A person uses a self-service tax refund machine at Luohu Checkpoint. Photo by Duan Linjun

Self-service tax refund machines have been launched at Luohu Checkpoint and Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, providing a fast solution for departing overseas travelers to claim value-added tax refunds on goods purchased on the Chinese mainland.

Operated by the Shenzhen Branch of the Bank of China, the machines integrate identity verification, document inspection, and fund settlement into a single interface, offering support in 13 languages. 

Beyond supporting traditional bank transfers and third-party payment platforms, the machines introduce an innovative “digital yuan hard wallet” option. This allows travelers to receive their refund on a physical, prepaid e-CNY card. These cards require no internet connection, support tap-to-pay transactions, and can be used immediately for retail purchases or public transportation.