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Bic Camera 17% Off Coupon Included: 21 Frequently Asked Questions!

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The staff at Bic Camera have extensive knowledge about electric appliances, and offers sightseeing information as well. Each store has its own anime character called "Biccame-Musume." This article features 21 FAQs and information on redeeming a 17% discount.

Written by

I am currently working as the Taiwan version editor for MATCHA. I am from Changhua County and during my time in Taiwan, I worked as a domestic Japanese tour guide and in interview PR for a Japanese television station. I am skilled at arranging travel itineraries, particularly for food and hot spring-related attractions. My interests include photography, especially food and portrait photography. Due to my age and my fondness for places like bars and izakayas, I call myself 'Matcha Uncle'.


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Contents:

  • Before Making a Purchase
  • 12 FAQs About Voltage, Tax-Free, Returned Goods, and Games
  • Five Questions from MATCHA
  • Four Memorable Questions from Customers
  • Just Ask the Staff If You Have Any Questions
  • Before Making a Purchase

    This article features 21 FAQs at Bic Camera, a mass home electronics retailer. Common questions concern transformers, plugs, warranty, etc.

    Take advantage of the discount coupon information in the article as well!

    Bic Camera Discount Coupon

    Bic Camera coupon

    There will be no 10% sales tax when you spend over 5,000 yen at one store in a day. The Bic Camera x MATCHA coupon even allows a 3% discount on sake, a 5% discount on medicine/food, and a 7% discount on electric appliances such as dryers and cameras. All in all, there is a maximum 17% discount on purchases!

    Bic Camera x MATCHA Coupon: Maximum 17% Discount

    Make an Online Inquiry to a Certain Store

    Bic Cameraオンライン相談票

    Picture courtesy of Bic Camera

    Bic Camera has an online inquiry sheet for overseas visitors. Write your name, e-mail address, the name of the store, and your inquiry (reserving an item, confirmation of stock, repairs, etc.). A staff member at the designated store will answer your question. In addition to Japanese, foreign languages can be used to fill in the information. Also, you do not need to have a Japanese telephone number.

    Online Inquiry Sheet for Overseas Visitors: https://qa.biccamera.com/s/helpdesk?faq=ka05h000001DkR0AAK&fbclid=IwAR1Piu51c79cNYHn7hctpgDvpaaDs1bxiM-9IYmPefE5RssE1rFxk0mSBz4

    1. Can Japanese Appliances Be Used Overseas?

    biccamera

    Most countries do not have a 100V outlet, so a transformer must be on hand.

    biccamera

    Alternatively, Bic Camera carries appliances with voltages varying from 100V to 240V. A transformer is required if a product can only be used at 100V.

    2. Can You Just Plug In a Japanese Appliance Overseas?

    biccamera

    While Japanese products have a Type A plug, other countries such as China and Taiwan also use B- and C-types.

    biccamera

    Type A plugs can be used in most countries. If other types are required, customers should also purchase a conversion plug.

    For further details, please check the following page:
    https://www.biccamera.com/bc/c/info/purchase/voltage.jsp (Japanese)

    3. Is There a Multi-Language Manual? What About Warranty?

    Bic Camera

    Most manuals are written in Japanese. However, products of multinational companies such as Braun, Philips, and Dyson come with an English manual.

    Bic Camera

    While Japanese products are basically warrantied for domestic use, overseas versions, such as Panasonic dryers and Zojirushi electric pots, are guaranteed in other countries. Products of multi-national companies (Braun, Philips, et cetera) are also warranted overseas.

    In case of an early failure, Bic Camera will take care of repairs. After a certain period, if the product is mishandled or there is a voltage problem, they will not be able to accommodate it.

    4. After the Purchase, Can I Test the Product at the Store?

    Bic Camera

    Those who want to check the product after purchase should ask the staff in person. They will test the appliance and explain how to use it.

