Since the beginning of this year, the State Taxation Administration has expanded the instant tax refund service for departing tourists from pilot cities to the whole country.

The instant tax refund service for departing tourists is a helpful initiative. It allows overseas tourists to receive a cash equivalent of the tax refund on the spot at tax refund stores that participate in the departure tax refund policy. To take advantage of this service, tourists need to purchase tax-refundable items, sign an agreement, and complete a credit card pre-authorization process.

Unlike the regular departure tax refund process, the instant tax refund policy moves the tax refund window from the airport to shopping malls.

Since last year, fueled by the "China Travel" boom, Xi'an has continued to grow in the international tourism market due to its rich historical heritage and abundant cultural and tourism resources.

From January to May of this year, the Shaanxi Exit-Entry Frontier Inspection Station conducted inspections of more than 96,000 overseas visitors, representing a year-on-year increase of 136%. Among these, over 72,000 overseas visitors benefited from policies such as unilateral visa-free entry, mutual visa exemptions, and transit visa exemptions, reflecting a significant year-on-year increase of 348%.

As of May 23, Xi'an has a total of 45 registered tax refund stores for departing tourists, an increase of 7 from the previous year. These tax refund stores have covered Xi'an's hot tourist areas, key commercial districts, and major blocks, expanding the experience for overseas tourists and stimulating consumption enthusiasm.

Tax refund stores in cities implementing the instant tax refund policy, if willing to provide the instant tax refund service, can become instant-tax-refund stores after reaching an agreement with local tax refund agencies on matters such as advance payments.

Currently, the first batch of 6 stores in Xi'an has signed relevant agreements and started providing the instant tax refund service for departing tourists since May 20. Next, the instant tax refund facilitative measures will be implemented in all 45 tax refund stores in the city.