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Using Cash and Currency Exchange in Japan: real experience from chats

Short answer
Japan remains highly cash-reliant, so carry sufficient Japanese yen for small shops, local transport, and vending machines. Supplement your cash with an IC card like Suica or Pasmo for transport and convenience store transactions, while keeping a reliable foreign card as a backup.

From real experience

Cash is essential in Japan. While contactless payments are growing, many smaller shops and cafes remain cash-only.
IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca) are standard for public transport and can be used for small retail transactions. Foreign bank cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted, but offline/cash backup is mandatory.
✓ 3 reports from chats
For currency exchange in Japan: 1. Okinawa: Use Bank of Okinawa exchangers, often found in FamilyMart, which accept USD.
2. Tokyo: Exchange rates vary; check arrival terminals (e.g., 153.73 JPY at international arrivals). 3. Asakusa/Kamakura/Kyoto: Look for reputable exchangers like 'Ninja exchanger' during business hours. 4. Payment methods: While UnionPay is not universally accepted (e.g., 7-Eleven), it works at Lawson, hotels, and taxis. Be prepared for 'cash only' establishments. Consider carrying sufficient cash.
✓ 1 report from chats
Japan is a hybrid economy. While many shops, cafes (Starbucks Shibuya), and transport services are cashless-only or prefer IC cards (Suica/Pasmo), traditional local businesses and vending machines still favor or exclusively accept cash.
Travelers should carry both a reliable foreign-issued card (or UnionPay like ATB) and Japanese yen banknotes for emergencies.
✓ 1 report from chats
Experiencing issues with a foreign (Kazakhstan) card in Japan, leading to a lack of cash for airport transfer.
Exploring options for using a Suica card, purchasing transport passes via Trip.com, withdrawing cash, or finding local assistance. Potential solutions include checking card limits, ATM withdrawal options (including NFC), contacting the card issuer or colleague, and seeking help from Russian speakers.
✓ 1 report from chats
Navigating payment in Japanese restaurants is straightforward.
Options include ordering and paying via terminals or at the entrance, traditional table service with payment upon exit, or immediate payment upon ordering. While contactless payment exists, cash is still widely preferred. Many establishments accept cards.
✓ 1 report from chats
While Japan is technologically advanced, cash is still widely preferred and often required for certain transactions, especially for transportation passes.
Credit cards may not be accepted everywhere. Always carry sufficient cash, particularly for local transport and smaller purchases.
✓ 1 report from chats
Experiences with using Kyrgyz Visa cards in Japan confirm their functionality.
However, the prevalence of 'cash only' establishments necessitates carrying some cash as a backup, even when reliable foreign cards are available.
✓ 1 report from chats
Discussing the prevalence of cash-only payments in Japan and the potential unreliability of foreign cards.
Emphasizing the importance of carrying some cash for transactions, especially given potential ATM or card acceptance issues.
✓ 1 report from chats
Japan is heavily cash-reliant, leading to quick accumulation of coins.
To avoid this, travelers should deposit loose change into IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) at kiosks or use IC cards for small payments at convenience stores.
✓ 1 report from chats

Related topics

💱 Comparing Currency Exchange Locations 🛂 Visa Application and Submission • Using IC Cards (Suica, Pasmo, ICOCA) • Exchanging Old USD Notes 💱 Currency Exchange in Osaka and Kyoto • Using International Cards

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