The historic city of Chaozhou in Guangdong has launched its first tax-refund scheme for overseas tourists, authorizing two tax refund shops and one "buy-now, refund-now" store. The move aims to enhance the city's appeal as an international destination by allowing visitors to reclaim value-added tax (VAT) on purchases.
Among the newly designated stores are Tianchi Tea (天池茶业), a specialist in local teas, and Sandu Digital (三度数码), an electronics retailer. Tiandi Tea served as a pilot "buy-now, refund-now" outlet during the 23rd Teochew International Convention, offering on-the-spot refunds to attendees. Sandu Digital, located on Fengchun Road, has trained staff to assist tourists with refund procedures.
To support the rollout, Chaozhou's tax authority conducted workshops for businesses selling local specialties, digital goods, and handicrafts. Teams assisted merchants with registration, system setup, and compliance checks, while also coordinating with refund agencies to streamline operations. The city aims to integrate these shops into provincial tourism maps, such as the "Shop in Guangdong" digital guide, to increase visibility.
Eligible tourists include foreigners and overseas compatriots residing in China for less than 183 days. Purchases must exceed 500 RMB in a single day at a registered store, and items must be taken out of the country within 90 days. Under the "buy-now, refund-now" model, eligible tourists can receive the VAT refund immediately in the store, simplifying the process that traditionally required claiming the refund at the airport.
Authorities plan to expand the number of participating businesses in the coming months, focusing on stores that showcase Chaozhou's intangible heritage and other signature products.
Author: Feng Huiting
Photo: Nanfang Daily
Editor: Liu Lingzhi, James Campion, Shen He
