Shenzhen airport launches 24-hour departure tax refund service

Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport has begun providing departure tax refund services around the clock, allowing eligible travelers to complete refund procedures regardless of their flight time.

The airport’s departure tax refund service point extended its operating hours Aug. 10, adopting a 24/7 model that combines staffed counters with self-service machines.

Travelers enter the departure tax refund service point at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, which began offering 24-hour service Aug. 10. Photos from WeChat account "深圳商务"

The upgrade comes as the airport handles growing numbers of international travelers and expands its cross-border flight network. Shenzhen airport handled more than 33.61 million passenger trips in the first half of this year, including over 3.15 million international and regional passenger trips.

Foreign nationals and residents of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan whose tax-refund goods have been inspected and verified by Shenzhen Customs can use the airport service at any time before departure.

Travelers use a self-service departure tax refund machine at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport. The airport now provides tax refund services around the clock through staffed counters and self-service machines.

The self-service machines, developed by Bank of China Shenzhen Branch, integrate identity authentication, document verification and fund settlement. According to the service provider, the machines can complete the refund process in less than two minutes.

The machines operate continuously and support 13 languages, including traditional Chinese and English. Refunds can be credited to domestic or overseas bank cards, third-party payment platforms or digital renminbi hardware wallets.

Staffed counters remain available for travelers who prefer assistance or wish to receive refunds in cash. Together, the two service channels provide refunds through bank cards, third-party payment platforms, digital renminbi and cash.

The upgrade is part of Shenzhen’s preparations for APEC China 2026. The city will host the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting from Nov. 18 to 19, following Shanghai in 2001 and Beijing in 2014 as the third Chinese city to host the meeting.