CARDBITRAGE
TF Legend
Japan has tax-free shopping for tourists. I didn't know they had a tax refund scheme as well. Normally, when you present your passport, the stores in Japan will confirm that you are a tourist and have stayed less than 6 months, and if that is satisfied, they will issue you an invoice excluding the VAT(if the min. purchase value is 5000 yen). This is super convenient as you do not have to worry about getting a refund, and I hope more countries will adopt this method. I did a lot of shopping in Ireland. It's been 6 months, and I still haven't received the VAT refund. 😒