International visitors to Shanghai will have more convenient access to departure tax refund services during the ninth China International Import Expo, as the Bank of China Shanghai Branch introduces self-service tax refund machines at the exhibition venue and along Nanjing Road.

As one of Shanghai's authorized tax refund service agencies, the branch has established a dedicated tax refund service area at its booth in the Central Square of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). Visitors can use self-service tax refund machines to complete the application process in as little as three minutes per transaction.

The branch has also partnered with China Telecom Shanghai to upgrade public phone booths on Nanjing Road by installing self-service tax refund machines inside them. These new facilities provide international visitors with an additional convenient location to access tax refund services while shopping.

The services at these locations cover only the application stage of the tax refund process. Visitors must still complete customs verification and any required follow-up procedures at their departure port before leaving China to finalize their tax refund.

The branch is also expanding its payment and currency exchange services for international visitors. With nearly 260 outlets across Shanghai, it offers exchange services for 36 foreign currencies. More than 20 self-service foreign currency exchange machines are located at key locations, including Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, major hotels serving international visitors, and the CIIE venue. The branch also collaborates with more than 140 authorized currency exchange providers.

In addition, the branch offers other services to support international visitors. These include support for bank cards, small-denomination cash, and multilingual inquiries. The branch also coordinates with customs authorities to assist visitors in managing payments and other practical needs during their stay in Shanghai.

Source: Shanghai Observer