Henan launches instant tax refund service for overseas shoppers

来源：【河南国际传播中心】

Since China introduced thenationwide "refund-upon-purchase" tax policy, shopping in Henan has become more convenient for international visitors. On August 29, the province launched its first "instant tax refund" service, allowing foreign tourists to claim rebates directly at the point of purchase and making shopping more hassle-free and rewarding.

离境退税“即买即退”全国推广以来，境外游客来豫消费更方便了。8月29日，河南首批境外旅客购物离境退税“即买即退”服务业务落地，为境外旅客带来更多消费便利。

On the same day, Mr. Xu, a South Korean tourist, bought a DJI drone at Dennis David Plazain Zhengzhou's Jinshui district. With staff assistance, he received an on the spot tax rebate of over 500 yuan.

当天，来自韩国的游客徐敬源在郑州市金水区丹尼斯大卫城选购了一台大疆无人机，并在工作人员的帮助下现场拿到了500多元的退税款。

"Before, refunds could only be processed at airport duty-free shops. Now I can handle it right at a service desk in a downtown mall, and it only takes about ten minutes. It's so convenient," Xu said. He mentioned he planned to use the rebate to buy a blind box or enjoy another meal of Henan cuisine.

“原来只能在机场免税店完成离境退税，现在在市区商场买完东西就能到服务台办理，整个流程只需要十几分钟，非常方便。”徐敬源说，他准备用这笔退税款抽个盲盒，或者再品尝一顿河南美食。

Earlier this year, China upgraded its departure tax refund system for international visitors, introducing a "refund-upon-purchase" policy and rolling it out nationwide. According to the Henan Provincial Bureau of State Taxation Administration, the new model allows eligible tourists to receive refunds immediately at designated stores via credit card pre-authorization, with final verification drone by the customs upon departure. The key feature, "buy-and-refund", lets visitors get their rebates during the shopping process. This not only allows tourists to enjoy the benefits right on the spot, but also encourages repeat spending and boosts the city's international profile and appeal.

今年国家进一步优化离境退税政策，推出“即买即退”便利措施并向全国推广。“离境退税‘即买即退’指境外旅客在指定商店购买退税商品时，通过信用卡授权担保当场领取退税款，离境时再经海关核验后完成退税流程的便利化服务模式。”国家税务总局河南省税务局相关负责人介绍，离境退税“即买即退”的亮点在于“随时买、随时退”，境外旅客在购物环节就能拿到退税款，更加直观地感受到退税带来的实惠，可以激发旅客二次消费的意愿，有助于提升城市的国际知名度和吸引力。

To make shopping easier for international visitors, Henan has selected Zhengzhou's Dennis David Plaza and Grand Emporium Plaza as the first pilot stores. Under the new system, shoppers can claim on-the-spot tax refunds for purchases worth up to 220,000 yuan, a move aimed at turning inbound tourist flows into increased consumer spending.

为进一步方便境外旅客来豫“买买买”，河南选定郑州丹尼斯大卫城、正弘城作为第一批“即买即退”试点退税商店，适用“即买即退”模式办理退税的购物限额达22万元，更好将“入境流量”转化为“消费增量”。（中文来源/河南日报记者/王歌贾永标李茜茜编译/杨佳欣审校/丁岚赵汉青）