    5. Is a Rice Cooker a Carry-on Item?

    Bic Camera

    It is both a carry-on item and can be checked baggage. Customers should confirm the specific size for carry-on items with the airline in advance.

    6. How Can I Ship Large Electric Appliances?

    Bic Camera

    Large products, such as refrigerators and washing machines, can be purchased as tax-free items.

    Customers must arrange the shipping themselves and take responsibility for any issues that arise. If it is clear that the item will be used in Japan, the tax-free status will not be applied.

    For details on tariffs, please look at your country's tax agency.

    7. Is There an Appliance That Can Only be Purchased in Japan?

    Compared to export products, some items sold in Japan come in different types, colors, and functions. The following is a list of products limited to the domestic market and recommended for overseas visitors.

    Bic Camera

    ① Nintendo Switch (OLED Model) Joy-Con (L)

    Bic Camera

    ② PlayStation 5

    Bic Camera

    ③ Panasonic Pocket Shaver ES-RS10

    Bic Camera

    ④ Casio Standard Watch MQ-24-7B2LLJH

    Bic Camera

    ⑤ Meta Quest 3 VR MR Headset (128 GB)

    Bic Camera

    ⑥ Panasonic Dryer EHNA0JH

    Bic Camera

    ⑦ Panasonic Vitalift RF EH-SR85

    Bic Camera

    ⑧ Ambie AMTW01WC (Wireless Earphone)

    8. Are the Appliances Returnable? What is the Guideline?

    Bic Camera

    If the product is not opened, it can be returned to the store of purchase. Customers must show their passport and receipt. If the package is opened, and the product has been used, it cannot be returned.

    9. What are the Requirements for a Tax-Free Purchase?

    Bic Camera

    Foreign nationals visiting Japan as tourists, and members of the U.S. armed forces, can apply for tax-free shopping. Passports will be required for identification.

    10. Is There a Special Discount for Nintendo Switch in Japan?

    Bic Camera

    There are no tax-free coupons or discounts for Nintendo Switch. Those who are looking for discounts should check special campaigns hosted by UnionPay, Alipay, WeChat, JCB, or various banks.

    11. Is There a Multi-Lingual Version of Nintendo Switch Games? What is the Difference Between a Download Version and a Packaged Version?

    Bic Camera

    There are multi-lingual versions for certain games. After purchasing a Switch device, the user must transfer the Nintendo account from the old one to the new machine, and also re-download the game software. With packaged versions, you can immediately play the software on your new console.

    12. What Do You Recommend to Gundam Enthusiasts and What Does Bic Camera Offer to Them?

    The current popular Gundam items are as follows.

    Bic Camera

    ① HG 1/144 Gundam Calibarn
    ② RG 1/144 Gundam Epyon
    ③ RG 1/144 Nu Gundam
    ④ SD Gundam EX: Rising Freedom Gundam
    ⑤ HG Rising Freedom Gundam and HG 1/144 Gundam Aerial

    Bic Camera

    Bic Camera offers not only a tax-free price, but a special discount as well.

    Bic Camera x MATCHA Coupon: Maximum 17% Discount

    13. How are the Staff Appointed and How Do They Acquaint Themselves With the Appliances?

    Bic Camera

    The company decides which item the staff will be in charge of after hearing their requests.

    After the decision, the staff will familiarize themselves with the appliance by repetition.

    14. How is the Decoration, Including Point-of-Purchase Displays, Decided?

    biccamera

    All the handmade displays and seasonal decorations are designed by the staff. "Biccame-musume," an anime character appointed to each store, can be seen everywhere. The character at the Akihabara store is "Akiba-tan," a girl with pigtails. Some stores display a life-sized Biccame-musume signboard, where fans gather to take photographs.

    15. What Kind of Travel Products Does Bic Camera Offer?

    Bic Camera

    At the store, there is an area exclusively displaying travel items such as suitcases, battery chargers, transformers, conversion plugs, portable shavers, and tooth-brushing kits. The area has everything that a traveler may need.

