BicCamera is actually a tourist guide & Cartoonist? 21 frequently asked questions 17% Off Coupon Included

Contents:

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

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

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?

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

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?

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

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?

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

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?

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?

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?

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.

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

② PlayStation 5

③ Panasonic Pocket Shaver ES-RS10

④ Casio Standard Watch MQ-24-7B2LLJH

⑤ Meta Quest 3 VR MR Headset (128 GB)

⑥ Panasonic Dryer EHNA0JH

⑦ Panasonic Vitalift RF EH-SR85

⑧ Ambie AMTW01WC (Wireless Earphone)

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

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?

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?

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?

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.

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 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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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

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