Fapiao for Business Travelers
A fapiao (发票) is a Chinese tax invoice, distinct from a card slip or ordinary receipt. Say “fapiao” or “请开发票” (qǐng kāi fā piào, please issue a fapiao), rather than relying on the English word “invoice”.
Information checked 2026-09-27. Confirm current rules in the linked source or app.Do this before you go
- 01
Ask your finance team whether it needs a fapiao, an electronic air itinerary invoice, an ordinary receipt or other evidence, and exactly which purchaser name and tax details to use.
- 02
Before paying hotels and restaurants, ask how to obtain a fapiao and keep the payment slip or folio as supporting evidence if your employer asks for it.
- 03
For each transport purchase, check the relevant issuer’s application route promptly and save the original electronic file or paper document.
Flights
For eligible mainland flights, the electronic air itinerary (电子行程单) is itself a digital invoice. The tax authority says it can normally be requested from the airline or agent within 180 days after all purchased flight segments end; after that, the airline or agent’s terms apply. International and Hong Kong/Macao/Taiwan flights are outside this specific electronic-itinerary process. Ask your finance team which document it needs; do not request duplicate invoices for the same fare.
App-booked rides
Check the ride history in the app for its electronic fapiao request option after the trip. Issuer and timing may differ by ride provider.
Metered taxis
Ask for a receipt or fapiao when paying and check the details before leaving. Later reissue may be difficult, so do not rely on retrieving it after the ride.
Hotels and restaurants
Ask at checkout or before leaving, especially when a company purchaser name is required. Keep a hotel folio or itemised receipt if your employer requests supporting evidence.
If something gets stuck
Is a card receipt the same as a fapiao?
No. Ask your employer which document is required and request it from the seller or platform using “fapiao” (发票).
The invoice has the wrong purchaser details.
Contact the issuer and your finance team promptly about the correction process; do not edit the document yourself.
You’re ready when: I know which expense document and purchaser details my employer requires.