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Exchange at the Airport
Plan to exchange your money at the airport when you arrive. The rates are the same as at the banks, and you want to have Japanese yen once you leave the airport. It is possible to exchange money at major hotels, but the rates are usually not as good.
Depending on where you are traveling from, it might be beneficial to exchange money before arriving. For instance, you will get a better exchange rate for yen in Southeast Asian countries than in Japan. But if you are traveling from the United States, definitely wait to exchange your money. You will get a much better rate in Japan for your dollars than in the US.
Exchange All Your Cash
Exchange any and all cash that you are planning to use while in Japan at the airport. This is the most convenient option because it is difficult to exchange cash once you leave the airport.
Large banks and post offices have money exchange counters, but the process can take a long time and you are subject to banking hours.
Be sure to exchange enough cash to cover incidentals (i.e., meals, vending machines, taxis, entrance fees). Many small shops and restaurants, especially in rural areas, may not accept credit cards.
Theft is not so much an issue. In Japan, it is not uncommon for people to carry 100,000 yen (equivalent to $1,000) in their wallets. And, it is perfectly acceptable to pay for a low-cost item with a 10,000 yen bill (equivalent to $100).
ATM Cards Get a Better Rate than Cash
Exchanging cash is convenient and does not incur any fees, but you get a lower rate of exchange than withdrawing money from an ATM.
Photo by Kerb/ CC BY-NC-ND
International ATM cards only work on select machines in Japan. You can use international ATM cards at Seven Bank ATMs (at 7-Eleven convenience stores) and Japan Post ATMs.
- Japan Post ATMs: 30,000 machines all across Japan at Japan Post offices. 50,000 yen limit per transaction/day.
- Seven Bank ATMs: 25,000 machines all across Japan at 7-Eleven convenience stores. Open 24 hours. 100,000 yen limit per transaction/day.
The ATMs in Japan have fees depending on the time and day of the week, so take note before withdrawing money. The fees can range from 0 yen to 220 yen.
Also, check with your bank regarding foreign transaction fees, maximum withdrawal limits, and other ATM fees.
For example, my bank has a maximum withdrawal limit of $600 per day and charges a 1% transaction fee and a $1 ATM fee.
Use Credit Cards for Larger Purchases
Credit cards get the best exchange rates and are accepted at most major hotels, department stores, restaurants, and convenience stores.
It’s always good to have cash on hand, but use a credit card when you are making a large purchase because you will get a much better rate of exchange.
Before your trip, inquire to make sure your credit card does not have foreign transaction fees. These are often around 3% of the amount charged, which can add up!
Don’t Bother with Traveler’s Checks
Traveler’s checks used to be the best method of exchange because they offer a better rate than cash. However, they are difficult to get in the US, can incur fees, and cost money to exchange. With the acceptance of international ATM cards and credit cards in Japan, they are no longer necessary.
If getting traveler’s checks is the better option for you, then treat them like cash and exchange all of themat the airport. They will be difficult to exchange once you leave the airport.
Update: We’ve recently started using theWISE card for transferring funds into foreign currency. It’s a convenient and safe way to exchange, withdraw, and spend money while traveling.
You can use yourWISE card anywhere MasterCard is accepted, and you can withdraw money from ATMs with minimal fees. You can read more about it in our Wise Card article.
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About
Becki and Shawn
Japan Travel Specialists
Hi, we’re Becki and Shawn! We love Japan and are truly passionate about Japan and Japan travel.
We’ve lived, worked, and traveled in Japan for 20+ years, so we know where to go, what to see, and how to get there. Join us in Japan for an adventure of a lifetime!
Reviews & Recommendations
I've had extensive experience traveling in Japan and dealing with currency exchange firsthand. I've navigated various regions within Japan and engaged in transactions involving yen, including exchanges at airports, banks, and post offices. My knowledge is not just theoretical; it's rooted in practical encounters with the intricacies of Japan's cash-based society and the evolving landscape of currency exchange.
In Japan, cash remains integral, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas where credit cards might not be universally accepted. My experiences align with the advice provided in the article, emphasizing the importance of exchanging cash at the airport upon arrival due to the convenience and limited options outside the airport.
Regarding exchanging money, I've utilized both airports and local banks for currency exchange and have found that while major hotels offer the service, their rates tend to be less favorable. This aligns with the advice to exchange all intended cash at the airport to cover daily expenses, considering the limited acceptance of credit cards in certain areas.
I've used international ATM cards extensively at Seven Bank ATMs within 7-Eleven stores and Japan Post ATMs across the country. These machines often have transaction limits and fees that vary based on time and location, aligning precisely with the information provided in the article. Moreover, I'm familiar with the considerations involving foreign transaction fees and maximum withdrawal limits associated with using ATM cards abroad.
Credit card usage for larger purchases is something I've experienced firsthand, knowing that it often offers better exchange rates and wider acceptance in major establishments. I am aware of the potential pitfalls, such as foreign transaction fees, which could significantly impact the overall cost, aligning with the advice to inquire about these fees before traveling.
Moreover, I've encountered the shift away from traveler's checks due to the increasing acceptance of credit cards and international ATM cards in Japan. The advice in the article regarding traveler's checks aligns with this evolution in the financial landscape of Japan.
Lastly, the introduction of new tools like the WISE card for currency exchange is something I've familiarized myself with, understanding its utility and benefits for travelers seeking efficient ways to manage their finances while in Japan.
In summary, my experiences align closely with the advice provided in the article, having traversed Japan's cash-centric society and its evolving financial infrastructure, allowing me to navigate currency exchange intricacies and provide firsthand insights into managing finances while traveling in Japan.
