Explainer: How to reclaim tax on shopping in Shanghai

Foreign visitors with valid passports, as well as residents from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan holding a Mainland Travel Permit, are eligible for tax-free shopping.

To qualify, travelers must stay in the Chinese mainland for no more than 183 consecutive days. Additionally, they must make a minimum purchase of 200 yuan (US$27.64) at the same duty-free store on the same day, using the same payment method.

The maximum refundable rate is 11 percent of the invoiced sales value (8 percent for certain items).

However, the date of purchase cannot exceed 90 days from the departure date.

How to redeem your duty-free shopping refund

1. Shopping

Make your purchases at TFS stores and ask for a Tax Refund Application Form and a VAT invoice.

2. Stamp

Before checking in your luggage, visit customs with your VAT invoice, Tax Refund Application Form, valid passport or ID, and purchased goods. Get a customs stamp on your Tax Refund Application Form.

3. Claim

After security, present your valid passport or ID and stamped Tax Refund Application Form to receive your refund.

The maximum cash refund limit has been raised to 20,000 yuan. And travelers can choose how they want their money – via mobile payment, bank card, or cash – for maximum flexibility and convenience.

Customs declaration counters

1. Terminal 1, Hongqiao International Airport

Before security: Level 2, close to International, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan departures

Business hours: Monday-Sunday, 7am-last flight

2. Terminal 1, Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Level 3, near the joint inspection area

Business hours: Monday-Sunday, first flight until last flight

3. Terminal 2, Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Level 3, near the joint inspection area

Business hours: Monday-Sunday, first flight until last flight

4. Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal

Close to Refund Office in joint inspection area

Business hours: On the day of cruise departure, 9:30am-11:30am or 11am-1pm

5. Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal

Customs declaration counter, 3/F, Terminals 1 and 2

Business hours: On the day of departure, subject to boarding time

Refund office Locations

1. Terminal 1, Hongqiao International Airport

After security, opposite Gate T09.

Business hours: Monday-Sunday, 7am-last flight.

Phone: +86 (0) 21-2335-2987

2. Terminal 1, Shanghai Pudong International Airport

After security, close to Gate 19.

Business hours: Monday-Sunday, 24 hours.

Phone: +86 (0) 21-6833-7509

3. Terminal 2, Shanghai Pudong International Airport

After security, close to Gate D83.

Business hours: Monday-Sunday, 24 hours.

Phone: +86 (0) 21-6833-0115

4.Terminal S1, after security, close to gate G135 on Level 3

Business hours: Monday-Sunday, first international flight to last flight

Phone: +86 (0) 21-6835-6850

5. Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal

Close to customs in the joint inspection area.

Business hours: On the day of cruise departure, 9:30am-11:30am or 11am-1pm.

6. Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal

3/F, Terminal T1 and T2 (next to the duty-free shop)

2/F opposite the duty-free shop, T3 Terminal (Oriental Sunshine).

Business hours: On the day of departure, subject to boarding time.

Don't hesitate to reach out to the staff there if you have any questions or concerns about tax-free shopping, customs procedures, or any other aspect of your journey. They are always happy to assist you with a smile!

For more details, you can check our previous article Explainer: Frequently Asked Questions About Tax Matters