Pudong Airport streamlines tax refunds, payments for Shanghai Summer

A member of staff guides travelers to use self-service tax refund machines at Pudong airport. [Photo/WeChat account of AVINEX]

Shanghai Pudong International Airport has upgraded tax refund and payment services for overseas travelers, making shopping during the Shanghai Summer International Consumption Season more convenient with faster refunds and smoother transactions.

To support the city's efforts to improve departure tax refund services, the airport has introduced self-service tax refund equipment in cooperation with customs authorities. Measures include small-value spot checks and paperless procedures to create a more convenient shopping environment.

Located in Terminal 2's public departure area, the self-service facilities integrate smart terminals with verification platforms. Overseas travelers can complete refunds for purchases up to 10,000 yuan ($1474.02) through online status checks and automated procedures.

If a physical inspection is required, passengers can use intelligent verification machines for customs checks. The machines also offer real-time voice transcription and translation during video calls, helping travelers communicate more easily with staff members.

The upgraded system allows customs officials to access submitted refund applications and invoice information online, eliminating the need for paper documents. With smart verification, tax refund processing efficiency has increased by 1.5 times compared with previous procedures.

Beyond tax refunds, Pudong airport has improved payment and currency exchange services to provide a seamless experience for international visitors. All airport stores now accept overseas bank cards, including Visa and Mastercard, as well as Alipay and WeChat Pay.

A member of staff assists a traveler with payment at Pudong Airport. [Photo/WeChat account of AVINEX]

Alipay's "Tap" service is accessible at nearly 240 tax-paid retail shops, duty-free stores, and dining venues, enabling travelers to pay easily by tapping their devices. Merchants also provide flexible payment methods, such as cash, mobile payments, or bank cards.

United Money Exchange. [Photo/WeChat account of AVINEX]

For currency exchange, the airport has set up two banks and 15 exchange points across its two terminals, supporting more than 40 currencies. Services include flexible exchange options for both small and large amounts, ensuring travelers can easily obtain the cash they need.