Japan Tax refund

[Hisashiburi]

Tax refund is about 10% in Japan?

Tks

 

[Gixxerfied]

10 percent

Consumption tax in Japan, known in other countries as VAT, GST or sales tax, is a flat 10 percent on all items except food, drinks and newspaper subscriptions for which it is 8 percent (not including alcoholic drinks and dining out).

 

[saffronsatire]

And got service fee (seems to be 1.55% from quick search) levied if refunded via those tax-free counter

 

[Hisashiburi]

Low jpy value makes many items much cheaper in japan.

Even more so with 10% tax refund!

Have to control ma spending!!

 

[WoShiPro]

And got service fee (seems to be 1.55% from quick search) levied if refunded via those tax-free counter

Service fees and crap fx by global blue.. I refund to my card and the rates was quite bad..

 

[Hisashiburi]

Service fees and crap fx by global blue.. I refund to my card and the rates was quite bad..

Ya i try to avoid global blue if possible

Get very little back after their "commission"

 

[Quasar]

Surprisingly Tokyu department storeoffers 0% service charge for tax refunds. Parco also works differently compared to other department stores, so tax free usually done on the spot at the cashier.

Similarly, Donki, Uniqlo, bic camera and 7-11 etc have special tax free counters that 0 rate the tax on the items so there’s no handling charge since the tax wasn’t charged to begin with.

 

[LIN_JOEL]

Surprisingly Tokyu department storeoffers 0% service charge for tax refunds. Parco also works differently compared to other department stores, so tax free usually done on the spot at the cashier.

Similarly, Donki, Uniqlo, bic camera and 7-11 etc have special tax free counters that 0 rate the tax on the items so there’s no handling charge since the tax wasn’t charged to begin with.

They still packed your stuff in a transparent plastic bag with sealed and stapled/glued the receipt to your passport mah?

 

[saffronsatire]

Service fees and crap fx by global blue.. I refund to my card and the rates was quite bad..

I don't suppose there are alternatives if the shop doesn't have their own tax free counter?

Mine was a small purchase from zoff, so the difference wasn't too excessive but the refunded amount was quite odd, after taking away the commission.

 

[70niner]

Surprisingly Tokyu department storeoffers 0% service charge for tax refunds. Parco also works differently compared to other department stores, so tax free usually done on the spot at the cashier.

Similarly, Donki, Uniqlo, bic camera and 7-11 etc have special tax free counters that 0 rate the tax on the items so there’s no handling charge since the tax wasn’t charged to begin with.

Hard Rock Cafe also deduct VAT on the spot (for the merch, not the f&b), no handling charges

Btw need to spend >5000 yen in a single receipt to be eligible for tax refund

 

[Gixxerfied]

I don't suppose there are alternatives if the shop doesn't have their own tax free counter?
Mine was a small purchase from zoff, so the difference wasn't too excessive but the refunded amount was quite odd, after taking away the commission.

Jin's straight away remove vat during payment..

 

[Quasar]

They still packed your stuff in a transparent plastic bag with sealed and stapled/glued the receipt to your passport mah?

The tamper proof bag supposed to be for consumables, so snacks, food, alcohol and cosmetics go in the clear bag. Having said that, I repeat myself in saying I have never been asked to show the purchases at Japanese customs ever, unlike say Australia where they even scrutinise the serial numbers. So this plastic bag thing is just a whole exercise in wayang. But it’s tax free and you get a free plastic bag.

So stuff like shoes, bags and clothes are not sealed, you are free to use once you get them.

Receipts no longer attached to passports, so no more trays at airport departure. Just remember to “scan out” your passport at customs before going to passport control under immigration.

 

[LIN_JOEL]

I know it's wayang. my 1st trip I bought from Uniqlo they use the plastic bag with sealed too and after reading online and confirmed with some members here den I opened to use/repack.

Those receipts the immigration officer and custom also never bother to see.

 

[Quasar]

I know it's wayang. my 1st trip I bought from Uniqlo they use the plastic bag with sealed too and after reading online and confirmed with some members here den I opened to use/repack.

Those receipts the immigration officer and custom also never bother to see.

Yeah nowadays Uniqlo really lean into the ESG/SDG stuff and just let me put into my own reusable bag.

 

[saffronsatire]

Jin's straight away remove vat during payment..

That's better leh. Idk if zoff doesn't or just the outlet at namba parks.

 

[x3nor_S]

So those packed in transparent bag need to declare at Japan custom before leaving?

 

[Gixxerfied]

So those packed in transparent bag need to declare at Japan custom before leaving?

no declare one la...honour system lor...I always pack into check in luggage..

 

[x3nor_S]

Oh cause I scare it’s inputted into the system when we claim our tax refund then when they scan my passport it will indicate I bought something tax free

 

[Quasar]

Oh cause I scare it’s inputted into the system when we claim our tax refund then when they scan my passport it will indicate I bought something tax free

Err that’s the general idea? Japan tax authorities and customs will have reference to it:

https://www.customs.go.jp/english/summary/passenger.htm

“When leaving Japan, at the airport or seaport of departure,

1. if you do not have “Record of purchase slip”, please present your passport at customs.”

What you declare to SG customs and IRAS when you land in SG is a separate matter.

 

[szeli]

So those packed in transparent bag need to declare at Japan custom before leaving?

always declare but so far never asked to check