Shopping in Japan is one of the most exciting and profitable, and the tax free system is available to different categories of citizens:
- Foreign tourists who spend less than six months in Japan.
- Japanese citizens who have lived in another country for more than two years.
- Diplomatic passport holders.
Please note that VAT refunds are only possible if the specified purchase amount has been reached, namely JPY 5.401 for consumables and JPY 10.801 for general goods. The VAT rate can be 8%.
Tax free is available if the goods were purchased for personal use and not for sale or other trade purposes. In this case, purchases should be provided in a new and unopened form.
Steps for using tax free
Items must be purchased from stores with the Global Blue Tax Free Shopping logo. You will need to present your passport while shopping to receive a special form that must be completed and validated. In order to return VAT, the store employees will need to ask for a special receipt.
Japan has two types of tax free system in Japan. Consumption tax can be deducted from the entire purchase amount while shopping right in the store. You may need to contact customs officials with your passport, retained receipts and completed forms, new and unused purchases. Be prepared for the fact that this method of VAT refund is more common. At some airports in Japan, a fixed fee may be charged for the tax free form, but the refund will be received in cash.
Recent changes in the tax free system
In Japan, since April 2014, the tax free system applies to all types of goods. Previously, VAT refunds to foreign citizens were available only on the purchase of clothing and household appliances. Now the system applies to everything: cosmetics, alcoholic beverages and cigarettes, food. These changes are due to the fact that the authorities are trying to maintain a sufficient level of tourism in Japan and not scare off tourists by the fact that the VAT increased from 5% to 8%.
Enjoyable shopping in Japan
There are many shopping centers in Japan where you can buy quality and unique goods, as well as enjoy the comfort. Shoppers can eat in the café, while children can play in the children's room. The standard work schedule is 10.00 - 20.00. Most shopping establishments are open even on holidays and weekends.
