Japan is expected to fully implement a new airport tax refund system from November 1, changing the past practice of checking out tax-free directly at stores to "pay the tax-included price first, confirm the goods at the exit airport, and then refund the tax." This change has caused concerns among many tourists going to Japan. They are worried that the cumbersome procedures will cause traffic jams at the airport, and they even start to worry about whether they need to arrive at the airport 3 to 4 hours in advance. In this regard, Japan travel expert Lin Shibi said that passengers should not be overly anxious. The general public can arrive at the airport 2 hours early. Only those who spend a lot of money and purchase a large number of high-end products are advised to hurry up.
Japan travel expert Lin Shibi posted an article on the Facebook group "Japanese Self-guided Travel Poisoners" and pointed out that the airport tax refund process is mainly divided into three levels: the tax-free self-service machine in the departure hall, customs physical inspection, and cash refund after customs clearance. Among them, the self-service kiosks set up in the lobby only need to scan the passport and online consumption records, and the determination can be completed in a few seconds. Major large airports can even replace the kiosks by connecting to the Visit Japan Web online, so the front end will basically not cause serious congestion. What really takes a lot of time mainly occurs when the system determines that there is a "red light" and must be opened for customs inspection.
Lam Thi Pik said that for the vast majority of passengers, after the self-service machine scans and displays a "green light" to avoid inspection, the airport tax refund procedure is actually completed, and they can check in their luggage, clear customs and make purchases at duty-free shops as usual. As for tax refunds, most companies support online applications for refunds to credit cards. Passengers only need to keep the receipts and QR code properly, and apply slowly within the validity period after returning to the country. There is no need to queue up at the airport to collect the tax refund.
Regarding the criteria for being judged to require customs inspection, Lin Thi Pik also admitted that the official has not made it clear because all consumption records are in the passport. Therefore, it is speculated that the customs will inspect high-priced products or specific items above a certain amount. If you only purchase general cosmeceuticals, snacks and souvenirs, With daily groceries, the chance of being opened by a red light is extremely low. He said that if you buy a lot of high-quality goods or a huge amount, the chance of being cheated should be close to 99%. Therefore, if you have a "big tax refund customer" who buys a lot of high-quality goods, you really need to go to the airport early for inspection.
Lin Thi Pik reminded that in the face of the new system that is about to go on the road, it coincides with the peak red leaf tourism season in November, and there will inevitably be a period of chaos and queues in the early stage. However, he also suggested that the public can maintain a flexible attitude. Once they arrive at the airport and find that the queues are larger than expected and there is not enough time, they can choose to give up the tax refund at any time. Tax refund is a right but not an obligation of passengers. If you miss your flight due to tax refund, you will lose more than you gain.
