How to Get Yen in Japan and Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees

You can get yen in Japan by withdrawing cash from an ATM using your debit or credit card.

You'll need to have a card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, such as those from some US banks or credit unions.

Some ATMs in Japan are compatible with international cards, but it's best to use those affiliated with the major Japanese banks, like 7-Eleven or Japan Post Bank.

You can also use your credit card to make purchases in Japan, but be aware that some merchants may charge a foreign transaction fee.

In Japan, you have several options for making payments. Digital payment apps are widely available and can be topped up at ATMs or via a bank account, credit card, or mobile service provider.

Some popular digital payment apps include PayPay, MerPay, Line Pay, and R (Rakuten) Pay. These apps allow you to make contactless payments or have a vendor scan your QR code.

Credit and debit cards are also widely accepted in Japan, but it's a good idea to check in advance whether a place accepts credit cards, as some may not. The most commonly accepted cards are MasterCard, Visa, and JCB, followed by American Express and Diner’s Club.

If you plan to use a credit card, be aware that most credit card companies will charge a surcharge for foreign-issued cards, usually 1-3%. You can avoid these fees by using a Wise card, which converts at the real exchange rate and doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.

In some cases, you may still be asked to sign for payments, but this is rare and vendors often won't check the authenticity of the signature. Credit card readers typically support swipe, insert, or tap/contactless payments, referred to as "touch" in Japan.

Travelers' checks are less widely accepted in Japan, but can still be used in some locations, such as major banks, large and high-end hotels, some major travel agencies, and foreign exchange shops. It's recommended to ask in advance to confirm acceptance.

Here are some of the digital payment apps available in Japan:

Currency exchange is a crucial part of traveling to Japan. You can exchange your currency at various places, including banks, money changers, and some hotels.

Banks are a good option, but they're usually only open from 9am to 3pm on weekdays. You can find them in major cities and at airports.

Hotels and large department stores may also offer currency exchange services, but be prepared for extra fees and less favorable rates. Some banks, like Mizuho and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), offer currency exchange services, but not all smaller banks do.

You can also use ATMs to withdraw Japanese yen, but be aware that ATMs often charge for withdrawals, and the charge can vary depending on the time you make the withdrawal.

If you're worried about the language barrier, using a currency exchange counter at an airport might be a better option. They usually have staff with some level of English, and the rates are often the same as banks.

Here are some places where you can exchange yen:

Remember to check the opening hours of the place you plan to visit, as they may vary.

ATM Information is a crucial part of getting yen in Japan.

You can find ATMs almost everywhere nationwide, including post offices, supermarkets, shopping malls, and convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, or Family Mart.

Convenience store ATMs may be available 24/7, but fees vary depending on the day and time.

Some ATMs are free to use between 9 am and 5 pm on weekdays, while others charge around 100-300 yen (about 1-2 US dollars) at other times.

Bank ATMs now offer international withdrawal services, but availability is still limited.

It's best to check a bank's website before visiting to confirm their services.

You can also try using ATMs in other convenience stores like Lawson, Family Mart, Circle K, and Daily Yamazaki, which may work with your foreign card.

In my experience, Lawson and Family Mart ATMs work with most foreign cards and have English instructions.

If you're arriving at Narita, Haneda, or Kansai International Airports, you'll find 7-11 ATMs in the arrivals halls.

These ATMs are usually located right in the arrivals hall or nearby, making it easy to get cash quickly.

Japan is still a predominantly cash-based society, especially in rural areas or when visiting small, independent businesses. You'll want to have small denominations of cash handy, such as 10 yen and 100 yen coins, as well as 1,000 yen notes.

Many ticket and vending machines won't accept larger denominations, especially 5,000 and 10,000 yen bills. It's a good idea to have some of these smaller denominations on hand to avoid any issues.

Japan has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, so while it's always a good idea to be careful, you're unlikely to have any problems with your cash. In fact, you're more likely to lose money by dropping or leaving it than it getting stolen.

If you're holding too many coins, you can deposit them at payment kiosks in supermarkets or convenience stores like 7-eleven, Family Mart, or Lawson. These kiosks often let you use denominations down to 1 yen.

Here are the coins you'll find in Japan:

Carrying smaller denominations of yen is a must, especially when visiting independent shops or taking taxis. They may not have enough change if you pay with a larger bill.

