Bic Camera 17% Off Coupon Included: 25 Frequently Asked Questions!

Table of Contents

・Check these things before buying Japanese appliances and using coupons!
・12 Most Frequently Asked Questions: Voltage, Tax-Free, Returns, Gaming, and more
・9 Questions from the Matcha Editorial Team for Store Staff
・4 Memorable Questions from Customers
・If you have questions, ask a BicCamera staff member directly! Includes a Tax-Free coupon for up to 17% OFF

Check these things before buying Japanese appliances!

Do I need a transformer to use Japanese appliances? Can Japanese plugs be used overseas? Does the warranty for appliances purchased in Japan apply abroad? In this article, we have compiled 21 of the most common questions from customers at Japanese electronics retailers, as well as the most memorable questions encountered by staff!

By the way, what is the best way to shop? Of course, it’s by using discount coupons!

Use BicCamera's Great Discount Coupons Wisely! The more you buy, the more you save!

Get 10% OFF consumption tax on purchases of 5,000 yen or more (excluding tax) at the same store in one day! Furthermore, if you use the "BicCamera x MATCHA" discount coupon, you get an additional 3% OFF on Sake-related products, 5% OFF on medicine and food-related products, and 7% OFF on appliances such as hair dryers and cameras. With a total of up to 17% OFF, the more you buy, the more you save!

Inquire Directly with the Store Online if You Have Questions

Picture courtesy of BicCamera
BicCamera provides an online inquiry service for overseas travelers. By simply filling out your name, email address, the store you plan to visit, and your question (product reservation, stock confirmation, product malfunction, etc.) in the online form, a staff member from the specified store will respond directly. You can write your questions in English or Japanese, and it is a very helpful consultation service! (The biggest change from the past is that you no longer need to provide a Japanese phone number.)

*Overseas Travelers Online Inquiry: https://tourist-info.biccamera.com/s/activate-inbound-form?language=en_US

1. Can Japanese appliances be used overseas?

Since the voltage in most overseas countries is not 100V, many Japanese appliance products cannot be used directly and must be used with a transformer.

On the other hand, some appliances sold at BicCamera have a voltage range of 100V to 240V (global voltage) and are highly versatile. If the appliance you purchase can only be used at 100V, you will need to purchase and use a transformer.

2. Can Japanese appliance plugs be plugged directly into overseas outlets?

Japanese appliances only use Type A plugs, while plugs in other regions like China or Taiwan may have multiple standards such as Type B or Type C in addition to Type A.

Basically, most countries can use Type A plugs. If they cannot be used directly, we recommend purchasing a conversion plug that can be used in your home country at the same time you buy the appliance.

*Please refer to the following page for plug standards used in countries around the world:
https://www.biccamera.com/bc/c/info/purchase/voltage.jsp

3. Do purchased products come with instruction manuals in other languages? Is there a warranty for overseas use?

Instruction manuals for appliances are primarily written in Japanese. However, products from some overseas manufacturers such as BRAUN, PHILIPS, and Dyson come with English instruction manuals.

Regarding product warranties, products sold by Japanese manufacturers are basically limited to Japan. Some international versions (which do not require voltage adjustment) are warranted overseas. For example, some overseas version hair dryers from Panasonic, some overseas version electronic rice cookers from Zojirushi, and products manufactured by overseas brands like BRAUN and PHILIPS are covered by international warranties.

Additionally, if a product is found to be defective immediately after purchase, BicCamera will generally handle it. However, BicCamera cannot provide support for malfunctions caused by customer error or voltage issues after the product has been used for a certain period.

4. Can I test the product in-store after purchase?

If you would like to test the appliance or ask about how to use the device after purchase, please inform a staff member directly. Staff will perform a product test and explain the operation.

5. Can Japanese rice cookers be taken as carry-on luggage?

When boarding, rice cookers can be taken either as carry-on or checked luggage. Consumers must check the specific size regulations for carry-on and checked luggage with their airline in advance.

6. If I buy large appliances in Japan, how can I transport them overseas?

Regarding large appliances such as refrigerators or washing machines, you can purchase them tax-free if they are for use in your home country.

