Shanghai Tax-Refund Shopping
The complete guide to shopping in Shanghai and claiming your VAT refund before you fly — eligible malls, how the process works, and tips travelers wish they knew sooner.
How the tax refund works
China offers a departure tax refund (离境退税) on goods purchased at designated stores in Shanghai. Eligible travelers can reclaim around 9% of the VAT on items they take out of the country. The process is straightforward but must be completed at the airport before you check in.
Shop at eligible stores
Look for the "Tax Refund" / 退税 logo at the entrance. Spend a minimum of ¥500 in a single store on the same day.
Ask for the refund form
At checkout, present your passport and ask the cashier to issue a Tax Refund Application Form (退税申请单) with your itemized receipt.
Get your refund at the airport
Before check-in, bring goods, receipts, passport and the form to the Customs/Tax Refund counter at PVG or SHA airport for verification.
Collect cash or card refund
After Customs stamps the form, claim your refund in RMB or your home currency at the refund desk — typically 9% of the VAT.
Where to shop & claim
A selection of Shanghai malls and markets participating in the departure tax-refund scheme.
Shanghai IFC Mall
Lujiazui, Pudong
Luxury flagship stores (Chanel, Hermès, LV) all tax-refund eligible. Look for the "Tax Refund" decals at storefronts.
Plaza 66 (恒隆广场)
Nanjing West Road, Jing’an
Premier luxury mall in central Shanghai. In-store tax refund counters available; minimum spend applies.
Global Harbor (环球港)
Putuo District
Massive mid-to-upscale mall with tax-refund service desks. Great for fashion, cosmetics and electronics.
HKRI Taikoo Hui (兴业太古汇)
Nanjing West Road, Jing’an
Modern mixed-use complex with tax-refund eligible boutiques and a dedicated refund counter.
Shimao Festival City (世茂国际广场)
People’s Square, Huangpu
Downtown shopping near the Bund with tax-refund participating retailers across multiple floors.
Yuyuan Tourist Mart (豫园商城)
Old City, Huangpu
Traditional crafts, jewelry and souvenirs. Select stores offer tax refund — ask staff for the refund form.
Get your refund without surprises
- Only visitors staying less than 183 days and departing China within 90 days qualify.
- Keep goods unused and in your carry-on — Customs may inspect before stamping the form.
- Minimum single-store spend is ¥500; there is no maximum, but goods must be taken out of China.
- Process the refund before checking in your luggage for flights leaving from PVG or Hongqiao.
- Bring your passport when shopping — stores cannot issue a refund form without it.
What you actually get back
The refund rate in Shanghai is approximately 9% of the VAT-inclusive price. A small handling fee may be deducted at the refund counter.