China has introduced eight new measures to optimize its departure tax refund system, effective July 1, 2026. Random inspections will apply to refund applications under 10,000 RMB ($1,468), while larger claims will still face individual checks. Paper receipts will no longer be required, and travelers can claim refunds at any departure point nationwide under the “instant refund” cross-regional settlement system. Over 8,000 stores offer the instant refund service — double the prior year — while total departure tax refund stores have reached 14,000 nationwide. From April 2025 to May 2026, departure tax refund applications surged 367% YoY, with refundable sales and refund amounts both up 90%.

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