On June 17, American tourist Zachary Edwards Banker became the first beneficiary of this upgraded policy at Huawei's Smart Life Experience Store in Shiqi District's MixC mall. "I couldn't believe I received the tax refund immediately after purchase. This service is incredibly convenient!" he exclaimed while completing the refund process through a simple QR code scan, receiving the refund on the spot. Zhongshan has achieved a milestone in retail innovation with the launch of its first-ever "instant tax refund" service for overseas tourists.
American tourist experiences "instant tax refund." (Photo: Nanfang Plus)
This initiative marks a significant upgrade to Zhongshan's duty-free shopping system. The minimum spending threshold for tax refunds has been lowered from 500 RMB to 200 RMB, allowing travelers to claim refunds at the point of sale rather than waiting until departure.
By purchasing eligible goods at participating "instant tax refund" stores, signing a departure commitment letter, and completing a credit card pre-authorization, shoppers can instantly receive refund amounts equivalent to the tax-free portion. For example, Zachary's Huawei smart band purchase qualified for a ten percent discount under current rates, with the potential for additional savings when combined with store promotions.
Early indicators show the policy's success in stimulating consumption. Days earlier at Xiaomi's Zhongshan store, the city's first certified tax refund outlet, Hong Kong tourist Liang Xiwen purchased a smartphone and received a 450 RMB refund. "This ten percent discount is very appealing to us," she noted, while store manager Dai Huankang reported a noticeable surge in international customer inquiries.
From the rapid 48-hour certification of Zhongshan's first tax refund store to this landmark "instant refund" transaction, the city demonstrates its commitment to enhancing consumer experiences. As more retailers join the program, this manufacturing hub is positioning itself as a globally competitive shopping destination, blending quality Chinese products with efficient service innovations.
Author | Jiang Chang
Editor | Wei Shen, James, Shen He
