155 outlets join tax refund scheme
Print Edition
ANOTHER 155 outlets in Shanghai have started offering tax refunds to overseas tourists who spend 500 yuan (US$77) or more, officials said yesterday.
The shops are in major commercial areas and scenic spots, transportation hubs and other places where foreigners gather, the Shanghai Commission of Commerce said.
Some of them are near the Bund, while others are in People’s Square, Xintiandi, Xujiahui, Pudong Airport, Tianzifang, Lujiazui and Nanjing Road W.
They offer a choice of goods, covering everything from clothes and silk to jewelry, cosmetics and electronic goods, the commission said.
Shops operated by Rolex, Chanel, Cartier and Hermes, are included, as are some local specialty outlets like Shanghai Chopstick Store and Shanghai Silk King.
All participating stores display the “Tax Free” sign.
The new additions take the total of such outlets to 182.
As of December 6, the first batch of 27 stores to join the scheme had given out 2,500 tax refund application forms against sales of 15 million yuan.
Despite that, many of the foreign tourists interviewed by Shanghai Daily yesterday said they were unaware of the scheme.
“I didn’t know there were such stores, and was told that shopping for luxury goods in China is very expensive due to the high taxes,” said Helen Kaya from England.
She said she likes to buy handbags and electronic products.
“It would be better if there were some big signs near the stores,” said Marek Bles from Australia.
Igor Proleiko from the United States said: “Something local, original and unique is good.”
The commerce commission said that it will consider providing more information about the tax refund scheme and the participating stores at the city’s airports.
Tourists are entitled to an 11 percent refund on purchases made at a single shop by a single person in a single day and totaling 500 yuan or more.
However, they have to pay a 2 percent administration fee, so the actual refund is only 9 percent.
Foreigners who live in China no more than 183 consecutive days are eligible for the tax refund if they leave China within 90 days of buying the goods, the Ministry of Finance said earlier.
The tax refunds can be reclaimed at either of the city’s two airports.
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