In Japan, all tax-free purchases will be converted to electronic as of October 1st. We at Don Quijote are currently in the process of preparing for this. So then, how will the duty free process change when it goes electronic, and what precautions should be taken? In this article, we'll tell you all about it, including the most frequently asked questions and their answers!
What is electronic tax exemption?
If you've ever been to Don Quijote before, you'll know that a very long receipt is issued and attached to your passport until you leave the country! This is because all the items which you have purchased so far were checked using this receipt.
However, if we switch to electronic receipts in the future, all of the information on the receipts will be sent to the Japanese tax authorities in a timely manner, and there will be no need to attach them to the passport at all.
How will the tax-free operations change?
In fact, there are two main types of tax exemptions at Don Quijote: instant exemption, where all items are purchased at tax-free prices, and after exemption, where you pay the regular bill first and the tax amount is returned to you in cash later. So how does the actual tax exemption change? Here are some simple steps to follow for each of the above two types.
Instant exemption
- Please hand over all of the items which you wish to purchase tax-free, and present your passport and other documents related to landing at the same time.
- Our staff will scan your passport with a special machine and return it to you on the spot.
- Staff will handle the checkout process. Don Quijote offers a wide variety of payment options, including cash, credit card, Alipay, and WeChat Pay.
- After completing the payment, the staff will hand you a special tax-free machine. There, you will find a list of notes for customers. Please be sure to scroll to the end and check the box for confirmation. Additionally, filling in the emergency contact information is optional.
- Our staff will hand you the pre-packaged items. Thank you for visiting our store!
After exemption
- Please hand over the item(s) you have just paid for, along with the receipt with the item(s) information to the staff, and present your passport or other documents related to landing at the same time.
- Our staff will scan your passport with a special machine and return it to you on the spot.
- Our staff will take care of the payment. The customer will then receive a refund in cash for the extra consumption tax paid.
- After receiving your tax-exemption refund, the staff will hand you a special tax-free machine. There, you will find a list of notes for customers. Please be sure to scroll to the end and check the box for confirmation. Additionally, filling in the emergency contact information is optional.
- Our staff will hand you the pre-packaged items. Thank you for visiting our store!
As you may have already noticed, all of those purchase agreements that you used to have to sign, or those long receipts that you had to fold in to layers and stick on your passport are completely gone! What's more, you no longer need to worry about your passport being full of receipts!
Additionally, new customers may be asked to read the instructions. If the print is too small for you to read, we have pre-printed POPs for you to have a look at! Please feel free to ask for help!
What precautions should I take after digitalization?
As you can see in the image above, there are no changes to tax exemptions. However, with the introduction of the electronic tax exemption process, the Japanese customs will be able to grasp the status of your tax exemption as soon as possible, which will lead to stricter controls against fraud. Therefore, please follow the rules and do not open the package or give it to anyone else in Japan!
Other common questions
Q: Are there any products that I can't purchase tax-free?
A: Yes, there are. Tax-exempt POSA cards, precious metals such as gold and platinum, and gift certificates cannot be purchased tax-free. Items that obviously need to be opened and used immediately (frozen or refrigerated items such as sashimi, ice cream, etc.) will also be processed through regular payment.
Q: I have both a YOKOSO coupon and a Majica card. Can I use them at the same time.
A: We are terribly sorry, but you can only use one at a time for tax-free purchases, so please decide in advance which one you would like to use. If you use the YOKOSO Card, please present it before the checkout if possible.
Q: I have my parents' credit card. Can I use my passport for tax-free processing and my parents' card for payment?
A: We apologize, but credit cards must be in your name to be accepted. We also do not accept credit cards in the name of corporations or companies.
Q: Is it possible to ship products to my hotel or the airport?
A: It depends on the store, but it is generally possible. However, please note that we cannot ship to the address of a friend living in Japan.
Q: Can I cancel, add, or return my order after tax exemption?
A: Yes, you can. Also, if possible, please bring your original receipt with you, as it will make the checkout process smoother.
Summary
In this article, we have summarized for everyone the points that will be modified after the electronic tax exemption goes live. In the future, we will continue to explain in detail who is eligible for tax-free shopping and the classification of tax-free products in another article. Also, if you have any questions, please feel free to ask the clerks, so please enjoy your tax-free shopping at Don Quijote!
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