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  • 台灣國旗
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  • 泰國國旗
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  Huatung Launches '1+1 Happiness Package' — Spend in Guangfu Township for a Chance to Win an iPhone!

  After enduring earthquakes and typhoons, Huatung is slowly recovering and once again revealing its gentle beauty. To thank the public for their support and care after the disasters, the East Rift Valley National Scenic Area Administration has partnered with the “East of Taiwan Tourism Circle” to launch two campaigns: “Huatung Shovel of Happiness! 1+1 Accommodation Package” and the “Thank You! Monthly Giveaway”.The 1+1 Happiness Package offers a special two-night combination—either across two different hotels or two homestays—allowing travelers to plan freely and enjoy Huatung with ease. From November 1 to February 28 next year, a two-night stay for two at participating hotels is priced at NT$4,999, while the homestay package costs NT$3,800. UNI Air is also offering a special “Shovel Reward Fare”, with round-trip tickets for two between Taipei and Hualien priced at only NT$3,399—a great deal. In the event of typhoons or transportation disruptions, the second-night stay may be postponed within three months.Huatung launches a new accommodation package, offering travelers a chance to win an iPhone when they make purchases. (Photo / Courtesy of the Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications)Meanwhile, the “Thank You! Monthly Giveaway” campaign is just as exciting. Spend NT$500 at participating stores and register your receipt to enter the draw; spend NT$1,000 to receive double the chances. Prizes include accommodation vouchers, 3C gadgets, and exclusive Huatung gift sets every month.A special highlight: Purchases made in Guangfu Township qualify for additional bonus draws, offering chances to win an iPhone 17 or TaiSugar hotel vouchers. At the end of the campaign, a Toyota Yaris Cross and gold bean prizes will be given away as the grand finale.With the refreshing autumn and winter seasons approaching, it’s the perfect time to visit Huatung and experience the warmth of its people between the mountains and the sea.

  2025-11-15 09:05
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  • 台灣國旗
  • 越南國旗
  • 泰國國旗
  • 印尼國旗
  • 菲律賓國旗

  Japan’s New Tax-Refund System Starts 2026: In-Store Instant Refunds End

  Travelers shopping in Japan should take note! Starting November 1, 2026, Japan will officially implement a new tax-free system. The current “instant in-store tax refund” will be abolished and replaced with a “pay tax first, refund upon departure” model. Shoppers will pay tax-inclusive prices and claim the refund at the airport before leaving Japan.Why the change? To prevent reselling and tax evasionJapan’s Ministry of Finance stated that the old tax-free system was often abused, including cases where goods were not taken out of the country or purchased on behalf of others. Between 2022 and 2024, over 19 million people used the tax-free program, and over 90% of buyers with extremely large purchases—exceeding hundreds of millions of yen—were never audited. To curb abuses, the government is shifting to a departure-based refund system and eliminating product classifications and packaging rules, making the system simpler and more transparent.What’s changing? Tax first, refund laterUnder the new system, travelers must pay the full tax-included price. At departure, customs officers will verify whether the purchased goods are being taken out of Japan. Refunds are issued only after verification; otherwise, the transaction is treated as a regular taxable purchase. Restrictions such as sealed “non-breakable bags” and rules for cosmetics or food as “consumables” will also be removed, making the buying of luxury goods, cosmetics, snacks, and daily items more flexible.Where to get the refund? At the airport onlyAll refunds must be completed at the airport. Travelers must complete customs verification within 90 days of purchase; otherwise, refunds are forfeited. Purchases exceeding 1 million yen require additional details such as brand, model, and serial number. The classification of tax-free stores will be simplified and overall procedures accelerated.Integration with Visit Japan Web—fully automated refundsThe new refund system will be integrated with Visit Japan Web. Travelers can use airport kiosks to scan their passports, and the system will automatically verify eligibility—no need to queue for manual processing. If goods are not taken out of Japan, refunds will not be issued. Refund amounts will be returned to the original credit card or designated bank account; details for cash refunds are pending official announcement.Reminder: Keep tax-free purchases with youTravelers may be randomly inspected and must present tax-free items. High-spending customers are more likely to be checked, while average tourists are less likely. Unlike the EU’s cash refund model, Japan uses a “store processed refund” that is centralized and transparent, though it may take longer to receive funds.(To prevent resellers and tax evasion / News illustration via Pexels)

  2025-11-15 09:05
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  • 菲律賓國旗

  Deadly Avalanche Strikes Nepal's Mount Yalung Ri, Leaving 3 Dead and 4 Climbers Missing

  KATHMANDU — A powerful avalanche swept across a climbing camp on Nepal’s Mount Yalung Ri earlier this week, leaving at least several climbers dead and others unaccounted for, according to initial reports from local authorities.The avalanche hit around 10:30 a.m. local time as a group of climbers attempted to summit the 5,630-meter (18,471-foot) peak. Officials said that more than a dozen climbers were on the mountain at the time of the incident.Casualties and Ongoing RescueAuthorities confirmed that multiple fatalities were reported, including foreign climbers and Nepali guides, while rescue operations remain underway. Several injured climbers were evacuated and transported to nearby medical facilities. Meanwhile, additional porters and guides managed to descend safely to the base camp at approximately 4,900 meters.Search teams are continuing to look for missing climbers, though officials note that the exact number of missing individuals and their nationalities are still being verified. Early figures issued by authorities were later revised as more information became available.(Nepal, illustrative image / Canva provided)Rescue Efforts Hindered by Harsh ConditionsRapidly deteriorating weather has severely obstructed rescue operations. Snowstorms, low visibility and unstable terrain have forced teams to proceed on foot after helicopter missions were suspended due to dangerous conditions.“There’s a problem of oxygen also,” a police official told CNN, adding that only trained rescuers familiar with mountain terrain are able to operate safely in such extreme environments.A Popular Mountain for AcclimatizationLocated in eastern Nepal’s Rolwaling Valley, Mount Yalung Ri is widely regarded as a training and acclimatization peak for mountaineers preparing to climb higher Himalayan giants. Nepal is home to eight of the world’s fourteen tallest mountains, making it a key destination for the global climbing community.Spring is generally the most popular climbing season, though many climbers also visit during the autumn window between the monsoon and winter months.Officials said the avalanche struck unexpectedly, though earlier weather warnings related to monsoon activity had been issued. The incident highlights growing concerns that climate change is making Himalayan weather patterns increasingly unpredictable.

  2025-11-15 09:00