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| *Travel Tips>>>Japan Travel Tips |
Are electronic items cheaper in japan than in other countries ? |
Travel Info Are electronic items cheaper in japan than in other countries ? Travel Tips No, actually to the contrary, they can be quite a bit more expensive. You can get better quality and cutting edge new products here, but you have to look for them carefully. Others It really depends on the item, whether it's a "foreign" model or how old it is. On the whole I've found that the prices are either on par or more expensive here in Japan than they are back home. There were some standouts however. I purchased a camcorder here for around 50,000 yen that was running about $800 back home so that was a savings. Same thing with cell phones, many of them come as a "get on a two year plan, and you pay only 1 yen" whereas back home they haven't adopted that yet. In other cases things are bloody expensive like TVs and monitors. I saw a 42" flat screen TV at Bic Camera the other day for 300,000 yen (about $3000) yet a similar model made back home would cost only $2000. Or a 17" computer monitor would be about twice the price it is back home. For "foreign" models which are the same as the local versions except they've been programmed into English, the prices are always higher than the local prices. And if you collect loyalty points from one of the big chains (like Bic Camera) then these items don't apply to that. Last year's model is always priced to go as the Japanese market wants the latest and greatest so they're usually slashed to the bone. For certain other things like cameras, MP3 players & DVD players there's not a large difference in price. One good thing is you can purchase a region free DVD player in the duty free shops in Akihabara. These are supposed to be used outside the country and have stickers on them saying so, but it's not like anybody checks these things. The best thing to do, especially if you're coming here for a visit, is find out what you want before hand and see how expensive it is back home before purchasing it here. not every item. You have to check the price and know exactly how much you have to pay if you buy in your country. Comparison is always good but, do not conclude that every everything in Japan will be better price than anywhere else. I always check the price and got so many things from Japan Eg, DS Lite, Camera and flash, MP 3, HAM radio, Baby G watch (Tokyo Collection which I assume I can not find anywhere else. and much more....) I found watches are good option, some item is half the price from I can buy in my country (even Swiss made). But not always, you have to look for it Yodobashi and Bic Camera have huge collection of electronic things. If you're looking for Japan made watch I think they are always cheaper. you'd think so.. but not hey are just as costly as the electronics in other places. but the only thing is that japan gets the electornics first before any other country. so iwould say that its sometimes worth buying it. Only if you make sure it's made for export. If you're looking for electronics, you just have to visit Akihabara in Tokyo, also known as electronics town. It will just blow our mind! Bring lots of cash and take your time. All of Japan's foremost and high tech electronics are there. I don't suggest purchasing cell phones b/c if our systems aren't compatible, it's good for nothing but show. Re: Nintendo products (PSP, DS Lite) colors not available in the states are available there. Yeah, when you get back, you will be special for having a color not available here. Hope this helps! Source - me. |
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