Foreign tourists can now claim VAT refunds on the spot, thanks to China's new nationwide tax refund-upon-purchase policy.

Eligible purchases made at designated stores allow overseas shoppers to receive instant VAT refunds after completing a credit card pre-authorization.
Before departing, travelers must present the following to Chinese customs:

• Tax Refund Goods
• Refund Application Form for Overseas Visitors
• Invoices
• Passports or Other Valid ID

To finalize the process, they'll also need to submit to the tax refund agency:

• Valid ID
• Refund Application Form Verified by Customs
• Invoices for Tax Refund Goods

Jiangsu's instant tax refund pilot program started in 2023, building on its 115 tax-refund stores in eight cities, namely, Nanjing, Wuxi, Suzhou, Xuzhou, Yangzhou, Taizhou, Nantong and Huai'an.
With cooperation from the local tax refund agency and approval from tax authorities, offering instant tax refund is a straightforward addition for these stores.

Since 2024, Jiangsu tax-refund stores' sales to inbound tourists have reached 210 million yuan.

List of Tax-Refund Stores in Jiangsu

Source：english.nanjing.gov.cn