Rakuten Global Express Complete Guide: Asia-Focused Practical Manual

The moment when inspiration meets action…

Do you remember that rush of excitement when you first discovered the gateway to Japanese beauty innovation? ONEDAM, Yunth, that captivating microcurrent roller… the moment you realized all these treasures were within reach.

But here you are now, perhaps hesitating slightly in front of your screen. “How do I actually get started?” “Is it really safe?” “What are the exact steps?”

As your Tokyo Beauty Tech Expert, I’m here to transform every uncertainty into confidence with this complete practical guide. Using detailed examples from Singapore and the Philippines, I’ll show you actionable steps that work across all of Asia.

Chapter 1: Digital Beauty Passport – Complete Registration Guide

⚠️ Important: Service Coverage Confirmation

Rakuten Global Express serves all of Asia, including Southeast Asia (Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, etc.), East Asia (South Korea, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong), and South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, etc.).

Step 1: Basic Registration (5 Minutes)

1. Visit https://globalexpress.rakuten.co.jp/
2. Click “Sign Up (Free)”
3. Enter your basic information

Practical Address Input Examples

✅ For Singapore Residents:

Name: Tan Wei Ming
Address: Blk 123 Toa Payoh Lorong 1 #12-345
         Toa Payoh, Singapore 310123
Phone: +65-9123-4567

✅ For Philippines Residents:

Name: Maria Santos
Address: 456 Rizal Street, Barangay San Antonio
         Makati City, Metro Manila 1200
Phone: +63-917-123-4567

For Other Asian Countries: Residents of Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, and other countries can follow the above format using your local official address format. English is recommended for international shipping.

⚠️ Critical Address Input Points:

• Use official names (avoid abbreviations for buildings/roads)
• English preferred (for international shipping)
• Accurate postal codes (follow each country’s official format)

Chapter 2: Identity Verification – Smart Legal Compliance

✅ Recommended: Face Authentication (Usually 10 Minutes)

Japanese law requires identity verification, but efficient face authentication is available for Asian countries including Singapore and the Philippines.

Supported Countries: Singapore, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, South Korea, Taiwan, China, India, etc.

Singapore Procedure Example:

• Required Document: NRIC (National Registration Identity Card)
• Additional Document: Property Tax Assessment Notice or IRAS-related documents
• Process: Select face authentication from My Page → Document photography → Face photo → Automatic verification complete

Philippines Procedure Example:

• Required Document: Government-issued ID (Driver’s License, Unified Multi-Purpose ID, Passport, etc.)
• Additional Document: Utility bill or bank statement
• Process: Same simple smartphone-based procedure

Other Asian Countries: Thailand (ID Card), Malaysia (MyKad), South Korea (Resident Registration Card), etc. – use your country’s government-issued identification.

Alternative: Document Submission (Usually 1 Week)

If face authentication is unavailable:

• 1 identity document + 1 address proof document
• Or 1 identity document + 2 address proof documents

Chapter 3: Shopping Address Utilization

Your Exclusive Kawasaki Address

After identity verification, you’ll receive a dedicated address in Kawasaki, Kanagawa:

Rakuten Global Express [Member Number]
Kanagawa Prefecture, Kawasaki City, Kawasaki Ward, Minami-machi ○-○
RGE Distribution Center
〒210-0○○○
Japan

⚠️ Important: Payment Method Restrictions

When purchasing on Rakuten Ichiba, please note these payment limitations:

✅ Available:

• Credit card payment
• Rakuten Points usage

❌ Not Available:

• Cash on delivery
• Payment on delivery
• eCollect (Cannot be used for international forwarding)

Rakuten Ichiba Purchase Procedure

1. Product Search: Search desired products on Rakuten Ichiba (www.rakuten.co.jp)
2. Detail Check: Verify product specifications and international shipping eligibility
3. Add to Cart: Click “Add to Cart”
4. Purchase Process: Select “Proceed to Checkout”
5. Shipping Address: Enter your Rakuten Global Express dedicated address

Efficient Shipping Schedule:

• Weekday delivery (weekends/holidays are outside warehouse operating hours)
• Batch shipping for cost efficiency
• Consider typhoon season delays (July-September)

Chapter 4: From Warehouse Arrival to International Shipping

✅ Most Important: Massive Cost Savings with Package Consolidation

Rakuten Global Express’s greatest advantage is free package consolidation:

Cost Reduction Benefits:

• Combine products from multiple shopping sites into one package
• Consolidation and packaging fees: Completely free
• Dramatically reduce shipping costs

Strategic Usage Example: Combine beauty devices (heavy) + skincare products (light) + mask sheets (light) to maximize both weight efficiency and cost efficiency.

