Tax refund on IPhones from Bic Camera

Hi!

I saw in some news articles that Apple stores in Japan have stopped giving tax refund. Will buying from other stores like Bic or Yodobashi Camera have the tax refund privilege?

Thank you!

While they may have stopped the tax exemption at rime of purchase. You can still do a refund at the airport tax counter if you follow the correct procedures.

in March we did several tax-free purchases in Yodobashi (paid tax-free price, salesman took care of the procedure) and department stores (paid full, got tax refund in special counter in store).

@girlwithpearl Did you happen to buy Apple products at Yodobashi?

@H

Does the Iphone need to be in a sealed package like cosmetics or food to qualify for tax refund?

@Eatlog, no, bought PS5 and rice cooker, I don't know if brands are treated differently. And when refund is done, no need to keep in original package or sealed.

Nice. Did you get a discount on top of the tax refund for the PS5?

@Eatlog PS5 is more my HB-s joy, no idea about how much did cost, but much cheaper than in EU.
I am more happy about Zojirushi...

"when refund is done, no need to keep in original package or sealed."
that is incorrect.
you must "export" all items. if you use them in Japan, you violate the laws.
it sounds like most foreigners violate the laws, as same as Apple stores.

@Ken - of course we exported all items. Just no need to export them in original packet - like PS is hudge in box, to pack our luggage we needed to remove it.

Yes of course we will bring the items home. My concern is that expensive items go �gmissing�h in our airport so I want to take them out of the box and hand carry or put them in my pocket.

I believe that only "consumables" need to be purchased and packaged in sealed bags. "Non-consumables" need not be sealed and CAN be used while in Japan. However, if, in the same purchase, there are consumables and non-consumables, then the entire package is sealed and none can be used while in Japan. Consumables commonly include cosmetics and food items. A phone is a non-consumable.

Here's a quick and dirty guide:

https://japanhorizon.com/tax-free-items-japan/

I was thinking that there is no refund counter at airports in Japan and this can be done only at stores. Did this change?

Not certain what you mean, @Mik, but the refund counters are generally in the store where the items were purchased. At the airport, there is a little kiosk, where you can scan your passport if you have made tax-free purchases during your stay in Japan. So, you are correct.

Hello I looked at a old thread but when I tried to reply the thread suggested I�fm she a bee thread and it copied the name Into this thread

https://www.japan-guide.com/forum/quereadisplay.html?0+177677

Can someone assist me please And let me know can I buy a iPhone 14 pro Max and get a tax rebate at the airport if I buy from the Apple Store or do I need to buy it from a Yodobashior bic store as I want a unlocked phone

I wanted to buy it at the Apple Store so I can transfer all my old data from my iPhone XS Into my newly bought unlocked store bought phone

If I can buy from Apple Store , do trade in and get a tax rebate from the airport then that would be great as well

What do I need exactly on way back like packaging , receipt and do they give me the cash back and transfer into my bank account ?

Thank you