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Japan Changes Tax-Free Shopping

Japan has announced a new tax-free shopping system for foreign visitors, starting with purchases made on November 1, 2026. Under the earlier system, eligible shoppers could buy goods at participating stores without paying consumption tax. Under the new rules, visitors will pay the full price, including tax. They can then receive a refund after customs confirms that the goods are leaving Japan. Travellers must complete the required checks before checking in their luggage. They must also leave Japan within 90 days of the purchase. Clothes, electronics and cosmetics are among the goods covered by the system. However, food or cosmetics used during the trip will not qualify for a refund.

For shoppers, the main change is when they receive their savings. Someone buying several expensive items may need a larger budget because the tax must be paid first. The refund process also becomes another task to plan before departure. Travellers will need to keep their goods ready for possible inspection and allow enough time at the airport. A cheap purchase could feel less attractive if getting the refund adds stress to the journey. Stores and travel companies may need to explain the rules clearly, especially to visitors who do not speak Japanese. For Korean travellers taking a short shopping trip, these extra steps could affect how much they buy and how they pack. The change creates a practical choice: how much effort is a tax saving worth when you are on holiday?

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Talk about these words from the article.

tax-free / eligible / consumption tax / refund / customs / luggage / purchase / cosmetics / qualify / savings / budget / departure / inspection / journey / effort

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Discussion

1. How important is shopping when you travel abroad?

2. What do you usually buy when visiting another country?

3. How much money would you need to save to make a refund process worthwhile?

4. How might paying tax first affect your shopping budget?

5. What difficulties could travellers face under the new system?

6. How could shops explain the rules to foreign customers more clearly?

7. What helps you avoid stress before an international flight?

8. How do you decide whether an overseas purchase is a good deal?