[Video/chinadaily.com.cn]

International visitors shopping in Shandong province can now enjoy greater convenience through China's upgraded "instant tax refund" service, which enables eligible travelers to receive their tax refunds immediately after making purchases at participating stores.

The service applies to non-residents who have stayed in the Chinese mainland for no more than 183 consecutive days. Travelers can access the service at stores with the "instant tax refund" sign. After completing a purchase at these stores, they can receive their refunds on the spot by signing an agreement and completing a credit card pre-authorization procedure. Upon departure, customs authorities verify the required documents, and the refund agency releases the credit card pre-authorization after verification.

The service was further upgraded on July 1, 2026, with a series of measures introduced to improve efficiency and flexibility. Tax refund applications involving purchases of less than 10,000 yuan (around $1,474) are now subject to random inspections rather than item-by-item checks. The process has also been made fully paperless, with customs authorities and refund agencies conducting online verification of refund applications and sales invoices.

Meanwhile, the departure period for instant tax refunds has been extended to 28 days, and cross-regional recognition has been introduced, allowing travelers who purchase goods in Shandong to complete verification at other designated departure ports, including those in Shanghai and Beijing.

Major exhibitions, including the China International Import Expo (CIIE), the Canton Fair and the China International Consumer Products Expo, will also establish dedicated tax refund service areas to provide greater convenience for overseas buyers.

A growing number of shopping venues across Shandong have introduced the service, including major commercial centers in cities like Jinan, Qingdao, Yantai, and Weihai. Click to see: One-stop shopping, instant tax refund stores across Shandong.

As China continues to enhance the "Shopping in China" brand, the instant tax refund service is making shopping more convenient and efficient for international visitors. 

With instant refunds, international travelers can enjoy more flexibility while exploring Shandong's diverse shopping, cultural and tourism offerings.