Should I Get Yen Before Going to Japan or Use Other Options

Getting yen before heading to Japan can be a good idea, but it's not the only option. You can also use ATMs, credit cards, or specialized currency exchange services to access local funds.

In Japan, you can withdraw yen from most ATMs using your debit or credit card. However, be aware that some ATMs may charge high fees or have limited English support.

Using a credit card can also be a viable option, but be mindful of the conversion rates and any foreign transaction fees that may apply.

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If you're planning a trip to Japan, one of the first things you might wonder is whether you should get some yen before you go. The answer is not a simple one, but I'll break it down for you.

Getting yen in the USA can be done through various methods, including prepaid travel money cards, ATMs with debit cards, online foreign currency exchange services, traditional banks, money changer kiosks, and airport bureau de change. Each method has its conveniences and drawbacks, so it's essential to compare them and choose the best one for your situation.

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Using a credit card is a convenient and hassle-free way to make purchases in Japan, as most vendors accept major credit cards like Mastercard, VISA, and American Express. These issuers use their own exchange rates, but they are typically very close to the mid-market exchange rate, usually around 0.5% to 0.9% weaker.

If you plan on using your credit card for most transactions, you might not need to exchange money before traveling to Japan. However, you should ensure that your credit card waives international card transaction fees, as those fees can add up quickly.

You can also consider opening a free multi-currency account from Revolut or Wise, which can help you get Japanese yen in the USA before your trip. This can be a good option if you want to have some cash in yen before you arrive in Japan.

Here are the 6 methods to get Japanese yen in the USA:

Ultimately, whether you should get yen before going to Japan depends on your individual situation and preferences. If you want to have some cash in yen before you arrive, you can consider getting it through one of the methods mentioned above.

In Japan, you have several payment options available to you. You can use your home bank card in Japanese ATMs, but not in Japanese bank ATMs, which are notoriously insular and few have linked their ATMs to international networks.

Some convenience stores like 7-11, Lawson, Family Mart, Circle K, and Daily Yamazaki have ATMs that may work with your foreign card, and they will have English instructions. These ATMs are a great option for getting cash in Japan.

If you want to get cash from an ATM, it's recommended to use a debit card with no foreign transaction fees, as credit cards can charge you cash advance fees and high APR on ATM withdrawals. Foreign transaction fees are fixed percentage fees that card issuers will tack on to the purchase price.

To avoid these fees, always travel with a card that waives foreign transaction fees. You can also consider opening a multi-currency account like Revolut or Wise, which allows you to exchange money at the mid-market rate at local ATMs with no additional commission fees.

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Here are some payment options in Japan:

Exchanging currencies can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, I've got you covered. You can check current exchange rates on XE Currency Converter or Wise's own Currency Converter for a general idea.

Banks are usually open from 9am to 3pm on weekdays, and some hotels and large department stores may offer currency exchange services, although with extra fees and less favorable rates.

If you're looking for a more convenient option, consider using a multi-currency account like Revolut or Wise, which can be opened for free and allows you to exchange money at the mid-market rate at local ATMs with no additional commission fees.

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Japan Post Office ATMs are a great option for withdrawing cash, especially in rural areas. You can find them in even the smallest villages and on tiny islands.

In larger cities, there's usually a central post office with ATMs that are open almost 24 hours a day. This can be a lifesaver if you need cash at an odd hour.

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The instructions on Japan postal ATMs are clear and easy to follow, with an "English Guide" option that will get you started. Just hit that button and you're good to go.

Keep in mind that post office ATMs usually only open when the post office itself is open, so you'll need to check the hours. However, in larger cities, the central post office ATMs often stay open a bit longer or on Saturdays.

Using your home bank card in Japanese ATMs is also a possibility. Many Japanese ATMs are linked to international cash networks, and your card is likely a member of these networks.

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Exchanging currencies can be a daunting task, especially when traveling abroad. You can check current exchange rates on websites like XE Currency Converter or Wise's own Currency Converter for a general idea.

Banks and money changers, such as Travelex, can exchange currencies, and you can find them at airports and in major cities. They're usually open from 9am to 3pm on weekdays.

Hotels and large department stores may also offer currency exchange services, but be aware that they often come with extra fees and less favorable rates.

If you're traveling to Japan, you can exchange any currency into Japanese yen once you arrive in the country. Major airports have exchange points in their arrivals halls.

