How to withdraw money in Japan: ATMs, accepted cards, and the euro-yen exchange rate
Where to withdraw cash in Japan? Where to exchange euros for yen? Here's everything you need to know.
Japan is still a country where cash is essential. Here's how to withdraw yen, which cards are accepted, and where to avoid high fees.
How to withdraw yen in Japan
If you want to withdraw money by debit/credit card, we recommend using Seven Bank ATMs. You can find them both at the airport and in all Seven Eleven convenience stores. They don't charge any fees, and you can withdraw money using the daily exchange rate (your bank may charge a fee for international withdrawals; check before you travel).
If you want to exchange cash from euros to yen, you can do so at a bank in Italy before leaving (check with your bank for fees and exchange rates). You can also exchange euros once you arrive in Japan, at the airport (usually with unfavorable exchange rates) or at banks (UFJ Bank) or post offices (Japan Post) with significantly better rates.
Circuits accepted in Japan
In Japan, they accept AMERICAN EXPRESS, VISA, and MASTERCARD cards without any problems, provided they are duly enabled for international payments (usually, this can be enabled via the bank's app).
⚠️ The PAGOBANCOMAT circuit does not work in Japan.
The contactless theme
Also be careful with contactless payments: not all merchants accept them .
It's advisable to leave after checking that you have with you all the debit/credit cards you intend to use during the trip. You should also check the corresponding PINs, which are almost always required to complete the transaction, especially for large amounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you withdraw money from an ATM in Japan?
If your ATM card works with the VISA or MASTERCARD circuit, you can use it without any problems.
If your ATM card works on the PAGOBANCOMAT circuit, you will not be able to use it in Japan to make withdrawals and/or payments.
Where to change euros in Japan?
You can exchange your euros for cash at the airport upon arrival, but the exchange rate is unfavorable.
Conversely, once you arrive in the city, you can exchange euros at a bank (MUFJ Bank) or at a post office (Japan Post).
How much commission do you pay with an Italian card?
Banks typically charge an interest rate between 1.5% and 2%. This varies from bank to bank and is best checked before departure.
There are banks that do not apply any interest rate, such as Revolut or Wise.
Do contactless cards work in Japan?
Even if a merchant accepts card payments, it does not necessarily accept contactless payments or digital payments (Apple Pay, Google Wallet).
It is advisable to always have the physical card with you and remember the PIN.
