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Credit Card & ATM

Money Matters in Japan 965
Credit Card & ATM

Almost every traveler asks this question before visiting Japan: Can I use my international credit or debit card in Japan? If you run out of cash while traveling in Japan, how do you use your international credit card? I hope our guide on using credit cards in Japan can help answer any questions you may have. The types of credit cards that can be used in Japan include VISA, Master, Amex, JCB, Diners, etc. All basic credit cards in the world can be used in Japan. In other words, most foreign exchange credit cards with international standards can be used in Japan. Interestingly enough, local Japanese do not like credit cards very much. Although the Japanese actually has almost as many credit cards as Americans, they only use 20% for their purchases. This may be related to the security and safety of Japan, and not afraid of losing cash.
 

Using Credit Cards in Japan

Credit cards are accepted in Japanese shopping malls, department stores, and most nationwide chain stores. When shopping for larger items, credit cards are the best option. In the famous chain stores 7-Eleven, they are equipped with ATMs to get cash. It is recommended that foreign visitors prepare and bring some cash because, in Japan, many small stores do not accept credit cards. The biggest difference between Japanese businesses and the West is that they like to accept cash and there is no need to worry about finding change.



Using Credit Cards At the Accommodation
In Japan, most large business hotels accept credit card purchases. When you spend at a hotel, you can also collect the charges to your room and check out with your credit card, in accordance with the rules of Western hotels. However, please be aware that in many traditional Japanese small hotels, traditional hot spring hotels, capsule hotels, etc., only a few accept credit card spending, so be sure to bring enough cash.



Restaurants and Bars
When you want to use a foreign credit card to drink at a restaurant or bar in Japan, it is best to confirm in advance whether the place accepts credit cards. Many restaurants now have websites to check, or you can call to check. If you are already in a restaurant or bar, the checkout counter will generally show the accepted credit card logos, if not, it is best to ask the staff in advance if they are able to accept credit cards. Many restaurants and bars in Japan do not accept credit card purchases, or they are not used often. It is recommended to bring enough cash or find a 7-Eleven store around as there are ATMs to get cash if you don't have any.



Using Credit Cards in Transit
If you want to use a credit card when purchasing a JR ticket, you need to go to a green window or an automatic ticket vending machine for credit cards. Note that not all JR stations have green windows, only some larger stations do. You can purchase Shinkansen tickets at ticket machines, green windows, or on the website which can be paid by credit card. Most bus companies you can pay by credit card. In addition, you can pay at convenience stores, or go to a Japan travel agency that cooperates with the reservation website.

There are not many taxis that cannot be paid by credit cards. Large taxi companies generally accept credit cards and IC cards, but personal taxis are more likely to be paid in cash. When you want to use a credit card, before you get in the car, please pay attention to whether there is a credit card sign on the back seat window or ask the driver directly for more information and your own convenience.


 

Cash Dispenser (ATM) in Japan

Post offices across Japan have Cash Dispensers (ATM), where you can use your international credit card to withdraw cash. At 7-Eleven convenience stores and in AEON supermarkets, ATMs that use credit cards to withdraw money are also generally installed. ATM machines are usually marked with the credit cards that can be used. 7-Eleven convenience stores provide 24-hour cash withdrawal service, which is quite convenient.

How can I find an ATM that can use international credit cards in Japan? You can just follow the tips below to help answer your question. A simple application called JAPAN ATM Navigation is recommended to help solve your problem. You can search and download this app from your smartphone on Google Play for Androids or the App Store on iPhones. Please note that the application only allows you to find ATMs for seven banks across Japan. You can also ask the hotel representatives, your local tour guide to find the location of an ATM also.



Japan Post Bank
Approximately 28,000 ATMs are installed at post offices throughout Japan or at Japan Post Bank branches, they are equipped with services such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, UnionPay cards, Diners Club, and other credit card withdrawal services (International ATM Service). Please note the following: Only some ATMs that support 24-hour operation can conduct transactions during the above business hours. Even during ATM transaction hours, some bank cards may not be available. For details, consult the financial institution that issued the bank card. When using bank cards issued abroad for ATM operations, some cards may charge ATM usage fees.



7-Eleven Convenience Stores
You can use your credit card or bank debit card to withdraw cash in yen from more than 23,000 7-bank ATMs (7 ATMs) in 7-Eleven convenience stores nationwide. Credit cards or bank debit cards with Visa, Plus American Express, JCB, Discover, Diners Club, MasterCard, Maestro, and Cirrus logos can be withdrawn at Seven Bank's ATM (*Some bank cards may not be available*). 7-Eleven convenience stores can be easily found near Tokyo Narita airport, Haneda Airport, andOsaka Kansai Airport, and other major domestic airports, as well as various top tourist attractions and hotels around the country.



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Most Frequently Asked Questions

  • What do I need to know before using a foreign credit card in Japan?
    Before using an international credit card in Japan, it is best to consult your credit card company in advance. Learn more about the range of credit cards you hold in Japan. Generally, internationally renowned credit cards can be used in Japan. It is important to know the fees, the amount of each transaction you can use in Japan, and its limit.
  • When will ATMs in Japan be closed?
    During Sundays and other public holidays between 20:00 (8:00pm) and midnight, some ATMs are not available. In some places, postal ATMs may be closed for 24 hours on Sundays.
  • What should I pay attention to when using Japanese ATMs?
    Please check your card's expiration date before entering it into the ATM. Remember your 4-digit pin. If an incorrect PIN error may occur, in which case, please contact your card issuing company. Some ATMs may be available at certain times.
  • Where can I find ATMs in Japan?
    The most convenient, is to find and use 7 Bank ATMs, which are available in almost every 7-Eleven retail store. In addition, Japan's Post Bank has online stores throughout Japan, including ATMs found at major airports, train stations, and department stores.
  • Can credit cards be used for taxis in Japan?
    Large-scale taxi companies generally support credit cards and IC cards, but personal taxis usually can only be paid in cash. When you want to use a credit card, before you get on the taxi, please pay attention to whether there is a credit card sign on the rear window.
  • Can credit cards be used at drugstores in Japan?
    Most drugstores accept credit cards. Note that when you use them, ordinary drugstores can refund taxes on the spot, but it is generally in cash. Please check your credit card bill when you have purchased the product.
  • What is the easiest international credit card to use in Japan?
    Visa and MasterCard, AMEX, JCB, Diners, etc are the most convenient credit cards to use in Japan. When using a credit card, please pay attention to the reminder map of the type of credit card accepted by the merchant, or ask the staff in advance.
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