Visitors from overseas to get refunds
Updated: 2015-01-20 03:18
By SHI JING And ZHENG YANGPENG(China Daily)
|
|||||||||
A foreign tourist takes selfies in front of the Tiananmen Rostrum during the May Day holiday in Beijing, China, May 1, 2014. [Photo/IC] |
New policy designed to boost spending on well-known brands will cover purchases made by tourists nationwide
China has introduced a nationwide tax refund policy for the first time to encourage spending by more overseas tourists.
But a closer look at the plan suggests that the country has a lot more to do to achieve this goal, according to observers.
Overseas visitors will soon be able to claim tax refunds on purchases across China, the Ministry of Finance said over the weekend.
Tourists from overseas and those from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan who have lived on the Chinese mainland for no more than 183 days will be eligible for a rebate of 11 percent on consumer goods bought at designated department stores.
The minimum purchase to qualify for a tax refund is 500 yuan (about $81) at any one store in a day.
A pilot tax refund program was launched in Hainan province on Jan 1, 2011. The new policy announcement increases the products that are eligible for refunds and the purchasing sites.
It is unclear how many cities will apply to join the plan. Southern Metropolis News reported that Hengqin, an area near Macao, will apply to join, but it is not known if Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, will do so.
However, according to experts and expatriates, the biggest problem the policy faces is that most foreign tourists, unlike their Chinese counterparts visiting overseas countries, do not come to China to buy well-known brands.
- Chinese reflect on education after girl forces mom to abort
- Shanghai govt releases report on stampede tragedy
- Fake condoms, Viagra, seized and online network shut down
- Joy and sorrow of monkey trainers
- Chinese premier arrives in Switzerland for Davos forum, working visit
- Escaped stowaway caught by police
- What Obama is proposing in State of the Union Address
- Cuba, US ready for historic talks on restoring ties
- Doctor shot inside a Boston hospital, gunman killed himself
- US firm designing green center in China
- Forbidden City orchestra to play Houston
- Chinese premier arrives in Switzerland for Davos forum, working visit
- 7 things you may not know about Major Cold
- After the American dream breaks
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
Premier Li attends Davos Forum |
Li Na expecting first baby |
Star's marriage is 'bittersweet' news for fans |
Infographic:Chinese IPOs in the US in 2014 |
Tale of two cities |
China's 2014 diplomacy |
Today's Top News
Obama calls on Congress to authorize force against IS
US-China climate deal offers hope for Paris negotiations: Obama
UN Security Council calls for full, lasting ceasefire in Yemen
Foreign oil wells attract Chinese investors
Chinese premier arrives in Switzerland for Davos forum, working visit
Obama to focus on middle class in State of Union address
Drive against terrorism in Xinjiang shows result
Xiaomi feeling 'phabulous' about new phablet
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |