The 140th Canton Fair | A Must-Read for Overseas Visitors: Practical Guide to Hotel Check-In & Departure Tax Refunds

As the 140th Canton Fair approaches, a large number of overseas business visitors will soon arrive in Guangzhou. For international exhibitors and buyers, two seemingly "small" matters, if not handled correctly, can easily add unnecessary headaches to your trip: first, being denied hotel check-in due to incomplete documentation; second, missing out on eligible tax refunds at departure simply because you are unfamiliar with the rules. This issue summarizes the latest practical guidelines for hotel check-in and departure tax refunds for foreign business visitors. Spend a few minutes reading before departure, and enjoy a smoother, more cost-effective trip after landing.

I. Hotel Check-In: Original Documents Are Non-Negotiable

Foreign visitors can book hotels through international platforms such as Trip.com and HopeGoo, which support direct payment with international bank cards. However, a successful booking does not guarantee a smooth check-in. When checking in, you must present your ‌original passport or foreign permanent resident ID card‌. Hotels are required by regulation to submit accommodation information to the public security authorities.

• Only have a photo or copy of your passport? That won't work.‌ Presenting only photos or scanned copies will not allow check-in. Please make sure to carry your original ID documents with you at all times.
• Not staying at a hotel, but at a private residence?‌ According to Article 39 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China, foreign nationals or their hosts must complete accommodation registration within 24 hours. In most regions of China, online registration is available through the 12367 mini-program of the National Immigration Administration. Failure to register as required may result in a warning or fine.
• Payment methods:‌ On-site payments can be made in RMB cash, with domestic bank cards, WeChat Pay or Alipay. Some hotels accept Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay and PayPal. It is recommended to confirm with the hotel in advance whether foreign cards are accepted.

II. Departure Tax Refunds: Eligibility, Thresholds and New Rules — All Clarified

Who is eligible?‌ The departure tax refund policy applies to foreign nationals and residents of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan who stay in China for no more than 183 consecutive days. Those holding long-term residence permits or who have stayed in China for a cumulative total of more than 183 days are not eligible. Refunds can be processed at all open ports of entry and exit by air, water and land.

Mandatory conditions — all must be met:‌

1. A single traveler must spend at least RMB 200 in one day at the same tax-refund-registered store;
2. The goods must remain in their original, unopened and unused condition;
3. The period from the date of purchase to the date of departure must not exceed 90 days;
4. Tax-refund goods must be carried personally or checked in as accompanying luggage upon departure;
5. Prohibited/restricted export items and already duty-free goods are not eligible for tax refunds.

New changes effective July 2026:‌

• For refund applications under RMB 10,000, physical goods are subject to random inspection. Those not selected are exempt from on-site verification, and paperless electronic document retrieval is available;
• For refund applications of RMB 10,000 and above, customs still require item-by-item physical inspection.

Three-step application process:‌

1. When shopping:‌ Make purchases at registered stores displaying the "tax refund" sign, and proactively request a tax refund application form and VAT invoice from the merchant (under the 2026 new policy, electronic documents are equally valid);
2. At departure:‌ Cooperate with customs for goods verification and document endorsement. Those eligible for inspection exemption do not need physical goods inspection;
3. After customs clearance:‌ Submit the materials at a tax refund agency outlet within the port's restricted area to receive the refund. You can check registered stores and port service outlets through the National Departure Tax Refund Integrated Information Platform. For entry-exit related questions, call the 12367 hotline.

Common pitfalls to avoid:‌ Assuming all shops offer tax refunds (only tax-registered merchants do); opening or using goods in advance, which disqualifies you; planning to check in tax-refund items without submitting them to customs for inspection first — all of these will directly result in your refund being rejected or denied.

III. Stay Secure, Refund Smoothly — and Have a "Plan" for Your Health

Once hotel stays and tax refunds are properly arranged, there is one more easily overlooked matter: health protection during the exhibition period. With an intense Canton Fair schedule, jet lag, and disrupted eating and sleeping routines, if you feel unwell, seeking medical care in a foreign country with a language barrier can quickly become a "headache."

DOVECURE China Medical Escort Service‌ provides one-stop support for foreign business visitors in China, from entry through to medical treatment:

• Medical tourism visa services:‌ If you need to come to China specifically for medical treatment or in-depth health checks, DOVECURE assists with medical tourism visa applications and related procedures, ensuring your "medical trip" is legally compliant and smoothly approved;
• Airport transfer service:‌ From the moment you land in Guangzhou, enjoy private car transfers with seamless connections between hotels and hospitals — no more feeling lost in a foreign country;
• Bilingual medical escort:‌ Multilingual escort staff (Arabic/English and more) accompany you throughout the process, ensuring barrier-free doctor consultations, examination guidance and report interpretation;
• Medical record translation:‌ Past medical histories, foreign-language medical records and examination reports are handled by professional medical translators, ensuring zero errors in assessments between Chinese and foreign doctors;
• Health check-ups:‌ No need to make appointments or wait in lines yourself. DOVECURE can arrange specialized health screenings (cardiovascular, liver, metabolic and more) at high-quality medical institutions in Guangzhou — completed in just half a day during breaks from the exhibition;
• TCM wellness:‌ Signature wellness services including acupuncture, tuina massage and herbal conditioning help relieve fatigue and restore balance after days of busy business travel.

Your Canton Fair journey should bring both thriving business and safe, smooth travels. If you need advice on visas, health check appointments or medical escort services, please feel free to contact DOVECURE in advance. We will tailor a personalized plan for your entire stay in China.

The policy points in this article are compiled from the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China and relevant 2026 announcements from the State Taxation Administration and the Ministry of Commerce. Specific implementation is subject to on-site port regulations and official platforms.