How much tax-free can I buy in Japan?

Tax-Free Shopping in Japan: A Comprehensive Guide

Japan offers a tax-free shopping program to foreign visitors, allowing them to save on purchases made at designated stores. To qualify for tax-free shopping, specific requirements must be met.

Minimum Purchase Amount

To qualify for tax exemption, the total purchase amount must reach the minimum threshold. This threshold is calculated as follows:

• Excluding tax and discounts: ¥5,000 or more
• Including tax: ¥5,500 or more

Consumable Items and Special Packaging

Consumable items, such as food and beverages, purchased in special packaging must remain sealed until exiting the country. This is to ensure that the items are not consumed before customs declaration.

Designated Bag

All qualifying purchases must be placed in a designated tax-free shopping bag provided by the store. This bag will contain a tax exemption form that must be presented at customs upon departure.

Procedure

To claim tax exemption, follow these steps:

1. Make a qualifying purchase at a designated tax-free shopping store.
2. Request a tax exemption form from the cashier.
3. Place all eligible purchases in the designated tax-free shopping bag.
4. Present the tax exemption form and purchases at customs upon departure.
5. Customs will verify the items and issue a tax refund stamp.

Additional Information

• Tax-free shopping is only available to foreign visitors with a passport.
• The tax exemption is applicable to consumption tax (currently 10%).
• The tax exemption does not apply to certain items, such as tobacco and alcohol.
• Visitors are advised to check with individual stores for specific eligibility criteria and restrictions.