Don't Use This Credit Card When Traveling Abroad! Payment Issues at Checkout, Experienced Traveler Reveals: Shopping in Japan May Not Qualify for Tax Refund

Whether it's a free trip or a group tour, Japan consistently ranks high on the list of overseas travel destinations for Taiwanese people. In recent years, the continuous depreciation of the yen, coupled with tax-free shopping privileges for foreign tourists, has attracted a large number of people to travel to Japan and stock up on goods. However, recently, the travel blogger '智明愛吃愛旅行' shared on their Facebook page that when handling tax refunds for consumption during a trip to Japan, using a business card with the word 'Business' printed on the card should be avoided, otherwise it is highly likely that the store will consider it a company card and refuse the tax refund, even losing the tax-free privilege. Don't use this card when shopping in Japan! The travel blogger personally experienced a situation where they could not get a tax refund when using a business card with the word 'Business' printed on it for shopping in Japan. He specifically pointed out that any card with the word 'Business' printed on it should not be used, as business cards are easily considered by Japanese stores to be for 'company business purposes' and not within the scope of personal consumption, thus being refused tax refunds by the store. However, while there have been cases in the past where some travelers have successfully obtained tax refunds using business cards, there are also many stores that strictly enforce regulations and do not accept them. To ensure personal consumption rights, it is recommended that travelers still use general personal credit cards as the safest option when shopping in Japan. He bluntly stated, 'So, to be safe, don't use a business card. Don't ask me how I know, I just lost 1000 yen.' In response, Zhiming also responded again through a video, emphasizing that the original intention was purely to share personal experiences of stepping on a landmine, hoping to remind people preparing to travel to Japan to pay more attention to details and avoid losing rights, and not to intentionally create anxiety for everyone when going abroad. The post exposure sparked discussions, with netizens saying, 'Items purchased with a business card are considered for business purposes, and items purchased for business purposes are not for personal use, so they cannot be taxed.' 'When shopping in Japan, department stores have reminded and confirmed whether it is a business card that cannot be processed for tax refunds. Confirmation was made before swiping the card.' There were also netizens who left messages sharing that they had encountered the same experience, 'I once encountered a situation where I wanted to get a tax refund at Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, and mine was a Cube Titanium Business Card. The Chinese staff also said this time I will refund you, and then asked me to pay attention because as long as there is Business, they will think it is a company card,' 'Yes, it will be considered for business use,' 'Business level cards, there is indeed a possibility of this happening. I once used a business dual currency card to shop on Amazon, and then my account was locked,' 'Actually, it depends on the channel. Department stores will be stricter. Two years ago, I also encountered a situation where I could not get a tax refund because of a business card with the word Business in a department store.' What to do if a business card is refused a tax refund? Insiders share 3 solutions However, there are also people who share that it is not necessarily impossible to get a tax refund. Facing the situation that a business card may be stuck in the tax refund, you can handle the refund and reswipe on the spot, bind mobile payment sensing, or sign a personal consumption disclaimer, 'It will not be impossible to get a tax refund. You need to prove to the clerk that this card belongs to you personally and not to the company,' 'Usually, only department stores have this problem. General stores are fine. I used the China Airlines co-branded card with Business on it at the Mitsukoshi Department Store and encountered the problem. However, after patiently explaining that it was not a business card, it was usually still refunded. Some department stores require signing a disclaimer.' Netizens shared that they can also bind their credit card to Apple Pay or Google Pay for mobile payment sensing. Since the electronic card face or physical sensing is usually not directly exposed to the 'Business' on the physical card, it is usually possible to smoothly pass the tax refund. Some stores or department stores can flexibly handle it. As long as the consumer is willing to sign a disclaimer on the spot, proving that although this card is a business card, it is indeed used for 'personal consumption', the tax refund process can be smoothly completed. Whether business cards can be taxed when consuming in Japan depends on the regulations of each merchant. However, if you encounter a business card being stuck when refunding taxes during travel, you can sign a disclaimer to prove that the card is used for personal consumption, handle swipe refund reswipe or bind mobile payment. As long as the card does not appear with the word Business, it is usually possible to smoothly pass the tax refund.