Should I declare a phone bought overseas?

16 comments

1. I didn’t need to. Inserted my SIM card and used it. It has been 3 months. I think you’re okay

2. No.

3. You don’t need to go to Korea my friend.

   I just typed this using my s22u korean version bought here in Japan.

   The s24u Korean version can be bought here in Japan for 180k (256gb)

4. When it comes to items bought overseas, i would not voluntarily declare anything. Why would I want to be taxed voluntarily.

5. You can buy at ncmobile.jp, iosys.

6. I am not sure about the declaration, but I do know that if you plan to go ahead with this plan, use your phone with a Korean sim card for few minutes. To prevent gray marketing, Samsung has made such that you need to call with a local sim for at least 10-15 minutes, and then you can use your Japanese sim card easily.

7. You can buy from Amazon.com for $849 (shipped and sold by Amazon) +$109 shipping and customs charges.

   Just under ¥150,000 despite the poor exchange rate

   double check the band support

8. I don’t understand why you need to declare it? Same as any other items you buy for yourself abroad. It’s not like you’re buying in bulk and selling them in Japan.

9. I went back to my home country and bought a laptop (with English keyboard) there few months ago. I didn’t declare anything.

10. You live in Japan, so you have to declare as asked on the form.

    Do you bring back more than x worth of goods, yes or no.

    The fact you use it does not change the fact you bought it to bring in Japan.

    The thing with personal items is like the things you had with you when you left for your trip, like if you bring your laptop on the trip you do not have to declare because it was already in Japan.

    The exception is when you move to Japan as you bring the things you own with you, but that is not the case with what you explain.

    Then it’s up to you to decide if you want to lie on your custom declaration, but then don’t come back crying if you get in trouble for it.

11. The phone is considered consumed now that you have it open and are using it.

    I don’t believe they have any claim to that.

12. As a rule, you have to declare for items exceed 20万円 equivalent value even if your personal belongings, but in reality nobody does declare for their smartphone/tablet/PC. I’ve heard that bringing luxury bag and fashion items are taxed at custom but never heard about digital gadgets so far.

    Also, there’s a regulation on radiocommunication(cellular, wifi, blue tooth) devices called “技適” and all devices used in Japan should pass the regulation. But short-period usage(less than 90 days) of devices brought by Nonresident tourists is exempt. Needless to say, nobody cares even authority, too. because the target of this rule isn’t smartphones and PCs.

    Edit: for example, as for iPhone 15 only A3089 is allowed but not A2846, A3090, and A3092.

13. You could but custom staff are gonna look at you weird and point at their card and tell you to get out

14. Not really no

    However be aware, androids bought outside Japan don’t have the chip needed for suica, metro gates, etc

    Also, you can probably buy the KR version here through iosys etc

15. Just follow the instructions on the form:

    https://www.customs.go.jp/kaisei/youshiki/form_C/C5360-B.pdf

    If over 200,000 you should declare. 

16. Have a very similar scenario. Bought my from another country nearby, didn’t need to declare anything.
    If you buy a phone outside of Japan, they only disadvantage is you won’t be able to use it for paymet or suica. Advantages are you can silent your phone while taking pictures, and cheaper. Go for it!