JD.com digitises tax-free shopping for travellers

Service is currently being piloted in Beijing.

JD.com has introduced three new digital features to its online departure tax refund service, enabling international travellers to complete tax-free purchases more efficiently.

The upgrades include paperless tax refund processing, international bank card binding, and an instant VAT refund option. They expand on the launch of China's first online departure tax refund store in May.

Available through the JD.com app in English and Chinese, the service allows eligible foreign visitors and travellers from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan to shop from more than one million products across nearly 800 categories. Eligible purchases qualify for VAT refunds of up to 9% under China's departure tax refund policy.

Shoppers can complete tax refund applications digitally by entering their travel details during checkout, with electronic refund documents generated automatically.

JD.com has also enabled users to link internationally issued bank cards through JD PAY, removing the need for a local payment method.

Eligible shoppers can also opt for an instant VAT refund, with an advance payment equivalent to the estimated refund credited directly to their linked bank card before departure.

The service is currently being piloted in Beijing, with eligible orders delivered to hotels and other designated addresses through JD.com's same-day and next-day delivery network.