
If you're planning a trip to Japan, exchanging yen in the US or Japan can be a crucial part of your preparation.
Exchanging yen in the US can be a convenient option, especially if you're short on time or have limited access to a physical currency exchange office in Japan.
You can exchange yen at many major US banks, including Bank of America and Wells Fargo, or at currency exchange services like Travelex.
Exchanging yen in Japan, on the other hand, often offers better exchange rates than exchanging in the US.
Exchange Rates
Exchange rates can fluctuate greatly, making it essential to stay informed when exchanging yen in the US or Japan. The performance of JPY to USD in the last 30 days saw a 30 day high of 0.0065 and a 30 day low of 0.0063, with a 30 day average of 0.0064.
The change for JPY to USD was -2.54. This means that if you exchanged 1000 JPY to USD 30 days ago, you would have received approximately 6.43 USD.
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To give you a better idea of the current exchange rates, here are the conversion rates for Japanese Yen to US Dollar:
Currency Conversion
To convert Japanese yen to US dollars, you can use a currency converter like the one mentioned in the article. Simply type in the box how much you want to convert, click on the dropdown to select JPY as the currency you want to convert and USD as the currency you want to convert to, and the converter will show you the current JPY to USD rate and how it's changed over the past day, week or month.
The conversion rate for Japanese yen to US dollars is 1 JPY = 0.00634 USD. You can also download a currency converter app that's free and ad-free, and track live exchange rates.
If you need to convert US dollars to Japanese yen, the process is similar. You can use the same currency converter or app, and the conversion rate is 1 USD = 157.62000 JPY.
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Online foreign currency exchange services can be convenient, but be aware that they often charge an exchange rate margin and a commission fee. To avoid these fees, consider using a service like Wise (formerly TransferWise) that offers competitive exchange rates and low commission fees.
Here's a comparison of the conversion rates for Japanese yen to US dollars and US dollars to Japanese yen:
Keep in mind that these rates are subject to change, and it's always a good idea to check the current rate before making a conversion.
Currency Tools
You can use a currency converter app to track live exchange rates and compare the best money transfer providers. This can help you make informed decisions about exchanging your money.
One of the most popular currency converter apps is the one mentioned in Example 1 and Example 3, which offers free and ad-free services. It's a great tool to have on your phone or computer when traveling to Japan.
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If you're planning to exchange a large amount of money, you may want to consider using a multi-currency account like Revolut or Wise, as mentioned in Example 5. These services allow you to hold multiple currencies, including Japanese yen, and can often offer better exchange rates than traditional banks.
To get the best exchange rate, it's essential to compare rates from different providers. You can use online tools, such as the currency converter app, to track live exchange rates and compare rates from various providers.
Here are some key features to look for in a currency converter app:
- Free and ad-free services
- Track live exchange rates
- Compare the best money transfer providers
- Allow you to lock in a desired exchange rate
By using these tools and services, you can make the most of your money when traveling to Japan and avoid getting ripped off by poor exchange rates.
Payment Methods
Credit and debit cards are increasingly accepted across Japan, but it's still a good idea to carry cash, especially in rural areas.
Most credit card companies charge a surcharge (usually 1–3%) for foreign-issued cards, but a Wise card can help you avoid foreign transaction fees.
The most commonly accepted cards are MasterCard, Visa, and JCB, followed by American Express and Diner’s Club.
Here are the most common payment methods to know:
- Swipe, insert, or tap/contactless (referred to as "touch" in Japan)
- Credit cards: MasterCard, Visa, JCB, American Express, and Diner’s Club
Credit/Debit Cards
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Japan, but it's still a good idea to check if a place accepts credit cards before you go. You can usually find this information near the shopfront.
Most credit cards will charge a foreign transaction fee, but some cards like Wise let you avoid these fees and convert your money at the real exchange rate. This can save you a lot of money, especially if you're making multiple transactions.
The most commonly accepted credit cards in Japan are MasterCard, Visa, and JCB, followed by American Express and Diner’s Club. You might also be asked to sign for payments, but it's rare for the vendor to check the authenticity of this.
It's a good idea to have a mix of credit and cash on hand, as not all places accept credit cards. You can use credit cards at ATMs and point-of-sale devices, and some cards also offer contactless payments.
Here are the most commonly accepted credit card types in Japan:
Remember to check your card's fees and exchange rates before you go, and consider using a travel money card or a card with no foreign transaction fees for added convenience.
Revolut
Revolut offers an excellent multi-currency account that supports 38 currencies, including JPY. This account provides some of the best exchange rates on the market, especially for common currency corridors.
Revolut's exchange rates are often better than the mid-market rate, and in some cases, you can even get rates that are better than the industry standard. This is a significant advantage over traditional banks and currency exchange services.
The fees for using Revolut's multi-currency account are relatively low, with an industry-low margin on the exchange rate ranging from 0.4% to 2%. This means you can save money on your international money transfers.
Revolut's fees are waived if you subscribe to their paid plans. This can be a great option for frequent travelers or those who need to make regular international transactions.
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Here's a comparison of Revolut's fees with Wise's fees:
Revolut's fees are competitive with Wise, but it's worth noting that Wise is transparent about its fees and charges a fixed commission fee, whereas Revolut charges an industry-low margin on the exchange rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get the best exchange rate from USD to yen?
Get the best exchange rate from USD to yen by using your credit card for purchases in Japan, but check if your card doesn't charge foreign transaction fees first
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