Arrival Notification System

When products arrive at the Kawasaki warehouse, email notifications are sent within the next business day.

My Page Tracking Items:

• Detailed list of arrived products
• Weight and size measurements
• International shipping eligibility determination
• Packaging and shipping procedure status

Automation Options:

• Auto Packaging: Automatic packaging preparation based on set conditions
• Auto Shipping: Automatic shipping procedure after packaging completion

Chapter 5: Shipping Methods and Pricing

4 Shipping Options

1. Super Express: Fastest delivery
2. Standard Express: Standard air mail
3. Economy Air: Economical air mail
4. Sea Mail: Sea shipping for large items

Actual Shipping Examples (Official Data)

Singapore Reference Example:

• Items: 2 golf clubs (6,170g)
• Cost: 12,100 yen, Delivery: 1 day

Hong Kong Reference Example:

• Items: 4 shampoo bottles (1,790g)
• Cost: 4,340 yen, Delivery: 5 days

South Korea Reference Example:

• Items: 1 jacket (1,000g)
• Cost: 2,730 yen, Delivery: 6 days

Note: These are reference examples. Actual costs and delivery times may vary

Accurate pricing for Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and other countries can be checked using the pricing calculator.

Chapter 6: ⚠️ Important: Items That Cannot Be Shipped Internationally

Beauty & Cosmetics Items Requiring Special Attention

❌ Absolutely Cannot Ship:

• Spray-type toners and cosmetic waters
• Hair sprays and styling sprays
• Sunscreen sprays
• High-alcohol content perfumes
• Nail polish and nail polish removers

✅ Safe Alternatives:

• Pump-type or gel-type products
• Water-based cosmetics
• Low-alcohol products

Beauty Devices with Lithium Batteries

✅ Shippable:

• Facial devices (built-in battery, under 100Wh)
• Electric toothbrushes (built-in battery)
• LED masks (built-in battery)

❌ Cannot Ship:

• Power banks (standalone)
• Replacement batteries (standalone)

Shipping Conditions:

• Lithium-ion battery packs: Under 100Wh
• Quantity limit: Up to 2 units per package
• Must be built into the device

Chapter 7: Practical Troubleshooting

Common Issues and Solution Steps

Issue 1: Delayed Warehouse Arrival

1. Check store shipping status in Rakuten Ichiba purchase history
2. Track shipping status via carrier tracking service
3. Contact customer support 3 business days after expected date

Issue 2: Identity Verification Documents Not Approved

Common Singapore Issues:

• Expired NRIC → Submit valid NRIC
• Address mismatch → Ensure complete match between registered address and NRIC address

Common Philippines Issues:

• Incomplete barangay information → Include complete barangay name
• English name inconsistency → Use same English spelling as passport

Issue 3: Beauty Device Classified as Prohibited Item

1. Submit product specifications for re-evaluation
2. Consider alternative shipping methods like sea mail
3. Use domestic Japan forwarding service
4. Arrange return to purchase store

Customer Support Tips

Supported Languages: Japanese, English, Chinese (Simplified & Traditional)

Effective Inquiry Tips:

• Include member number
• Provide specific product information and order numbers
• Clearly state desired resolution

Chapter 8: Rakuten Points & Value-Added Services

Rakuten Points System

Point Earning:

• Earn points on international shipping payments
• Earn regular points on Rakuten Ichiba purchases

Point Usage:

• Apply to future purchase amounts
• Use for international shipping payments

✅ Great Deal: 15% OFF International Shipping Coupon

Currently offering 15% OFF international shipping coupons.

Customer Protection Plan

Provides compensation services for damage or loss during transit. Compensation applies based on the product’s purchase source.

Your Beauty Revolution Begins Now, With Certainty

To beauty enthusiasts across Singapore, the Philippines, and all of Asia: every step has been made concrete and practical.

Let’s review the key points:

• ✅ Payment method restrictions (cash on delivery unavailable)
• ✅ Cost reduction benefits through package consolidation
• ⚠️ Sprays, perfumes, and nail polish cannot be shipped
• ✅ Beauty devices with built-in batteries are shippable

The future where Japanese beauty innovation becomes part of your daily routine is now within certain reach. The beauty journey from the Kawasaki warehouse to countries across Asia is about to begin.

What beauty innovation will you reach for next?

📦 For More Detailed Information

• Rakuten Global Express Introduction: Japanese Beauty Guide: Rakuten Global Express Beginner’s Edition
• Official Information & Pricing: Rakuten Global Express Official Site
• Supported Countries & Document Requirements: Official Identity Verification Page
• Detailed Prohibited Items List: Official Prohibited Items Page
• Latest Campaigns: Official Campaign Page

Your Tokyo Beauty Tech Expert