Guangzhou Streamlines Tax Refunds for International Shoppers
Guangzhou is enhancing its appeal to international visitors with a new, streamlined tax refund service launched by the Guangzhou Taxation Bureau in partnership with Alipay and the Agricultural Bank of China. The upgrade comes as the city welcomes a surge in overseas buyers attending the 138th session of the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair.
This year’s Canton Fair has already seen pre-registration from over 240,000 buyers representing 218 countries and regions – a 10% increase from the previous event.To cater to this growing influx of shoppers, the new system simplifies the refund process for those departing from guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.
International shoppers who make purchases at designated tax refund stores and complete the necessary registration can now expedite their refunds by simply tapping their tax refund card or scanning it via the Alipay app, alongside presenting their personal tax refund code.This eliminates lengthy processing times and improves the overall travel experience.
Beyond the airport, Guangzhou is also leveraging technology to assist visitors before their purchases. The Alipay app now features a dedicated tax refund guide, a map pinpointing tax refund store locations, and integrated navigation tools to help international guests easily find participating retailers.
The initiative is already proving prosperous. Alipay data reveals that spending by inbound tourists in Guangzhou increased by over 180% year-on-year between January and September. Popular purchases include clothing, DJI drones, and smartphones, highlighting the city’s diverse retail offerings. This new tax refund service is expected to further boost Guangzhou’s position as a premier shopping destination for global travelers.
