Shanghai Pudong International Airport has introduced new self-service departure tax refund facilities in cooperation with customs authorities, making it easier for overseas visitors to complete tax refund procedures before leaving China.

Smart tax refund checks

The new self-service facilities are located at Island F in the public departure area of Terminal 2.

Overseas visitors claiming tax refunds for purchases of 10,000 yuan (about $1,474) or less in a single transaction can use a self-service kiosk to check whether their purchases have been selected for inspection.

If no physical inspection is required, they can proceed with the refund process without manual customs inspection. If the system indicates that a physical inspection is required, visitors can complete customs verification at a smart verification terminal.

The new terminal provides real-time transcription and English translation during video calls, allowing travelers to communicate more smoothly during the verification process.

The system also supports paperless tax refund processing. If travelers do not have printed invoices, customs officers can retrieve the tax refund applications and invoice information already recorded in the system.

Easier payments

Pudong airport has also expanded payment services to provide a smoother experience for international visitors.

All airport merchants now accept international bank cards, including Visa and Mastercard, as well as Alipay and WeChat Pay.

Alipay's tap-to-pay service is available at nearly 240 duty-paid retail outlets, duty-free stores, and dining establishments. Visitors can tap their phones on the payment device without displaying a payment code.

Airport merchants also support combined payments, allowing customers to use remaining cash together with mobile payments or bank cards.

Currency exchange

For currency exchange, Pudong airport has two banks and 15 currency exchange counters across its two terminals, including two counters scheduled to open soon.

More than 40 currencies, including the US dollar, the euro, the British pound, and the Japanese yen, are available for exchange.

Customers can use cash, bank cards, and selected digital wallets for currency exchange. Visitors can also request a mix of large- and small-denomination banknotes.

Source: Shanghai Airport Authority