How to get yen before going to Japan?

Buy yen in the US by getting a travel money card, using a specialist foreign exchange service or your own bank, or picking up cash at the airport. The fees you pay for each service can vary widely, so do compare a few, looking carefully at both the commission charges and the exchange rates available.



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The best way to get Japanese cash is from an ATM in Japan (do not buy yen before coming to Japan as the rate will be terrible). You can use your home bank card with many Japanese ATMs. 7-11 ATMs are the easiest to use and accept the most foreign cards.

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A Few Final Notes and Links While credit cards are become more widely accepted in Japan, cash is still king in Japan. Don't assume that you can use a credit card in small stores, restaurants and accommodations, particularly “mom and pop” places. Always carry sufficient Japanese cash as a backup.

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Japan ATM Withdrawal Fees Fees for withdrawing cash from ATMs in Japan are typically 1-3% of the transaction amount.

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That's certainly a comfortable budget as long as you aren't expecting to eat many fancy meals or do a lot of drinking or clubbing. You can probably save some money with strategic use of transit passes (see summaries on Japan Guide or elsewhere). You should look into the Grutto Pass.

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Tipping in Japan is not expected, and attempts to leave a tip will almost certainly be turned down (a potentially awkward moment). In Japan, it's thought that by dining out or drinking at a bar, you are already paying the establishment for good service.

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Also, it can be difficult to use Japan's public transport system without cash, as you will almost always need it to recharge your IC card or to purchase a train ticket. That being said, I would say you should bring enough cash so that you have at least 10,000 yen of spending money per day.

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You can avoid a credit card foreign transaction fee by either paying cash or using a credit card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees. Most credit cards that do not charge a foreign transaction fee note it on their website, but you can also look at the credit card's terms and conditions page.

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Cash + Coin Purse It's also good to note that 500 Yen and smaller are all given in coins. To avoid weighing down your wallet, we recommend bringing along an extra coin purse to put all of the loose change you may obtain. These coins are also very handy for vending machines and also arcades, as well as gacha machines!

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The best place to keep your money is in a place that is 100 percent hidden and unnoticeable. Money pouches are an effective way to keep your valuables safe and on your person at all times. Some can be attached to your belt, others may hang around your neck.

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