However, the method of taking them home is the responsibility of the customer. If a malfunction occurs during transport due to a fall, or if safety issues arise due to voltage, it will be at the customer's own risk. Furthermore, if it is judged that the products will clearly be consumed in Japan rather than overseas, tax exemption may not be possible.

Regarding customs duties, situations vary by country and region, so please contact your local customs office.

7. Are there any Japan-exclusive appliances you particularly recommend?

Appliances purchased in Japan may differ from overseas versions in terms of basic model number, color, and some functions. Below are some recently popular Japan-exclusive appliances recommended for overseas travelers.

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

② PlayStation 5

③ Panasonic Pocket Shaver ES-RS10

④ Casio Standard Watch MQ-24-7B2LLJH

⑤ Meta Quest 3 Virtual Reality VR MR Headset 128GB

⑥ Panasonic Hair Dryer EHNA0JH

⑦ Panasonic Vitalift RF EH-SR85 Facial Device

⑧ ambie AMTW01WC Wireless Earbuds

8. Are appliances returnable? What are the procedures and conditions?

If the purchased appliance is unopened and completely undamaged, it can be returned at the store by bringing your passport and receipt. Returns will not be accepted if the product has been opened and used.

9. How do I process tax exemption? What information is required?

The conditions for tax exemption are as follows:

[Non-Japanese Travelers]
1. Those staying for a short term (within 6 months), or residing for diplomatic or official purposes. (Applies to Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act Appended Table 1-1, 1-3)
2. Those residing under permission for landing at a port of call, landing for sightseeing, landing for transit, landing for crew members, emergency landing, or landing due to distress. (Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act 14-18)
3. Members of the US Armed Forces, etc. (Under Article 6 of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between Japan and the USA regarding facilities and areas and the status of US Armed Forces in Japan). US military personnel, US military procurers.

Required document: Your original passport.

10. Is there any special discount for buying a Nintendo Switch console in Japan?

Nintendo Switch consoles are not eligible for tax-free coupons or extra tax-free discounts. If you want a special promotional price, various payment campaigns (UnionPay, Alipay, WeChat Pay), JCB, or specific banks sometimes run their own campaigns. Please check these individually.

11. Are there versions of Nintendo Switch games in other languages? What is the difference between physical and digital versions?

Some Switch games support multiple languages. In the case of the digital version, when you buy a new Switch console, you will need to transfer your Nintendo Account and re-download the software. However, with the physical version, you can play on a new console immediately.

12. Recommended products for Gundam fans and reasons to buy at BicCamera?

The following are the top 5 best-selling Gundam items at BicCamera for tax-free shoppers. Highly recommended for Gundam fans!

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

Customers purchasing Gundam at BicCamera can use not only the tax exemption but also tax-free discount coupons.
Use the [BicCamera] MAX 17% OFF Coupon

13. How is the product category handled by a staff member decided? How do they acquire specialized knowledge?

Immediately after joining the company, staff members request the product category they wish to handle, and the company decides the assignment based on current demand.

Once the product category is decided, staff members acquire specialized knowledge quickly by repeatedly operating sample devices.

14. How are the store's handwritten pop signs and seasonal decorations created?

Handwritten pop signs and seasonal decorations in the store are basically handled by the staff in that specific area, and you can see various unique promotional displays. Additionally, the store features "BicCame-musume" (BicCame Girls) everywhere; these are official BicCamera anime characters that differ by store. At the Akihabara store, the pink-twintailed character is called "Akiba-tan." Some stores even have life-size cutouts where fans come to take commemorative photos.

15. Are there any recommended travel goods available at BicCamera?

BicCamera has a "Travel Goods Area" where you can find suitcases, chargers, transformers, conversion plugs, portable electric razors, toothbrush sets, and more. Travelers can buy all their necessary travel items in a one-stop shop.

16. When can I buy products at relatively cheaper prices?

For seasonal products like fans or electric heaters, a clearance zone for old models is set up after the season ends, offering them at relatively cheaper prices. It’s a great chance for a bargain! (For example: In autumn, popular summer fans are sold at cheaper clearance prices. In spring, popular winter electric heaters go on clearance.)