It's worth noting that Japan is a cash-based society, so it's a good idea to have some cash on hand. ATMs often charge for withdrawals, and the charge can vary depending on the time you make the withdrawal.

Here are some popular places to exchange currencies:

Keep in mind that some of these options may come with extra fees or less favorable rates, so it's always a good idea to compare prices and services before making a decision.

If you're looking for alternative options to get Japanese Yen before your trip, you can consider using Revolut or Wise. Revolut offers a multi-currency account that allows you to exchange currency digitally and instantly at the Revolut Rate.

You can also use your home bank's debit card to withdraw cash from local ATMs, but be aware that the card issuer will apply their exchange rates to your transactions.

Revolut provides an excellent multi-currency account, with some of the best exchange rates on the market, especially for common currency corridors.

Traveler's Checks are a useful option in Japan, especially when it comes to accessing cash. Due to the limited number of ATMs that support foreign-issued cards, traveler’s checks can be a lifesaver.

Traveler's checks often carry more favorable exchange rates than money changers and ATMs, making them a cost-effective choice. They are widely accepted by major banks, hotels, and stores in cities like Tokyo and Osaka.

However, be aware that some places may not accept checks drawn from foreign banks, so it's essential to use a check from a Japanese bank. Many places will charge extra fees or refuse to accept them altogether.

To make the most of traveler's checks, it's a good idea to have a mix of denominations, especially smaller amounts. This will give you more flexibility when making purchases or getting change.

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WISE offers a transparent alternative to traditional exchange services. You can convert your holdings into Japanese Yen (JPY) and 40 other currencies without a hidden exchange rate margin.

Their fees are industry-low, ranging from 0.35% to 2.85%. This means you get the live rate you see on Google or XE.com.

WISE is a great option for those who want to avoid high fees and exchange rate margins. Its service is highly rated, with a trust and credibility score of 9.3.

Here's a comparison of WISE with other options:

As you can see, WISE has a higher trust and credibility score than Revolut. However, Revolut's fees and exchange rates are slightly better.

If you're planning to use other currencies in Japan, you'll want to know the best way to get Japanese yen. You can exchange for Japanese yen at a bank in the USA, but it's generally expensive due to commission fees and high exchange rate margins.

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You can use other methods to get Japanese yen in the USA, such as opening a free multi-currency account from Revolut or Wise. These accounts let you hold JPY and spend them with a card.

If you want to convert USD to Japanese Yen online, you can do so, but the article doesn't provide specific information on how to do this. It's worth noting that currency exchange rates are constantly changing due to market fluctuations.

If you want to get Japanese yen while in Japan, it's best to get cash from an ATM there. This is a convenient option that avoids the need to exchange currency beforehand.

Here's a summary of the methods to get Japanese yen in the USA:

If you plan on using your credit card for most transactions in Japan, you don't necessarily need to exchange money before traveling. This is because most vendors in Japan accept credit cards such as Mastercard, VISA, American Express, and other credit card issuers.

Check Mastercard's exchange rates here and VISA's exchange rates here to see how close they are to the mid-market exchange rate, which is usually around 0.5% to 0.9% weaker.

You should also make sure that your credit card waives international card transaction fees, otherwise, those fees will add up quickly.

Here are some options to consider for exchanging money in Japan:

Our recommendation is to use a credit card for most transactions, but if you do need to exchange money, consider opening a Revolut multi-currency account for the best rates and fees.

The Japanese currency is the yen, denoted by JPY. It comes in various denominations, including coins and banknotes.

You'll find yen coins in 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 yen denominations, and banknotes in 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 yen values. The 10,000 yen note is equivalent to around 100 dollars.

Carrying some cash is recommended, as Japan is a cash-based society. Be prepared to have enough cash on hand, especially in central areas where ATMs may run out of cash or have limited hours.

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If you're exchanging currency, all major airports have exchange points in their respective arrivals halls. You can also use ATMs, but be aware that they often charge for withdrawals, and the charge can vary depending on the time you make the withdrawal.

Some ATMs, like those at 7-11 convenience stores and post office ATMs, will likely accept your home bank card. However, Japanese bank ATMs may not.

If you're planning to exchange currency at a bank, be aware that costs will be high due to poor exchange rates and high fees. Instead, consider using your debit card or a multi-currency account debit card at a local ATM in Japan to withdraw the local currency.

Here's a quick rundown of the yen denominations: