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The authorities will also increase the number of duty-free shops catering for foreign visitors and increase the cash limit on tax refunds, the Ministry of Commerce and five other departments said on Sunday.
International visitors will now be able to claim refunds on purchases over 200 yuan (just over US$27), compared with the previous limit of 500 yuan. The limit on the cash refunds they can claim will also rise from 10,000 yuan to 20,000 yuan, with no limits on those done by bank transfer.
“Departure tax refunds help reduce shopping costs for overseas tourists and are an important way to attract and expand inbound consumption,” vice-minister of commerce Sheng Qiuping told a press conference.
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He added that the new policies, which take effect immediately, would also boost economic, trade and cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world.