    16. When Is the Time to Purchase Discounted Items?

    Bic Camera

    Seasonal products, such as electric fans and heaters, will be displayed at a discount price. For example, there is an after-season campaign for old model fans in autumn, and a similar campaign for heaters in spring.

    17. What Makes Bic Camera Different From Competitors?

    bic camera

    Expert Staff

    The well-informed staff greeting the customers is one of the strong points of Bic Camera.

    Private Brands

    Bic Camera sells their own products, such as futon and sake at certain stores. It is difficult for other companies to match these high-quality products.

    An Original Song

    A lively song, which can be remembered easily, is played at Bic Camera facilities. Children visiting the stores are known to sing and dance along with the song. The melody is also played at Ikebukuro Station when the trains depart from March 1, 2024.

    Even John Mayer, a renowned artist, can't resist singing this song at his concerts in Japan.

    These are some of the measures Bic Camera has taken to make shopping more pleasant. It also creates an advantage over the competitors.

    18. Where are the Samurai and Ninja?

    Bic Camera

    Picture courtesy of Pixta
    Those looking for Samurai/Ninja should head for the cafes near the Bic Camera Akihabara store. There might be a cafe designed in that theme.

    19. Where Do You Recommend Eating Near Bic Camera?

    Bic Camera

    Since there is a wide variety of eateries around Bic Camera, the staff offers information about their favorite diners, including ramen restaurants.

    20. Is There a Mosque Near Bic Camera?

    bic camera

    Picture courtesy of Pixta

    The staff will be happy to look for the nearest mosque.

    21. Can the Customers Ask About What is Contained in the Ingredients?

    bic camera

    Picture courtesy of Pixta

    The staff will check the ingredients to see if there is any food that is prohibited by religion.

    Just Ask the Staff If You Have Any Questions

    Bic Camera coupon

    The questions above should cover the basic areas regarding Japanese appliances. Just ask the staff in person if there are any other inquiries.

    There will be no 10% sales tax when you spend over 5,000 yen at one store in a day. Also, the Bic Camera x MATCHA coupon allows a maximum 17% discount off purchases.

    Bic Camera x MATCHA Coupon: Maximum 17% Discount

    FAQs

    Can Japanese appliances be used in other countries?

    Since the products are set for 100V, they will need transformers.

    Can the plugs be used in other countries?

    While an Type A plug can be used in most countries, it might be wise to purchase a conversion plug as well.

    Is there a multi-language manual? What about warranty?

    Certain multi-national companies have an English manual.
    Japanese appliances that can be used overseas will be covered by warranty.

    Is a rice cooker a carry-on item?

    It is a carry-on item, and can also be registered as a checked baggage. Customers should confirm the specific size for both carry-on and checked baggages with the airline in advance.

    How can I ship large electric appliances?

    Appliances can be transported by air or sea. The tariff will vary according to the country, so the customer should check it in advance.

    What are the popular appliances sold only in Japan?

    i. Nintendo Switch (OLED Model) Joy-Con (L)
    ii. Meta Quest 3 (128GB)
    iii. Panasonic Dryer EHNA0JH
    iv. Panasonic Vitalift RF EH-SR85

     

    Written by

    Chu

    I am currently working as the Taiwan version editor for MATCHA. I am from Changhua County and during my time in Taiwan, I worked as a domestic Japanese tour guide and in interview PR for a Japanese television station. I am skilled at arranging travel itineraries, particularly for food and hot spring-related attractions. My interests include photography, especially food and portrait photography. Due to my age and my fondness for places like bars and izakayas, I call myself 'Matcha Uncle'.


    more
    The information presented in this article is based on the time it was written. Note that there may be changes in the merchandise, services, and prices that have occurred after this article was published. Please contact the facility or facilities in this article directly before visiting. Some of our articles contain affiliate links. We kindly ask our readers to exercise careful judgement when making a purchase or booking a service online.

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