Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai

Jiuzhou Port in Zhuhai City is issuing tax rebates (for items bought at designated stores) to overseas tourists as of July 1, joining Guangzhou's Baiyun Airport and Nansha Port.

According to the Guangdong Province Department of Finance, overseas tourists will receive value-added tax (VAT) rebates at the three ports upon proof of purchases from specific shops.

Foreigners and visitors from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan who stay on the Chinese mainland for fewer than 183 days a year are entitled to an 11 percent refund on goods bought at designated department stores. Two percent of the VAT will be deducted as a handling charge, resulting in a net 9 percent rebate.

The minimum purchase for the refund is 500 yuan ($75) at one store per day. The payment is valid for purchases made within 90 days before departure. RMB currency is used, either in cash or via bank transfer. A transfer is the only option if the amount exceeds 10,000 yuan ($1,505).

A similar pilot tax policy was initiated on the southern island province of Hainan in 2011, with Beijing and Shanghai following suit with tourist tax rebate policies in July 2015. The program has since been expanded to destinations nationwide.

Zhuhai received some 4.7 million inbound tourists in 2015, including 600,100 international visitors and 4.1 million Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan travelers. The passenger throughput for Jiuzhou Port reached 2.3 million last year, 55 percent of whom were foreigners or from Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan.

Selected shops and outlets at four of Zhuhai's major department stores are taking part in the tax-free scheme. They are Zhuhai Chimelong Investment & Development in Fuxiang Bay of Hengqin, both the Zhuhai General Merchandize Fair and Zhuhai International Trade Shopping Plaza on Jingshan Road, and Zhuhai Duty-Free Emporium on Jida Road. Tourists are reminded to pay attention to "TAX FREE" signs when shopping.

The rebate policy is expected to boost local tourist consumption and further improve Zhuhai’s status as an international tourism destination, a government spokesperson said.