How to pay in Japan: cash, cards and what you really need
Japan is becoming a cashless country: in 2025, 58% of payments were made without cash (data from Japan's Ministry of Economy). But cash is still useful, and some Italian cards do not work at all.
Here you will find where to withdraw money, which cards to bring, when you need cash and how to avoid hidden fees.
- Updated October 2026
- ATMs, cards and Suica
- What does not work from Italy
When a card is enough and when you need cash
As a rule of thumb, always carry 5,000-10,000 yen in cash. If you go outside the big cities, carry more.
| Where | How you pay | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Hotels, big chains, department stores | Card | Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere; contactless is increasingly common. |
| Konbini and supermarkets | Card or Suica | Credit card, contactless or IC card such as Suica/Pasmo. |
| Trains and subway | Suica/Pasmo or ticket | An IC card is more convenient; for details read the transportation guide. |
| Small restaurants and neighborhood izakaya | Often cash | Many small places accept only yen, even if they have a card terminal. |
| Temples, shrines, stalls and festivals | Cash | Offerings, charms, entrance tickets and street food are almost always paid for with coins and banknotes. |
| Countryside, ryokan, small islands | Cash | Fewer card terminals, and sometimes the only ATM is at the post office. |
| Lockers and vending machines | Coins or Suica | Always keep a few 100 and 500 yen coins. |
Where to withdraw yen without surprises
Seven Bank (7-Eleven)
It is the simplest choice: the ATMs are inside almost all 7-Elevens and at airports, with menus in Italian or English. For foreign cards the limit is 100,000 yen per withdrawal (30,000 with magnetic-stripe cards).
Japan Post Bank (post offices)
Accepts Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus, JCB, UnionPay and Discover. The limit is 50,000 yen per transaction and for some foreign cards there may be a fee of 220 yen.
Lawson Bank and AEON Bank
Good alternatives at Lawson and Aeon stores. The limit is 50,000 yen per withdrawal.
Always check the fee
Japanese ATMs may add a fee. Before confirming, check the amount on the screen: if you do not like it, cancel and try another machine.
Most other Japanese ATMs do not accept foreign cards. Look for Seven Bank, Japan Post, Lawson or AEON machines. Find a Seven Bank ATM.
Which cards to bring (and which to leave at home)
Visa and Mastercard
They work in the vast majority of shops, hotels and chains. Enable them for international payments from your bank's app before you leave.
Maestro and Cirrus
Mostly useful for withdrawals. If you have a debit card on these networks you can try to withdraw, but check with your bank first.
American Express and JCB
Accepted at big chains and hotels, much less in small shops. Do not count on it as your only card.
Pagobancomat: does not work
If your card only has the Pagobancomat network (without Visa, Mastercard or Maestro), you will not be able to use it in Japan, either to withdraw cash or to pay.
Postepay, Revolut, Wise
Postepay and prepaid cards on the Visa or Mastercard network work like any other. Wise and Revolut are useful because the exchange rates are clear, but check the limits and costs on your plan.
PIN and physical card
Bring your physical card and remember your PIN: sometimes it is needed even for non-small amounts. Contactless and Apple Pay/Google Pay are common but not accepted everywhere.
Euros or yen? Always choose yen
At the ATM or at the checkout you may be asked whether to pay in yen (JPY) or in your card's currency, euros. This is called dynamic currency conversion (DCC): it looks convenient, but the exchange rate applied by the machine or the shop is almost always worse and can cost a few percentage points more.
Decline the conversion and choose yen: your bank will do the conversion, usually at a better rate.
Make a few larger withdrawals instead of many small ones: if your bank charges a fixed fee per withdrawal, you save money.
Suica, QR and smartphone: when they are worth it
Suica e Pasmo
Prepaid IC cards for trains, subway, buses, konbini, vending machines and many shops. You top them up with cash at the machines; on iPhone you can add Suica to Wallet and top it up by card. A physical Suica has a 500 yen deposit; the Pasmo Passport is valid for 180 days.
PayPay and QR payments
PayPay is very common in shops, izakaya and pharmacies. To register you need a phone number and an ID document: without full verification, the monthly spending limit is 50,000 yen. It is handy, but not essential.
Apple Pay and Google Pay
Add your card to your phone before leaving: where contactless is available, just tap your phone. Where it is not, use the physical card.
Where to exchange euros for yen: the options
In Italy, before leaving
Handy if you want to arrive with some yen in your pocket, but the exchange rate and fees of Italian banks and exchange offices are often not great. Only exchange a small amount.
At the airport
Useful for your first trips, but with a worse exchange rate. It is best to limit yourself to a few thousand yen.
At banks and post offices
Some bank branches and post offices in the big cities exchange euros; bring your passport. Not all of them do, so find out before you go.
Withdrawing with a card
For many travelers this is still the simplest solution: choose yen, decline the conversion and check the fee.
Bank, maps and translator: you need internet
To withdraw money safely, block a card or check your bank's app, you need a connection. You also need maps to find the right ATM and a translator to read menus.
Choose the eSIM if you travel alone with a compatible phone, the Pocket WiFi if there are several of you. With the code INFINITE5 you get 5% off.
What people ask most often
Can I use Pagobancomat in Japan?
No. If your card only has the Pagobancomat network, it does not work for payments or for withdrawals. You need a Visa or Mastercard card, or a debit card on the Maestro or Cirrus network.
Where do I withdraw yen with an Italian card?
At the Seven Bank ATMs in 7-Elevens, at post offices (Japan Post Bank), at Lawson and at Aeon. Choose yen and always check the fee before confirming.
How much cash should I bring?
For days in the city, 5,000-10,000 yen in your pocket at all times is enough, topped up when it runs out. If you go to the countryside, small ryokan or festivals, bring more.
How much does it cost to pay with an Italian card?
It depends on the bank: for payments many cards have low or no fees, while for withdrawals there may be fixed or percentage fees. Ask your bank and compare with cards such as Wise or Revolut.
Does contactless work in Japan?
More and more often yes, especially at chains, but not everywhere. Always bring your physical card and remember your PIN.
What is dynamic currency conversion (DCC)?
It is the offer to pay in your currency (euros) instead of yen. Decline it: the exchange rate is usually less favorable.
Is Suica worth it?
Yes, if you travel a lot by train and subway and make small purchases at konbini. You can have it as a physical card or on iPhone, and top it up by card or cash.
What do I do if I lose my card?
Block the card immediately from the app or by calling your bank, then follow the steps in the safety in Japan guide.