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Japan Tax-Free Shopping Changes on Nov 1, 2026: How the New Refund at Departure Works

Last verified against official sources: October 27, 2026. Procedures can change; always confirm on the official sites before you travel. The short version (as of October 27, 2026) For purchases on or after November 1, 2026 , Japan's tax-free shops charge the full price including consumption tax. You get the tax back later. You still show your passport when you buy. The minimum is 5,000 yen (before tax) per shop, per day . When you leave Japan, within 90 days of purchase, scan your passport at a tax-free kiosk in the departure lobby before you check your bags , with the goods in hand. After customs confirms, the shop (or its refund agent) pays the refund. Official details: Japan Tourism Agency and Japan Customs . If you shopped tax-free in Japan before, you are used to paying the lower price at the register. That ends with purchases made on October 31, 2026. Under the new "refund method," you pay full price in the store and claim the tax back on your way out...
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Do Americans Need a K-ETA for Korea in 2027? K-ETA vs e-Arrival Card Explained

Last verified against official sources: October 27, 2026. Entry rules can change at short notice. Always confirm on the official sites before you fly. The short version (as of October 27, 2026) Through December 31, 2026 (Korea time): US passport holders are temporarily exempt from K-ETA. If you are exempt, you file a free arrival card instead, online at the official e-Arrival Card site within 3 days before you land. From January 1, 2027: No official notice extending the exemption into 2027 had been published when we checked on October 27, 2026. Unless that changes, plan to get a K-ETA (fee: 10,000 won) before you board. An approved K-ETA also replaces the arrival card. Apply only at the official site, www.k-eta.go.kr , or the official K-ETA app. Lookalike sites charge far more. Korea has two different online forms for visitors, and they are easy to mix up. The K-ETA is a travel authorization you need before you board . The e-Arrival Card is the digital version of the old ...
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