On May 2, a new US trade rule kicked in: online purchases under $800 no longer dodge import tariffs. For budget-conscious shoppers, that means unexpected fees at checkout and pricier parcels on their doorsteps.
Enter the workaround: some savvy buyers are hopping on flights to the Chinese mainland. With visa-free entry programs and instant value-added tax refunds, shoppers can grab gadgets, fashion, and more—often at lower overall costs than online orders with tariffs.
Why the pivot? Without the $800 exemption, a $500 package might incur $50 or more in duties. Factor in shipping fees, and the savings start to disappear. Meanwhile, in key Chinese mainland hubs, visitors present a purchase invoice and passport at the airport for VAT rebates of up to 13% on eligible goods.
Travel experts say this trend highlights a broader shift: when digital rates rise, real-world travel perks gain appeal. For young global citizens and digital nomads alike, combining a city break with a shopping haul creates both Instagrammable moments and wallet-friendly deals.
As cross-border e-commerce adapts to new trade policies, keep an eye on evolving visa rules and rebate programs. One thing’s clear: when tariffs go up, creative consumers take to the skies.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
