When is Japan's tax-free system changing?

Starting November 1, 2026, Japan's tax-free system changes. Instead of buying at the tax-free price at the register, you pay the tax-included price first and the consumption tax is refunded to you afterward (the “refund method”).

Is BicCamera's Refund Service Fee 0 yen?

Yes. BicCamera covers the Refund Service Fee, so you pay 0 yen for it. However, the actual amount you receive may vary (see the next question).

If the Refund Service Fee is 0 yen, do I get the full consumption tax back?

Not necessarily. The actual amount you receive may vary depending on fees charged by the payment provider used for the refund, exchange rate fluctuations, or other factors.

Is the refund still fee-free if I take it in cash?

No. For cash refunds, any fee charged by the refund counter at the relevant airport will be deducted from the refund amount.

How long will the ¥0 Refund Service Fee offer last?

This offer may end without prior notice. Please check the latest information with the store or BicCamera before you shop.

Do I earn airline miles when I shop at BicCamera?

Yes. You earn 1 mile for every 500 yen spent on tax-free purchases, and JAL, EVA Air and Cathay Pacific miles are eligible. Miles are credited at the designated counter of a designated store. For JAL and EVA Air, present your membership number. For Cathay Pacific, check the counter location for each store on Cathay Pacific's website and register. Ask store staff for details.

Why is it a good idea to do your shopping at BicCamera under the new tax-free system?

Under the new system, the more stores you shop at, the more tax-free procedures and receipts you may have to manage. At BicCamera you can buy souvenirs and essentials in one place and complete the tax-free procedure in one go. The Refund Service Fee is 0 yen, and you earn miles too.

BicCamera Tax Refund 2026: Refund Service Fee 0 Yen

Written by: LIVE JAPAN Coupon & Deals Team

Date published: 26 October 2026

From November 1, 2026, Japan’s tax-free system changes to pay first, refund later. BicCamera’s Refund Service Fee is 0 yen, and you can buy souvenirs and essentials in one stop and earn airline miles.

LIVE JAPAN offers a discount coupon for international visitors that you can use at BicCamera. Tap the button below to open the coupon page, and show it at the register.

Save the BicCamera coupon to your phone

*Eligible items, terms and validity are on the coupon page. The coupon for November onward is available on the coupon page.

BicCamera Refund Service Fee From November 1, 2026: Key Points

As of October 26, 2026

From November 1, 2026, Japan's tax-free system changes: you pay the tax-included price first, and the consumption tax is refunded to you afterward.
At BicCamera, the Refund Service Fee is 0 yen. BicCamera covers the Refund Service Fee.
You can buy popular souvenirs and everyday essentials in one place, and complete your tax-free procedure in one go.
At designated stores, earn 1 mile for every 500 yen spent on tax-free purchases. JAL, EVA Air and Cathay Pacific miles are eligible.
Bic Camera will cover the refund fee. However, the actual amount you receive may vary depending on fees charged by the payment provider used for the refund, exchange rate fluctuations, or other factors. For cash refunds, any fee charged by the refund counter at the relevant airport will be deducted from the refund amount.
This offer may end without prior notice.

Last checked: October 26, 2026 (based on BicCamera's announcement). Service details and the conditions for the fee waiver may change or end without notice.

How Japan's Tax-Free System Changes From November 1, 2026

Until now, you could buy at the tax-free price at the register. From November 1, you pay the tax-included price first and receive the consumption tax back afterward, under the “refund method.”

This article focuses on shopping at BicCamera.

What to Know About BicCamera's ¥0 Refund Service Fee

What becomes 0 yen is the Refund Service Fee that BicCamera covers. The amount you actually receive may vary depending on how you take your refund. Please see the notice below for details.

Refund　Service　Fee　￥0

Bic Camera will cover the refund fee. However, the actual amount you receive may vary depending on fees charged by the payment provider used for the refund, exchange rate fluctuations, or other factors. For cash refunds, any fee charged by the refund counter at the relevant airport will be deducted from the refund amount.
This offer may end without prior notice.

