must not have been used or consumed.
The visitor must personally carry or check in the goods when departing China via a Shanghai port within 28 days (inclusive) of the purchase date and within 183 days of their most recent entry.
The visitor has completed the purchase and obtained both the sales invoice(s) and the Tax Refund.
The visitor must hold a credit card in their own name that supports pre-authorization.
Service Information
Location
Service Counter A05
Hongqiao International Talents Service Center
1/F, Building G, Hongqiao Green Valley
No 69 Yonghong Road, Minhang district, Shanghai
Service Hours
Monday – Friday (Closed on public holidays)
09:00 – 11:30 am
01:30 – 04:30 pm
Source: Shanghai Hongqiao International Central Business District Administrative Commission
