Paying in Japan: What to Use and How to Withdraw Money

1. Cash

Cash is still the most widely used method of payment in Japan. According to statistics, around 80% of all transactions are still carried out in cash! Almost all shops, including small restaurants and temples, accept cash.

Japanese etiquette dictates that when taking cabs or visiting temples and shrines, you should avoid paying in large denominations. The same applies to small stores, which may not have change for large sums. In cabs, however, be careful not to shoot the driver in the face with your small coins: it's considered disrespectful. It's a good idea to top up whenever possible.

Indeed, Japan is the land of precision, and it's common for your interlocutor to give you time to top up when making a purchase. In fact, this is one of our survival tips: use up as much of your change as possible and top up regularly; otherwise, you'll end up with a purse full of 1-yen coins.

As for banknotes, never crumple them up or pull them out of your pocket like a used handkerchief. Throwing your money on the counter is also rude. The customer may be king, but in Japan, he must respect the rules of good conduct.

3. Contactless/mobile payments

Japan makes extensive use of prepaid cards such as Suica, Pasmo or Icoca, which can be used as both a transport card and a contactless payment card.

Smartphone payments via Apple Pay, Google Pay or PayPay are also increasingly common in Japan, but not all shops accept them yet, especially in the countryside.

There are many ATMs in Japan, but not all of them accept foreign cards. Here are the main places where you can withdraw cash:

1. Japan Post ATMs: These are the most reliable for foreign cards. They can be found in most post offices in the country, with over 20,000 ATMs spread throughout the country. They generally accept Visa, Mastercard and sometimes American Express.

2. Konbini (convenience store) ATMs: Chains such as 7-Eleven, Family Mart and Lawson often have ATMs accessible 24/7.

3. ATMs at airports: On arrival, you'll find ATMs at major airports such as Narita, Haneda and Tokyo or Kansai near Osaka.

4. Japanese banks: Some major banks, such as MUFG, Mizuho and SMBC, have ATMs that accept foreign cards, but they are fewer in number than konbini ATMs and sometimes harder to find.

To locate the nearest ATM, you can use the application JAPAN POST BANK ATM Finder or the online locator of Seven Bank (7-Eleven ATM).

1. Konbini vending machines: Generally accessible 24/7, these are the most convenient for travelers.

2. Japan Post ATMs: Opening hours vary according to the size of the post office. Larger ones are often open from 7am to 11pm, while smaller ones close around 5pm. Some larger post offices in busy areas may have ATMs open 24 hours a day.

3. Bank ATMs: Most operate from 8am or 9am to 9pm on weekdays, with shorter hours at weekends. Some may be closed on Sundays and public holidays.

It is therefore advisable to plan your withdrawals in advance, especially if you are traveling to more remote areas where ATMs open 24 hours a day may be rare.

1. Withdrawal fees: Japanese banks generally charge fees for the use of their ATMs, ranging from 108 to 216 yen per withdrawal. Some ATMs, such as those of Seven Bank, may be free of charge.

2. Your bank's charges: Your bank may apply charges for withdrawals abroad, often a percentage of the amount withdrawn (on average 2.5% to 3%) plus a fixed charge per transaction.

3. Exchange rate: The exchange rate applied is that of the day, set by your banking network (Visa, Mastercard, etc.). It is often more advantageous than that offered by foreign exchange bureaus.