The short answer
- Prices are fixed in malls, brand stores and supermarkets. Bargaining is normal in markets and small souvenir shops.
- Look for the departure tax refund sign (离境退税) to claim part of the VAT back when you leave China.
- Since 1 September 2026 the tax refund process is paperless: the store records your passport and you track the refund with a QR code.
- With an instant refund at the till, you must leave China within 28 days.
- Use the same passport you entered China with, and keep goods unused until departure.
Short on time? We run wholesale market buying trips to Yiwu and Guangzhou, with checks and shipping. Buying trips → Or ask us anything: free answer within 24 hours.
Where to shop
- Malls and brand stores: fixed prices, card and mobile payment, and most tax refund stores.
- Markets and old streets: souvenirs, tea, silk and crafts. Bargain politely.
- Specialist markets: tea markets, pearl and jade markets, and wholesale markets such as Yiwu. For buying in bulk, see our wholesale market buying trips.
How to bargain
- Ask the price and smile. Do not show too much interest.
- Offer around half, then meet in the middle.
- Walk away politely if the price does not suit you. Often the seller calls you back.
- Once a price is agreed, it is polite to buy.
Departure tax refund, step by step
- Shop at a store with the 离境退税 / Tax Refund sign and meet the minimum spend at that store on the same day.
- Show your passport at the till. The store uploads your details and gives you a QR code.
- Keep the goods unused and pack them where you can show them.
- At the airport, follow the tax refund signs before check-in, scan your QR code and show the goods if asked.
- Collect the refund, or receive it to your card or payment account.
Changes in 2026: from 1 July, customs checks are random for claims under ¥10,000, and a nationwide 28-day rule applies to instant refunds. From 1 September, the whole process is paperless. Read more in our update on paperless tax refunds.
Tips
- Large purchases are always checked. Allow extra time at the airport.
- Keep receipts in your hand luggage.
- For tea, silk and jade, buy from established shops, and ask for a receipt that describes what you bought.
Questions
Can tourists get a tax refund in China?
Yes. Foreign visitors can claim a departure tax refund on goods bought at stores showing the tax refund sign, subject to the store's minimum spend on the same day. The process has been paperless since 1 September 2026.
Is bargaining acceptable in China?
In markets, small shops and souvenir stalls, yes. Start well below the asking price and stay friendly. In malls, brand stores and supermarkets, prices are fixed.
How do I pay when shopping?
Alipay or WeChat Pay linked to your foreign card works almost everywhere. Larger stores and malls also take international cards. Carry a little cash for small stalls.
Rules change. We re-check this guide regularly; confirm details before you travel or ship.
