Quote Originally Posted by GaijinPunch
It went from 3% to 5% in 1997... September I think. I was there on a study abroad, either just after it happened or when it happened. Still cheaper than 8% on my home town.
I am certain the price is with tax when you purchase items in Japan. In Denmark, you also buy including VAT - which is quite high: 20-25% is VAT in Denmark, but that doesn't mean that items are more expensive though.....E.g. a computer costs about the same as other European countries... However, for people who can have their VAT deducted (e.g. tourists from outside the EU, and company owners) get their goods very cheap here in Denmark!!!! Many Japanese buy incredibly much when vacationing in Denmark, and get their VAT deducted at the airport (approx. 20%) - meaning a Louis Vuitton bag of e.g. USD 42000 can cost about USD 33600 - a BARGAIN!!!