No refund fee
In a news release on 5 October 2026, PPIH said that from 1 November 2026 the refund application will be free of charge at PPIH group stores across Japan. The only exception is taking the refund as cash at the airport: the refund company then charges its own fee. PPIH adds that the service and the free-fee conditions can change or end without notice.
PPIH has not said which refund company it works with, which refund methods it offers or whether you need an app. Ask at the tax-free counter when you pay.
What is confirmed (as of 18 October 2026)
| Topic | What applies | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Refund fee | Free, except cash at the airport | PPIH news release, 5 October 2026 |
| Refund company and app | Not announced | — |
| Minimum spend | ¥5,000 before tax at the same store on the same day | Japan Tourism Agency |
| Passport | The original passport; copies and photos are not accepted | Don Quijote tax-free page |
| Paying by card | The name on the card must match the name on the passport | Don Quijote tax-free page |
| Where to pay | Tax-free purchases go through designated tax-free tills | Don Quijote |
The visitor coupon
- Don Quijote’s coupon for foreign visitors gives 5% off tax-free purchases over ¥10,000 before tax, or 7% off over ¥30,000 before tax.
- Show the coupon barcode on your phone to the cashier before you pay. Screenshots are not accepted, and the coupon cannot be used after payment.
- Excluded: alcohol, tobacco, game consoles, Apple products and some other brands, and items of ¥100,000 or more before tax.
- It works at about 600 Don Quijote, APITA and PIAGO stores, but not at every store.
The store website still shows the old rules
As of 18 October 2026, Don Quijote’s own tax-free page still describes the old system, including sealed bags and a ¥500,000 limit on consumables. For purchases from 1 November the new national rules apply: you pay the tax and get it back after the customs check, and sealed bags and the national ¥500,000 limit are gone. Ask in the store whether Don Quijote keeps any limit of its own.
Before you leave the store
- Keep the receipt and register your refund method the way the staff explain.
- Keep everything from one receipt together until the customs check.
- Do not open and use food or cosmetics before you leave Japan.
- At the airport, do the kiosk check before you check in any bag.