International travellers to Shanghai will now be able to save 9% on their purchases following the launch of a new tax-free shopping scheme.
Effective immediately, Global Blue, the duty-free shopping provider, has partnered with Bank of China to make its services available in Shanghai.
In the initial phase of the project, almost 200 stores in Shanghai have already signed up to the scheme, including major department stores such as Takashimaya, Pacific, Parkson and Bailian, and luxury brands including Chanel, Hermes, Tiffany and Louis Vuitton.
Tax refunds will be available on goods taken out of the country in travellers’ personal baggage, including fashion and beauty items, jewellery and alcohol. To claim their VAT refund, shoppers need to visit the customs desk at the airport and present their tax form, invoice and receipts, along with their passport to the VAT refund counter at the airport
Global Blue said it plans to work with the Bank of China to increase the number of retailers involved in the scheme.
The minimum purchase amount to qualify for a tax refund is CNY500 (approximately US$72). The scheme is available to all international travellers, including those from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.
This marks the latest effort to attract international travellers to Shanghai; earlier this year the city expanded its visa-waiver scheme for transit visitors from 72 to 144 hours. This allows travellers from 51 countries or regions to transit in Shanghai and the neighbouring provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang for up to six days without holding a visa.
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