Discover the essentials and key considerations for tax-free shopping in Japan, the ultimate shopping paradise!
This page provides answers to common questions regarding tax-free shopping in Japan, aiming to offer you helpful insights.
What kind of stores in Japan offer tax-free shopping?
Tax-free shops in Japan include authorized airport duty-free stores, electrical appliance stores, department stores, and drugstores.
Please note that not every store is tax-free. For those that do, a "Japan.Tax-Free Shop" sign/logo will be posted inside or outside the store. (Check the picture below.)
How does tax-free shopping work in Japan?
In contrast to other countries where tax-free procedures are typically conducted at the airport, Japan offers a unique experience where tax-free procedures can be completed directly at the place of purchase. There are two common methods for tax-free shopping in Japan.
One type of store is independent stores such as drugstores, clothing stores, and electronic appliance stores with a "Tax-Free Shop" sticker. Some of these stores have dedicated tax-free cashiers where you can pay without tax.
The other type of tax refund can be done at the unified tax-free counters in shopping centers, department stores, and outlets. Visitors can make purchases at the regular tax-inclusive price and then proceed to the tax-free counter to complete the refund process. Usually, the tax refund will be returned to tourists in the form of cash in Japanese yen.
What is the consumption tax rate in Japan?
As of 2024, the consumption tax rate in Japan is generally 10%, with some daily necessities and food items still taxed at 8%, referred to as the "reduced tax rate."
What documents are required for tax-free shopping procedures and payments?
For tax-free procedures at individual stores, purchasers need to present their original passport.
In case of a unified tax-free counter, purchasers need to present their original passport, purchased items, and receipts.
โปUsing PIE VAT app can save you time in the tax exemption process. Please "See in detail"
Can I make tax-free purchases for others๏ผ
Tax-free shopping is only available for the purchaser themselves and cannot be done on behalf of others.
Can I give tax-free goods to someone else and bring them back to my home country?
Tax-free goods can only be carried back to your home country by the person who purchased them and cannot be transferred to another person.
What is the difference between Duty Free and TAX FREE๏ผ
Tax Free refers to the exemption of consumption tax only, while Duty Free refers to the exemption of consumption tax as well as various other taxes, including customs duty, alcohol tax, and tobacco tax. Duty Free shops usually located in the departure areas of international airports. Since the airport area where international departures are processed is considered outside of Japan in terms of the tax system, there is no need to pay Japanese taxes. In addition, there are a few stores such as "T Gallery Okinawa by DFS" in Okinawa, Japan Duty Free GINZA" on the 8th floor of Ginza Mitsukoshi, and "Lotte Duty Free Tokyo Ginza Store" on the 8th and 9th floors of Tokyu Plaza Ginza are also Duty Free stores.
What are the available payment methods?
You can choose to pay with cash, credit cards, debit cards, or through QR code/barcode payments.
โป You can also use the PIE VAT app to apply for tax refunds.
Can tax-free goods be carried onto the airplane?
In principle, tax-free goods should be carried as carry-on baggage rather than checked baggage. Upon departure, it is necessary to undergo inspection at the customs counter at the airport.
What are the restrictions for carrying liquid items such as cosmetics and alcohol as carry-on baggage?
On international flights, any liquid items exceeding 100 ml are prohibited and will be confiscated during security checks. If you have liquid items exceeding 100 ml, it is recommended that you put them in your checked baggage and inform the staff when checking in at the airline counter. If the liquid content is less than 100 ml, it can be carried on the plane by placing it in a transparent resealable plastic bag with a capacity of no more than 1 liter (no more than 29 cm in height and no more than 20 cm in width).