In most countries and regions, commodity prices include Value-Added Tax (VAT). Departure tax refund refers to the partial refund of VAT paid by international travelers on purchases made in tourist destinations. This policy allows foreign visitors to recover a portion of the tax paid on goods bought during their travels.
International travelers can claim a tax refund when the total value of tax-refundable items purchased at the same store on the same day reaches ¥200. This low threshold enables foreign visitors to easily meet the requirement—even small souvenirs or gift purchases accumulating to ¥200 qualify for refund.
The "Hubei Departure Tax Refund Consumption Map" has debuted, covering 115 departure tax refund stores across 15 cities and prefectures in Hubei Province. Among these, 66 stores implement the "instant tax refund" service, streamlining the shopping experience for international visitors. This initiative enhances convenience and efficiency, positioning Hubei as a more attractive destination for global consumers seeking seamless tax-refund shopping experiences.