Travel to Japan and discover how to shop tax-free if you're a tourist.

When traveling abroad, one of the greatest pleasures, and sometimes also one of the biggest expenses, is shopping . From souvenirs to technological products or clothing exclusive to the country, browsing the shops at your destination is undoubtedly part of the travel experience. However, there is one factor that always makes these purchases more expensive: taxes . But not everyone knows that, in some countries, tourists can avoid paying part of these taxes . And Japan is one of them.

The travel channel 'We're Fine, Mom,' which specializes in practical advice for travelers around the world, has revealed in a TikTok video a quick and easy way for tourists to shop in Japan without paying the country's 10% consumption tax . A trick that many are unaware of and that can lead to considerable savings at the end of the trip .

"If you want to shop tax-free in Japan, I'll tell you more here," the content creator begins. "Like several other countries, Japan has a 'Tax Free' shopping program, which offers tourists the opportunity to avoid paying 10% taxes," he points out. This benefit is designed to encourage spending among temporary visitors and allows them to enjoy lower prices without having to go through complicated procedures at the end of their trip, as is the case in other countries where taxes are handled at the airport.

"That means shopping would be 10% cheaper," he emphasizes, recalling that for high-priced items (such as technology, cosmetics, or fashion), that percentage can make a big difference . However, there are some conditions . Not all stores are part of the Tax Free program. "Normally, it's the larger chains, like Uniqlo, Don Quijote, Big Camera..." he states, noting that large stores and shopping centers tend to offer this option to tourists, as they have the infrastructure and staff to manage it.

The way to identify these stores is easy: "You'll find those kinds of signs at stores that offer this service," he confesses, showing one of those signs , which are usually at the entrances or at the checkout counters and are written in English, Japanese, and sometimes other languages.

However, to benefit from this discount, there are several requirements that must be met. The first and most important: carry your passport . "To be eligible for the Tax Free program, you must have your passport with you at the time of purchase, and there is usually a minimum transaction amount, which ranges between 5,000 and 5,500 yen." This is equivalent to about 30 to 35 euros at the current exchange rate, an amount that isn't difficult to reach if you purchase several products . However, "each store has its own minimum amount," so it's advisable to ask beforehand to make sure you meet the required amount .

The content creator also points out that, to expedite the tax refund or exemption process , the establishment may have "special cashiers inside the store where they can fill out the entire 'Tax Free' form." These areas are exclusively for tourists and are usually located near the exit or next to the customer service counters. "To be sure, it's best to ask before paying," he adds.

Finally, the procedure is very simple: "You show your purchases, they will scan your passport, because there is a QR code that they put on it at immigration, and with that they basically discount 10% on the purchase," he concludes, pointing out that there is no need to do any subsequent paperwork at the airport or fill out complex documents .