The Japanese yen is the 3rd most-traded currency in the foreign exchange market, ranking after the dollar and euro.

You'll have 6 types of coins and 4 types of paper money in circulation, including 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 yen coins, and 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000 yen notes, with a 2,000 yen banknote being rare.

It's generally better to exchange Japanese yen after arriving in Japan, as major currencies like the USD and EUR have more favorable exchange rates in Japan.

As you're getting ready to travel to Japan, you'll want to know about the local currency, the yen. Japan is a cash-based society, so it's a good idea to have some cash on you. You'll need it for things like buying train tickets, taking taxis, and paying for small services.

You can exchange currency at the airport, and all major airports have exchange points in their respective arrivals halls. However, it's worth noting that ATMs often charge for withdrawals, and not all ATMs are 24 hours.

The yen comes in bills of 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 5,000 yen, and 10,000 yen, and coins of 1 yen, 5 yen, 10 yen, 50 yen, and 500 yen. You'll want to carry a purse for your Japanese coins, as the value and weight soon add up.

Here are the different denominations of yen bills:

The 10,000 yen note is equivalent to around 100 dollars, but it's generally accepted even for small purchases. Be aware that not many 2,000 yen notes are in circulation, so make sure you get the correct change after using them.

Before traveling to Japan, it's essential to know the local currency, the yen (円), which is the 3rd most-traded currency in the foreign exchange market.

You'll need to familiarize yourself with the different types of coins and banknotes in circulation, including 6 types of coins (1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 yen) and 4 types of paper money (1,000, 5,000, and 10,000 yen notes, and very rarely a 2,000 yen banknote).

It's worth noting that you might not see a 2,000 yen banknote often, so don't worry if you don't spot one.

The yen is widely used, and you'll find it accepted everywhere in Japan.

Be sure to check the current exchange rate before your trip to get a good idea of what you can expect once you arrive in Japan.

Convenience stores are a great place to withdraw yen in Japan, especially if you can't find a post office or bank. You can find convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and Family Mart almost anywhere.

7-Eleven has the most 7 Bank ATMs, with 25,000 machines throughout Japan, making it a reliable option. Many Lawson stores now have ATMs that accept foreign cards, so it's worth checking their website to see which locations offer this service.

Convenience store ATMs may be available 24/7, but the fees vary depending on the day and time, so be sure to check these first! Some ATMs in other convenience stores like Lawson, Family Mart, Circle K, and Daily Yamazaki may also work with your card.

You can find convenience stores at major airports in Japan, making it easy to access cash and other essentials after arriving. Narita, Haneda, and Kansai International Airports all have 7-11 ATMs in the arrivals halls.

These ATMs are usually located right in the arrivals hall or nearby, and you can follow the signs to find them. In my experience, having access to cash right away is super helpful when you're jet-lagged and need to grab a taxi or buy some snacks.

You can also find currency exchange services at international airports in Japan, usually in the arrivals halls. These services usually offer the same rate as banks and have staff with some level of English.

Some notable locations for currency exchange at airports include:

Other convenience stores like Lawson, Family Mart, Circle K, and Daily Yamazaki may also have ATMs that work with foreign cards, although it's not guaranteed. It's always worth a try if you can't find a 7-11 or a post office.

Convenience Stores in Japan often have ATMs in their lobbies, but be aware that they usually don't accept foreign cards.

Travelers may be tempted by these ATMs, but they're often not connected to international networks, making them inaccessible to foreigners.

SMBC Bank is one exception, with ATMs that generally work with foreign cards and have English instructions.

It's generally better to exchange Japanese yen after arriving in Japan, especially for visitors from North America, Europe, and Australia, as major currencies are often more favorable for exchange.

For travelers from other countries, exchanging currency before the trip may be more advisable, but it's always a good idea to carry a small amount of Japanese yen for immediate convenience upon arrival.

You may be able to get a good exchange rate when changing United States dollars into Japanese yen, as it's a highly traded foreign currency, so compare Japan's current rate to your local rate to find the best option.

Exchanging money after arrival in Japan can be convenient, and there are four methods to exchange money after arriving in Japan, which we'll cover later in this guide.

Don't worry if you run out of cash or need extra during your trip, withdrawing money from your foreign credit or debit card in Japan is easy and might be cheaper than using currency exchange services.

Just remember to inform your bank that you'll be visiting Japan, otherwise they may assume your card has been stolen and block your transactions.