The Importance of Receipts for Foreign Travelers in China

When traveling in China, receipts—or fāpiào—aren’t just proof of purchase. They can be essential in many situations, from lost items and returns to reimbursements and disputes. Here’s why receipts matter and how to use them effectively:

1. Tracking Lost Items

• Scenario: You lose your phone, wallet, or passport after taking a taxi, ride-hailing service, or dining at a restaurant.
• Why it matters: Receipts contain key details like taxi plate numbers, driver info, transaction time, and merchant contact information.
• Tips:
  • Always ask for a receipt after taking a taxi: “Qǐng gěi wǒ fāpiào” (Please give me a receipt).
  • If you lose something, call the number on the receipt or visit the company with your receipt details.
  • Don’t speak Chinese? Ask hotel staff or use a translation app to assist.

2. Returns and Exchanges

• Scenario: You buy something in a store or online and want to return or exchange it due to quality issues or dissatisfaction.
• Why it matters: Receipts prove you made the purchase. For online platforms like Tmall or JD.com, electronic receipts help with the return process. For physical stores, a paper receipt verifies your purchase.
• Tips:
  • Always request a receipt and keep it safe.
  • When returning, explain your issue: “Wǒ xiǎng tuìhuò, shāngpǐn yǒu wèntí” (I want to return this, there’s a problem with the item).
  • For online returns, upload the e-receipt through the app or get local help if needed.

3. Reimbursements and Financial Records

• Scenario: Business travelers or tourists may need receipts for expense reimbursement.
• Why it matters: VAT receipts are official documents that include purchase amounts and tax info—accepted internationally for reimbursement.
• Tips:
  • Ask for receipts with the correct name (personal or company).
  • Save electronic receipts as PDFs or QR codes for easy submission.

4. Resolving Disputes

• Scenario: You face quality issues, poor service, or overcharging.
• Why it matters: Receipts are legal proof of purchase and can help in complaints to merchants, consumer associations, or authorities.
• Tips:
  • Keep receipts and take photos.
  • Contact the merchant: “Zhège shāngpǐn yǒu wèntí, wǒ yǒu fāpiào” (There’s a problem with this item, I have a receipt).
  • If unresolved, call the consumer hotline 12315 or contact tourist police (English services available in some cities like Beijing).

5. Tax Refunds

• Scenario: Foreign visitors may apply for a VAT refund at departure airports.
• Why it matters: Receipts prove your purchase at eligible stores.
• Tips:
  • Request VAT receipts in tax-free stores.
  • At the airport, present your receipt, passport, and goods.
  • Check rules in advance, such as minimum purchase and refund percentage.

6. Proof of Legal Purchase

• Scenario: Carrying expensive items through customs.
• Why it matters: Receipts prove legal purchase and prevent misunderstandings about smuggling or illegal activity.
• Tips:
  • Always ask for receipts for high-value items.
  • Show your receipt at customs and say: “Zhè shì wǒ zài shāngdiàn mǎi de” (I bought this in the store).

7. Tips for Getting and Using Receipts

• Always ask: Many small vendors may not offer receipts unless requested.
• Check information: Ensure the amount, date, and merchant details are correct.
• Save properly: Paper receipts in a folder, electronic receipts in your phone or as PDFs.
• Use translation tools for communication.
• Special cases: Ride-hailing apps provide e-receipts; small purchases may only offer limited receipts.
• Emergency: If you need to report lost items or disputes, bring receipts and call 110: “Wǒ de dōngxī diū le, zhè shì fāpiào” (I lost something, here’s the receipt).

Real-Life Examples

• Lost Phone in a Taxi: A tourist in Shanghai got their phone back by contacting the taxi company using the receipt info.
• Return Dispute: A visitor in Beijing successfully returned clothes after showing the receipt.
• Tax Refund: A tourist in Guangzhou saved 11% tax on a watch using the receipt at the airport.

Summary

Receipts (fāpiào) are a crucial part of shopping in China. Always ask for them, check their details, and keep them safe—whether for lost items, returns, reimbursements, tax refunds, or disputes. A little care can save a lot of trouble and protect your rights while traveling.