Louisiana is known as a premier world destination for its most popular city, New Orleans, and its notable French Quarter tourist district; for jazz music and Creole and Cajun cuisines in their birthplace; and for nature adventures ranging from hiking and camping in pine and hardwood forests to fishing and boating in alligator-filled swamps, numerous inland lakes and the Gulf of Mexico.

But away from indigenous food and music and unforgettable outdoor and water fun lies incredible shopping at all corners of Louisiana, plus a buyer's refund program just for international shoppers. Louisiana shoppers not only find popular American products by Apple, Levi Strauss and Nike in New Orleans and other Louisiana cities, they ultimately get discounts in Louisiana compared to buying the goods elsewhere.

Louisiana's Tax Free Shopping Program refunds state sales taxes on traditional retail purchases, items such as clothing, luggage and accessories, electronics and jewelry. Over 1,400 stores across Louisiana participate in the program.

Notable stores providing the tax refund include Coach, Saks Fifth Avenue, Best Buy, Macy's, J.C. Penney, Gucci, The Gap, Sears, Wal-Mart and Sam's Club. Many are centered in major shopping centers that proudly label themselves as "tax-free zones." Examples include the Riverwalk in the New Orleans Central Business District; the Mall of Louisiana and the Tanger Outlet Center in and near Baton Rouge; the Louisiana Boardwalk in Shreveport/Bossier City; and the Acadiana Mall in Lafayette.

Tax refunds are provided on traditional retail items which leave the U.S. after being purchased at participating Louisiana stores. Refunds do not apply for sales taxes paid at hotels and restaurants or for personal services, entertainment or transportation.

When foreign buyers show a passport or picture identification, they pay the purchase price plus sales tax and are given a receipt and a tax refund voucher. They then use the voucher to get tax refunds at refund centers statewide. Centers are located in many of the tax-free zones listed above, as well as the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Refunds of up to $500USD are paid in cash and larger refunds can be obtained by mail.

For details on Louisiana Tax Free Shopping and participating stores, visit http://www.louisianataxfree.com/china-refund.html. For information on Louisiana's celebrated music, food, history and culture and adventure, visit GoUSA.cn/louisiana.