Popular Souvenirs and Essentials in One Place, One Tax-Free Procedure

Under the new tax-free system, LIVE JAPAN recommends doing your shopping at BicCamera. Here are three reasons.

1. Souvenirs and essentials, all under one roof

BicCamera sells everything from home appliances and cameras to cosmetics, medicine, daily necessities, food and alcohol. Whether it's a souvenir you want to take home or something you suddenly need before you fly, you can pick it up in one place. Spend less time hopping between stores and more time sightseeing and eating.

2. One tax-free procedure for everything

Under the new system, you pay first and get your refund afterward. The more stores you shop at, the more separate procedures and receipts you may have to deal with. At BicCamera, the tax-free procedure for everything you bought is completed in one go. That means less hassle and less risk of missing a step.

3. A ¥0 Refund Service Fee, plus miles

BicCamera covers the Refund Service Fee. At designated stores, you also earn 1 mile for every 500 yen spent on tax-free purchases, with JAL, EVA Air (Infinity MileageLands) and Cathay Pacific (Asia Miles) miles eligible. The more of your trip's shopping you do at BicCamera, the more you keep fees down while building miles for your next trip.

How to earn miles

Miles are credited at the designated counter of a designated store.
For JAL and EVA Air, present your mileage membership number when you apply.
For Cathay Pacific, check the counter location for each store on Cathay Pacific's website and register.
Ask store staff for details.

BicCamera is a member of the LIVE JAPAN Consortium. LIVE JAPAN will keep this article updated with the latest information so you can shop at BicCamera with confidence under the new system.

Save the BicCamera coupon and go shopping

Check Before You Shop

Before you shop, it's a good idea to check these four points:

Whether you will take your refund in cash or through a payment provider
That for cash refunds, any fee charged by the refund counter at the relevant airport is deducted
Whether the ¥0 Refund Service Fee offer is still running at the time of your purchase
If you want miles, have your membership number ready (Cathay Pacific requires prior registration) and go to the designated counter

Update History

October 26, 2026: Article published (based on BicCamera's announcement)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. When is Japan's tax-free system changing?: A. Starting November 1, 2026, Japan's tax-free system changes. Instead of buying at the tax-free price at the register, you pay the tax-included price first and the consumption tax is refunded to you afterward (the “refund method”).

Q. Is BicCamera's Refund Service Fee 0 yen?: A. Yes. BicCamera covers the Refund Service Fee, so you pay 0 yen for it. However, the actual amount you receive may vary (see the next question).

Q. If the Refund Service Fee is 0 yen, do I get the full consumption tax back?: A. Not necessarily. The actual amount you receive may vary depending on fees charged by the payment provider used for the refund, exchange rate fluctuations, or other factors.

Q. Is the refund still fee-free if I take it in cash?: A. No. For cash refunds, any fee charged by the refund counter at the relevant airport will be deducted from the refund amount.

Q. How long will the ¥0 Refund Service Fee offer last?: A. This offer may end without prior notice. Please check the latest information with the store or BicCamera before you shop.

Q. Do I earn airline miles when I shop at BicCamera?: A. Yes. You earn 1 mile for every 500 yen spent on tax-free purchases, and JAL, EVA Air and Cathay Pacific miles are eligible. Miles are credited at the designated counter of a designated store. For JAL and EVA Air, present your membership number. For Cathay Pacific, check the counter location for each store on Cathay Pacific's website and register. Ask store staff for details.

Q. Why is it a good idea to do your shopping at BicCamera under the new tax-free system?: A. Under the new system, the more stores you shop at, the more tax-free procedures and receipts you may have to manage. At BicCamera you can buy souvenirs and essentials in one place and complete the tax-free procedure in one go. The Refund Service Fee is 0 yen, and you earn miles too.

*This article is current as of October 26, 2026. Further official details on Japan's tax-free system and each company's response may be announced in the future. We will add the latest information as it becomes available.

*For the latest information on the refund-method tax-free system, please check the official page of the Japan Tourism Agency (Tax-Free Shop website).
[For Travelers] Multilingual “Consumption Tax Exemption System: Refund Method Leaflet” and Video Content Now Available | Tax-Free Shop Website

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*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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