Planning a trip to Japan? Tax-Free shopping is a major draw for many visitors, but what if you’re short on time or your accommodation isn’t near a Tax-free shop? Fear not, travellers! This guide explores the current state of online Tax-free shopping in Japan.
The Good News: Online Tax-free is Here!
Image by Preis_King from Pixabay
Great news for visitors! Since October 2020, Japan’s tax exemption system has been revamped, officially recognising online Tax-free sales. However, it’s still early days, so the number of shops offering this service is currently limited.
How to Buy Tax-free Online in Japan
There are two main ways to grab those Tax-free deals online.
(1) Pre-Order at Airport Duty-Free Online Shops
Many airport duty-free shops in Japan now allow you to reserve items online beforehand. Browse their virtual shelves, pay securely, and simply pick up your purchases at the designated airport shop when you depart. Here are a few popular options:
- TIAT DUTY FREE (Haneda Airport)
- JAPAN DUTY FREE (Narita Airport)
- KIX DUTY FREE (Kansai International Airport)
(2) Tax Free Online (EC for Tax Free shopping)
This e-commerce site offers a wider range of Tax-free products you can order online. Choose between picking them up at the airport or having them delivered to partner hotels for added convenience.
Tax-Free at Brand Websites? Not Quite Yet.
You might be tempted to grab Tax-free deals directly from your favourite brands’ online shops. Unfortunately, in most cases, these online shops won’t offer tax exemptions, even if the physical shops do. For instance, popular clothing brand Uniqlo allows tax exemption in their physical shops, but not online.
In addition, tax exemption procedures are available at all shops at the luxury brand reuse shop KOMEHYO introduced on this site, but purchases made at online shops are not eligible for tax exemption.
The Perks of Online Tax-free Shopping
There are several advantages to buying Tax-free online:
- Shop from anywhere, anytime: No need to squeeze in shopping around your sightseeing plans. Browse and select products at your leisure.
- Compare and consider: Take your time researching products and comparing prices before you commit.
- Convenient pick-up: Collect your purchases at the airport or a designated hotel – no last-minute airport dashes!
A Few Downsides to Keep in Mind
While online Tax-free shopping offers convenience, there are also some drawbacks:
- No hands-on experience: You can’t physically inspect the items before you buy.
- Delivery fees may apply: Depending on the option you choose, there might be additional shipping costs.
- Limited pick-up locations: You might be restricted to collecting your purchases at specific airports or hotels.
- Fewer brands and products: The selection of brands and products available online may be smaller compared to physical shops.
The Verdict: Online Tax-Free – A Promising Future
Image by Preis_King from Pixabay
While still in its early stages, online Tax-free shopping offers a convenient way to grab Tax-free bargains in Japan. With increasing adoption by retailers, this service is likely to become more widespread in the future. So, plan your shopping strategy and enjoy the benefits of Tax-Free deals, even if you’re short on time!
Of course, if you have the time and enjoy browsing in person, don’t hesitate to visit the fantastic Tax-Free shops Japan has to offer!
