Shanghai's tax refund sales saw a year-on-year increase of 88.7 percent in the first 11 months of 2024.

According to the Shanghai Municipal Tax Service, over 73,000 international visitors have applied for departure tax refunds, nearly double last year's figure.

China's continuous efforts to ease visa-free transit policies contributed to the surge. The latest move came on Dec 17, when the National Immigration Administration announced that eligible international travelers can now stay for up to 240 hours.

According to Shanghai Border Inspection authorities at airports, over 7.6 million entries and exits have been recorded among foreign nationals, a year-on-year increase of 110 percent. Japan, South Korea, and the United States were the top countries of origin among travelers.

Shanghai has been upgrading the tax-free shopping experience for international tourists. This year, nearly 120 eligible stores were granted permission to offer departure tax refunds.

The city also pioneered an instant tax refund service in an effort to streamline the departure tax refund process. Eligible international visitors can bring their invoices and applications to claim the tax refund at one of six service stops.

Three new service stops for instant tax refund services have been introduced at the Jing An Kerry Centre, HKRI Taikoo Hui, and Bicester Village Shanghai.

Source: Shanghai Observer