Money

Tax-free shopping changes from November 2026 — how does the new airport-refund system actually affect a normal trip?

From November 2026, Japan ends the at-the-register tax-free system; refunds now happen at the airport on departure with proof of purchase. For travelers used to walking out of Bic Camera or Don Quijote tax-free at the till, what does the day-to-day flow look like under the new system? Receipts to keep, airport counters to find, time buffers to add. Any catches that have caught people out so far?