Pie VAT vs iwafu
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Pie VAT
This app simplifies claiming VAT refunds for travelers. It eliminates paperwork and long waits, allowing users to easily shop tax-free and track their refund status. Enjoy faster and larger refunds with multiple payout options.
- Digital VAT refund claims
- Find partner stores
- Track refund status
- Multiple payout methods
- In-app live help
- Secure account protection
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Pie VAT is the next generation tax free solution. It is the first digital tax free shopping app that enables travelers to easily claim their VAT refunds when traveling abroad. We have eliminated excessive paper forms, long waits in line, high fees; all that’s left is a quick and easy way to shop tax free. SHOP AT OUR PARTNER STORES Find, browse, and explore our local partner stores in the app. We have 1000+ PIE partner stores. Find yours today! QUICK AND EASY: Request your VAT Refund in a matter of seconds. Clear and concise directions in our app will guide you every step of the way for your VAT refund. STAY ON TOP OF IT ALL Easily track your refund requests and their status. Keep up with the entire process and where your funds are. BIGGER & FASTER PIE works to get you more of your VAT refund back as fast as possible! We support multiple payout methods, including bank transfers, credit cards, and more. YOUR SECURITY IS OUR PRIORITY Pie VAT makes VAT refunds easy and quick, and we take the protection of your account very seriously. We utilize industry standard security measures to help protect your account information. =================== How Pie VAT works: 1. After you checkout in store, ask to do a refund via PIE. The store will send you your claim information to start our VAT refund process. 2. Claim your refund on the PIE app, follow the easy steps and submit your request. 3. Enjoy your VAT refund - maybe buy some pie. Need help? We’re two taps away via live help in-app!
iwafu
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iwafu | Discover what’s happening around you in Japan, right now Open the app and explore your surroundings on the map: moments just captured nearby, conversations about local places, limited-time events, and shop coupons you can use just a short walk away. No advance searches or lengthy travel guides needed. Wherever you are, discover what’s happening there now. 【See What’s Around You】 Explore nearby posts, conversations about local places, limited-time events, coupons, and local shop information on a map centered on your location. See how far away things are and when they’re happening at a glance. 【Share What You’re Seeing】 Spot something interesting, moving, or worth sharing? Capture the moment and post it. There’s no need to perfect your photos or write a long introduction. Choose a photo from your gallery or take one directly in the app. The app automatically reads when and where it was taken, keeping your post connected to the moment. 【Start a Conversation About a Place】 Want to know how crowded a street is right now? Wondering if that restaurant still has seats available today? Choose a place and start a conversation with people nearby or those who know it well. You don’t have to be there, and you don’t need a photo. One question is enough to get people talking about a place. 【Nearby Coupons, Just a Short Walk Away】 Browse offers from nearby shops, from dining and shopping to experiences. Explore them on the map, save your favorites, and show the coupon when you visit to redeem it. Coupons from nationwide brands and local businesses across Japan are all on the same map. 【Find Limited-Time Events Nearby】 Some experiences are only around for a little while. Open the Events page to discover nearby limited-time events, sorted from closest to farthest. You can also search by region, date, category, or keyword. Check event dates, locations, and travel information, then save the events that catch your eye and plan your visit. Turn a spare moment on your trip into another reason to head out and explore. 【Six Languages, More Ways to Connect】 Available in Traditional Chinese, Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese, Korean, and Thai. Even when someone posts in a different language, translation helps you understand their experiences and join conversations about local places. 【Together, Share Japan as It Happens】 Some things never make it into travel guides or search results. But when someone is there to share a moment, or willing to answer a question, the picture of Japan around you becomes a little clearer. Whether you’re visiting Japan, living there, or simply curious about what’s happening across the country, open iwafu flash to see what’s going on nearby and discover events worth making time for.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Pie VAT at every 6 days against iwafu's every 2 weeks. Pie VAT also leads on chart position (#176 vs unranked). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Pie VAT ships an update every 6 days, iwafu every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 10, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Pie VAT | iwafu |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.8 (9.1K ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 65.3% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 9.1K — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 6 days — better | Every 2 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Best chart rank | #176 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 15.1 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 118 MB | 102 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | PieSystems | LE-PU TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD. |
Bugs and requests
Pie VAT
Reported bugs
2 issues- App crashes when loading documents
- Issues with photo uploads and login
Requested features
2 requests- More transparent fee structure
- Compatibility with more countries and merchants
iwafu
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Pie VAT
No in-app purchases
iwafu
No in-app purchases