17. What are BicCamera's strengths compared to other electronics retailers?

Everyone is an Appliance Professional

BicCamera is a gathering of staff who are well-versed in appliance products, responding to customers with sincere and abundant specialized knowledge. Therefore, in terms of customer service, this can be considered an overwhelming strength compared to competitors.

Handling Private Brand Products

Some BicCamera stores sell unique products such as futons manufactured in-house or Japanese Sake brewed in their own brewery. These products are highly specialized and diverse, something other companies cannot imitate.

Backed by a Catchy Theme Song!

BicCamera has an unforgettable theme song. Its energetic melody is easy to hum along to once heard. Staff say they often see children swaying to the music, which is very cute. The BicCamera theme song was even chosen as the departure melody for Ikebukuro Station and can be heard there since March 1, 2024.

Even world-famous singer John Mayer couldn't resist the charm of this catchy theme song; he has even sung the BicCamera theme song acappella at his solo concerts in Japan to entertain his fans!

BicCamera has made various efforts to burn wonderful memories into the minds of visitors to Japan, and it does not allow competitors to catch up.

18. Which are the recommended BicCamera stores in Osaka?

Photo by PIXTA
BicCamera Namba Store in Sennichimae is the flagship store in the Osaka area and has the most extensive lineup. Almost all products sought by tourists are gathered here. On the other hand, if your goal is to purchase toys or alcohol, the BicCamera Daimaru Shinsaibashi Store is also well-stocked.

19. Are products from BicCamera's private brands "ORIGINAL BASIC" and "TAG label by amadana" recommended?

ORIGINAL BASIC products
BicCamera partners with manufacturers (OEM) to develop two private brands: "ORIGINAL BASIC" and "TAG label by amadana." By cutting out middle distribution costs and expensive advertising fees, these products are cheaper than similar spec products from famous manufacturers, but the quality is by no means inferior. "ORIGINAL BASIC" is characterized by a focus on practicality and simple design, suitable for those seeking practicality while keeping the budget low. "TAG label by amadana" pursues a minimalist design and is recommended for those who value interior aesthetics.

20. What payment methods are available at BicCamera? Can overseas credit cards be used?

Photo by PIXTA
A very large number of payment methods are available at BicCamera. They accept cash, credit cards (both issued in Japan and overseas), transportation IC cards such as Suica and ICOCA, and QR code payments like PayPay.

21. When are BicCamera's sales?

Photo by PIXTA
Because BicCamera's fiscal year ends at the end of August, an "Annual Grand Settlement Sale" is held every year. However, the specific timing varies each year, so please check for the latest BicCamera information. Also, sales are sometimes held during the Year-End and New Year holidays, so be sure to stop by if you visit Japan at the end of the year. You might find some surprisingly discounted items!

22. Where in Japan can I meet Samurai or Ninja?

Image courtesy of Pixta
If you want to easily meet Samurai or Ninja, we recommend going to theme cafes around BicCamera in Akihabara. You might discover unique cafes built around the theme of Samurai or Ninja.

23. Are there any recommended restaurants or specifically recommended ramen shops around BicCamera?

There are various types of restaurants and many genres of ramen shops around BicCamera. Staff members will provide information about their favorite restaurants or ramen shops to customers upon request.

24. Is there a place near BicCamera where I can perform prayers at a Mosque?

Image courtesy of Pixta
While researching travelers' questions, staff will provide information on access to the nearest prayer location from the store.

25. Do food products like KitKat chocolates contain ingredients like pork?

Image courtesy of Pixta
Staff will answer whether a product contains pork or other related ingredients that Muslims cannot eat, based on the actual ingredients used in the product.

If you have more questions, ask a BicCamera staff member directly! Get up to 17% OFF with this super value coupon

After reading the common questions about BicCamera above, we believe all your questions about Japanese appliances have been resolved! Even if your doubts haven't been cleared, no need to worry! Just ask the staff at a BicCamera store directly!

Now, if you use the "BicCamera x MATCHA" value coupon, you can get a discount of up to 17% on purchases of 5,000 yen or more (excluding tax) at the same store in one day!

Use the [BicCamera] MAX 17% OFF Coupon