New Exit Tax in Japan in 2019 – Travel Regulation Updates for Three Countries

By MOOK Scenic Spots Home / Compiled Report
 
Japan
1. Exit Tax
Starting January 7 next year, Japan will implement a new tax called the "International Tourist Tax." All travelers aged 2 or above departing from Japan—whether Japanese nationals or international visitors—will be required to pay 1,000 yen (about NT$280) as an exit tax, which will be directly included in the cost of airfare or boat tickets.
This newly added exit tax is intended by the Japanese government to enhance the quality of the tourism environment, accelerate the rollout of facial recognition systems at airport immigration, bolster experience-based cultural heritage tourism, and improve tourism facilities and resources.

2. Accommodation Tax
Japan’s accommodation tax varies depending on the price per person per night. Different rates apply for different room prices. In October this year, Kyoto followed Tokyo and Osaka in beginning to collect an accommodation tax, and Kanazawa in the Hokuriku region will also start doing so next April.
In Osaka, for room rates exceeding 10,000 yen per night, a tax of 100 to 300 yen per night is required. It is expected that by next summer, the tax will be expanded to apply to rooms priced at 7,000 yen or more per night.

3. Consumption Tax
The consumption tax, which had its increase postponed twice, will rise from 8% to 10% in October 2019. However, the Japanese government has simultaneously introduced a “Reduced Tax Rate System,” which mainly applies to food and beverages, newspapers, and other items, allowing them to remain at the 8% rate.
In simple terms, “takeout and takeaway” fall under the reduced tax rate category, while eating in the dine-in area of restaurants counts as “eating out,” subject to the 10% consumption tax. But because real-life situations can be complex and it's often hard to distinguish between dining in or taking out, this can lead to confusion at checkout—the actual approach taken by the Japanese government upon implementation remains to be seen.

4. Facial Recognition
To prevent terrorism, starting next year, all foreign travelers departing Japan will undergo “facial recognition” checks at customs. Machines will be used to identify faces, similar to automated clearance procedures, comparing travelers' faces with their passport photos and images taken upon entry to Japan. Passing either match allows for departure.

Thailand
1. From mid-November to January 13 next year, Thailand has approved visa fee exemptions for travelers from 21 countries, including Taiwan, saving travelers 2,000 Thai baht on visa-on-arrival fees.
To save time, travelers arriving at five major international airports—Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang Airport, Phuket International Airport, and Chiang Mai International Airport—can apply online for an electronic visa on arrival (EVOA) before departure. Results will be available within 24 hours, but a service fee of 525 Thai baht applies.

2. In Bangkok, Thailand, there are three designated 7-Eleven stores where foreign travelers can process tax refunds. Refundable amounts must be around 2,000 Thai baht or more. The temporary tax refund service is available until March 31, 2019.
7-Eleven Lido Branch (Siam Square)
7-Eleven Phadung Dao Branch (Yaowarat)
7-Eleven Bangkok Night Bazaar Plaza Branch (Ratchadamri)

New Zealand
With growing environmental awareness, many countries have begun banning plastic bags. New Zealand will also prohibit the provision of single-use plastic bags starting next year, aiming to gradually implement its anti-plastic policy within one year. Travelers planning to visit New Zealand in the future may want to bring along extra shopping bags.
 

2019 Holiday Travel Guide: How to Plan Your Long Break

》https://www.mook.com.tw/article.php?op=articleinfo&articleid=19538