今年前三季度重庆办理离境退税境外旅客人数同比增长518%

Core Insights - The number of outbound travelers in Chongqing who processed tax refunds increased by 518% year-on-year in the first three quarters of this year, with the actual tax refund amount growing nearly fivefold [1][3]. Group 1: Tax Refund Policy - The outbound tax refund policy allows foreign travelers to receive a refund of value-added tax (VAT) on goods purchased at tax refund stores when leaving the country [1]. - Chongqing will pilot the "buy and refund immediately" tax refund policy starting in 2024 [1]. Group 2: Growth of Tax Refund Stores - As of the end of October this year, the total number of tax refund stores in Chongqing has increased to 258, including 50 "buy and refund immediately" stores [3]. - The new tax refund stores feature a wider variety of products, including local specialties and high-tech electronic products, enhancing the shopping experience for foreign travelers [3]. Group 3: Convenience Measures - Since August, Chongqing's tax authority has established centralized refund points in key shopping districts, upgrading the previous single-store refund model to a centralized refund model [4]. - Foreign travelers can process tax refunds at these centralized points after shopping at any tax refund store, making the process more convenient and efficient [4].