Shanghai is making it easier for overseas visitors to shop and claim their tax refunds, with the first batch of self-service tax refund machines launched at the HKRI Taikoo Hui this summer.

The machines allow visitors to complete most of the "refund-upon-purchase" process in about five minutes, less than half the time needed at the regular counter.

Here's how it works: Visitors scan their passport, enter the refund information, print the Tax Refund Application Form for Overseas Visitors and sign an agreement.

A member of staff then processes a credit card pre-authorization for the expected refund amount. Visitors can choose their preferred refund method: cash, bank transfer, or Alipay, all in renminbi.

It's important to note the refund isn't finalized then. On the day of their departure, visitors must still present their purchases for customs inspection and undergo final verification by the tax refund agency. Only after this is completed will the credit card pre-authorization be released and the refund officially processed.

Thanks to these improvements, Shanghai has seen strong growth in tax refunds activities in the current year. From January to August, departure tax refund sales soared 84.6 percent year-on-year, while the total refunded amount increased 83.5 percent, both ranking first nationwide.

Sales through the "refund-upon-purchase" service jumped 27.3 times compared with last year, benefiting more than 80,000 visitors from 169 countries and regions.

Sources: Shanghai Observer, Official WeChat account of Shanghai Jing'an Media Center at "jaxwzx"