Henan Plaza
The first departure tax refund centralized payment point is now operational.
"Buy-Back Program Upgraded"
Yesterday morning, ShanghaiThe first departure tax refund consolidation payment point has been launched at Hongkou Plaza, Jing'an District. Qualified international travelers can receive the actual cash refund of their tax in RMB at the mall after shopping at all designated "Buy and Refund" stores within Hongkou Plaza.
A Turkish businessman, Zafar, who was on a business trip to China, bought a gift for his wife at a brand store in恒隆广场 this morning. He then processed a tax refund at this centralized refund counter on the 4th floor and quickly received over 200 RMB in tax refund.
Departure Tax Refund Processing Staff
"After arriving at the airport, simply drop this tax refund documentation into a designated mailbox."
Zafar, Turkish Businessman
"Very simple, very convenient, the staff explained it to me in English very clearly."
Honglou Plaza has nearly 130 tenants who settle their tax refunds individually, which can pose a cash management challenge for businesses. Now, with the tax refund agency located within the mall handling direct payments, it has also attracted luxury retailers to join.
Zhang Lina, General Manager of恒隆广场
"Get their customers in, and they can enjoy this instant refund service right away. Everyone gets cash in hand, which will immediately incentivize them to spend more."
This launch introduces instant purchase and immediate refund services, with a centralized refund payment point in Shanghai, a crucial measure to expand the influence of the "May 5th Shopping Festival." The Shanghai tax authorities will further refine the planning and layout of refund points, continuously expanding their scope.
Sui Lei, Director of Export Tax Refund Services and Management Bureau, Shanghai Tax Bureau
"We will promote a collaboration between the tax refund agency, Bank of China, and Alipay, launching a quick payment method to attract more merchants to join our "Buy and Refund on the Spot" service for departing travelers, while also drawing more international tourists to shop and buy in Shanghai."
For over four years since the implementation of the overseas tax refund policy, Shanghai has consistently ranked first in the country in terms of tax refund amounts and sales volume, accounting for 60% of the national total. Last year, the total tax refunds processed exceeded 59 million, marking a growth of over 50%.
