Japanese
Korean
Shopping and tax-free
❃ Shopping and tax-free
-
お土産を探しています。
[ Omiyage o sagashite imasu. ] -
I'm looking for a souvenir.
-
一番人気があるのはどれですか。
[ Ichiban ninki ga aru no wa dore desu ka. ] -
Which one is the most popular?
-
限定品です。
[ Genteihin desu. ] -
It's a limited edition.
-
手に取ってみてもいいですか。
[ Te ni totte mite mo ii desu ka. ] -
May I pick it up to look?
-
新しい在庫はありますか。
[ Atarashii zaiko wa arimasu ka. ] -
Do you have a brand new one in stock?
-
ギフト用にラッピングしてもらえますか。
[ Gifutoyou ni rappingu shite moraemasu ka. ] -
Could you gift wrap it?
-
小分けの袋をください。
[ Kowake no fukuro o kudasai. ] -
Please give me extra small bags.
-
これは日本製ですか。
[ Kore wa nihonsei desu ka. ] -
Is this made in Japan?
-
これは海外でも使えますか。
[ Kore wa kaigai demo tsukaemasu ka. ] -
Can this be used abroad?
-
電圧は百ボルトです。
[ Den'atsu wa hyaku boruto desu. ] -
The voltage is 100V.
-
免税（タックスフリー）はできますか。
[ Menzei (Takkusu furii) wa dekimasu ka. ] -
Do you offer tax-free shopping?
-
免税カウンターは五階です。
[ Menzei kauntaa wa gokai desu. ] -
The tax-free counter is on the 5th floor.
-
パスポートを見せてください。
[ Pasupooto o misete kudasai. ] -
Please show your passport.
-
今、パスポートを持っていません。
[ Ima, pasupooto o motte imasen. ] -
I don't have my passport right now.
-
日本国内ではこの袋を開けないでください。
[ Nihon kokunai de wa kono fukuro o akenaide kudasai. ] -
Please do not open this bag in Japan.
-
変換プラグが欲しいです。
[ Henkan puragu ga hoshii desu. ] -
I want a plug adapter.
-
これはスマートフォンに対応していますか。
[ Kore wa sumaatofon ni taiou shite imasu ka. ] -
Is this compatible with smartphones?
-
動作確認をしてもいいですか。
[ Dousa kakunin o shite mo ii desu ka. ] -
Can I test it to see if it works?
-
安くしてもらえませんか。
[ Yasuku shite moraemasen ka. ] -
Could you give me a discount?
-
これがギリギリの値段です。
[ Kore ga girigiri no nedan desu. ] -
This is the absolute lowest price.
-
安くしてくれたら買います。
[ Yasuku shite kuretara kaimasu. ] -
I'll buy it if you make it cheaper.
-
英語の説明書はありますか。
[ Eigo no setsumeisho wa arimasu ka. ] -
Are there English instructions?
-
海外発送はできますか。
[ Kaigai hassou wa dekimasu ka. ] -
Do you ship internationally?
-
重くて持ち運べません。
[ Omokute mochihakobemasen. ] -
It's too heavy to carry.
-
とてもきれいです。
[ Totemo kirei desu. ] -
It's very beautiful.
Buying gifts in Japan is tied to the incredibly deep-rooted culture of "Omiyage" (お土産). While souvenirs in the West are often cheap trinkets bought for oneself, Omiyage are mandatory, high-quality, beautifully packaged local specialties (usually edible) bought to be given to colleagues, friends, and family upon returning from a trip. This act of giving symbolizes that you thought of your community while away. When shopping for electronics or high-end souvenirs in popular districts like Akihabara, international tourists have the massive advantage of Tax-Free shopping, known as "Menzei" (免税). Unlike in Europe where you claim the tax back at the airport upon departure, in Japan, the tax is deducted instantly at the cash register. To take advantage of this 10% discount, you must look for the designated Tax-Free counter ("Menzei kauntaa" - 免税カウンター) and you must have your physical passport with the tourist entry stamp; copies or photos on your phone will not be accepted. When you purchase consumable items (like cosmetics, snacks, or skincare) tax-free, the cashier will place them in a special, sealed transparent bag. There is a very strict, legally binding rule printed on these bags: "Nihon kokunai de wa kono fukuro o akenaide kudasai" (日本国内ではこの袋を開けないでください - Please do not open this bag inside Japan). You are exempt from the consumption tax specifically because you promise to consume the items outside of Japan. If you open the sealed bag while still in the country, you legally void the tax exemption and may be charged the 10% tax by customs at the airport before your flight. Understanding this rule ensures your shopping spree remains both budget-friendly and fully compliant with local laws.
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