Have you noticed recently that everyone seems to be buying household appliances? That's because of government subsidies aimed at boosting sales.

From air conditioners and TVs to refrigerators, washing machines, gas stoves, water heaters, and even computers, customers can save up to 20 percent. Discounts range from a few hundred yuan to over 1,000 yuan (US$136), with a maximum subsidy of 2,000 yuan per item.

This program has been running for some time and continues to be available with no specified end date at the moment.

In 2025, the range of home appliances eligible for subsidies has expanded from 8 categories last year (including refrigerators, washing machines, Televisions, air conditioners, computers, water heaters, kitchen stoves, and range hoods) to 12 categories. The new additions include microwave ovens, water purifiers, dishwashers, and rice cookers. Each eligible item can receive a subsidy of up to 20% of its sales price.

And there's more good news for customers. Starting this year, subsidies will also be available for digital products such as smartphones, tablets, and smart watches.

The subsidies are also available to expats.

1. How can foreign nationals participate?

The subsidies are offered through UnionPay, Alipay, and WeChat Pay. To qualify, you just need to verify your identity on one of these platforms.

Let's take Alipay as an example – it's easy and supports users in 15 languages.

Once you've downloaded the Alipay app, simply follow the steps in the image to change the language settings.

• In the app, tap on "Me" in the bottom right corner, then look for the gear icon in the top right.
• Click on it, then go to "General."
• Next, find "Languages" and select "English."

Alipay verification for foreigners

To complete identity verification on Alipay, you need:

• To be at least 18 years old.
• A valid residence permit for China.
• A valid passport or residence documentation.
• Agreement to Alipay's terms and conditions.

Steps for verification

• Sign up for an Alipay account on the app or website.
• Enter your personal details, such as name, nationality, and passport number.
• Submit required documents, like your passport and residence permit, and other required documents.
• Link a Chinese bank card: Once your identity is verified, you'll need to add a bank card issued in China to enable payments.
• Complete facial recognition: Follow the instructions in the Alipay app to finish facial recognition and confirm your identity.
• Wait for approval: Submit your details and let Alipay review them.
• Verification complete: After approval, your Alipay account will be fully verified and ready to use.

If you need more information about Alipay, click the following links to learn more:

Guideline, FAQs about linking overseas bank cards to Alipay

Alipay app now supports 15 languages besides Chinese

Central bank urges making foreigners' payments more convenient

Other things to keep in mind:

• The identity verification process is usually quick, and you'll get the results in no time.
• If your verification fails, simply follow Alipay's instructions to resubmit your details or provide any missing documents.

2. How to use the subsidy

You can shop for subsidized appliances both in-store and online. Popular e-commerce platforms like JD.com, Tmall, Pinduoduo, Suning.com, and Vipshop all participate in the program.

For online purchases:

• Search for "国补" ("government subsidy") on your preferred app. You'll find a dedicated section for subsidized items.
• Enter the appliance you're looking for, like "国补电视机" ("government subsidy television").
• At checkout, select your verified payment method (e.g. Alipay, WeChat Pay, or UnionPay). The discounted price will automatically appear – just confirm and pay to enjoy the savings.

If you still have questions about shopping on these apps, you can click the following links:

Explainer: A simple guide to online shopping in China

Explainer: A guide to shopping on JD.com

How to shop smart on PDD: Master the group buying model for big savings

Important notes

• Individual consumers who received subsidy for a particular home appliance in 2024 will continue to be eligible for the subsidy when purchasing the same category of appliance in 2025.
• Not all appliances are eligible, so double-check before buying. Subsidies also vary based on the product.
• Each individual (passport or ID number) can use the subsidy once per platform: UnionPay, Alipay, and WeChat Pay.
• If purchasing multiple items, all eligible items should be paid for in a single transaction. Mixing non-subsidized items in the same payment could disqualify your discount.
• To meet the actual needs of households, each consumer can receive a subsidy for up to 3 air conditioning units, with a maximum subsidy of 2,000 yuan per unit.
• For purchases of mobile phones, tablets, smartwatches, and fitness bands (with a unit price not exceeding 6,000 yuan), consumers will receive a subsidy of 15% of the product's sales price.
• For digital products, consumers are eligible for a subsidy of up to one item per product category, with a maximum subsidy of 500 yuan per unit.
• The subsidy standards for automobiles: Fuel vehicles that meet the China IV emission standards are eligible for inclusion in the scrapping and trade-in subsidy program. The following types of vehicles qualify for scrapping:

1)Gasoline passenger vehicles registered before June 30, 2012.

2)Diesel and other fuel passenger vehicles registered before June 30, 2014.

3)New energy passenger vehicles registered before December 31, 2018.

• For the purchase of new energy passenger vehicles, the subsidy is 20,000 yuan per vehicle.
• For the purchase of fuel-powered passenger vehicles with an engine displacement of 2.0L or less, the subsidy is 15,000 yuan per vehicle.
• For consumers who transfer a passenger vehicle registered under their name and purchase a new one:

1)For new energy vehicles, the subsidy is up to 15,000 yuan per vehicle.

2)For fuel-powered vehicles, the subsidy is up to 13,000 yuan per vehicle.

• Additionally, consumers who trade in old electric bicycles and purchase new ones are eligible for a trade-in subsidy.
• Individual consumers applying for the subsidy must ensure that the transfer of their existing passenger vehicle, registered under their name, is completed by the date the subsidy announcement is made.
• Consumers who trade in their old electric bicycles for new ones will be eligible for a trade-in subsidy. Additionally, consumers who exchange old electric bicycles with lithium-ion batteries for new ones with lead-acid batteries may receive an enhanced subsidy.
• The program is limited to individual consumers. Invoices must be issued in the buyer's name (not a company or organization). The total invoice amount should equal the consumer's payment and subsidy amount.

Refunds and returns

• If you return an item, the refund will match the amount you paid (after the subsidy discount). However, the subsidy cannot be reused for another purchase.
• For returns involving multiple subsidized items, the refund will be adjusted proportionally. For instance, if you bought a fridge for 4,000 yuan and an air conditioner for 5,000 yuan, with a 10 percent discount (total paid: 8,100 yuan), returning the fridge would refund 3,600 yuan (its discounted price).
• If you opt for delayed delivery, your purchase must be delivered within three months to qualify for the subsidy.