Japan Travel Money Guide
Japan remains a cash-friendly country despite its high-tech reputation. Smaller restaurants, temples, and rural inns may not accept cards.
Capital: Tokyo · Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
Paying by card
Major credit cards are accepted at hotels, department stores, and chain restaurants. Contactless IC cards (Suica, Pasmo) are the easiest way to pay for transit and convenience stores.
Cash and ATMs
Withdraw yen from 7-Eleven or Japan Post ATMs — they accept foreign cards 24/7. Avoid bank ATMs which often reject overseas cards.
Tipping
Do not tip. It can cause genuine confusion or embarrassment. Excellent service is the standard, not a bonus.
Scams to avoid
Scams are extremely rare. Avoid touts in Roppongi and Kabukicho who promote bars with hidden cover charges.
What JPY amounts are worth
| JPY | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 JPY | 6.36 | 5.61 | 4.80 |
| 5,000 JPY | 31.82 | 28.03 | 24.02 |
| 10,000 JPY | 63.65 | 56.05 | 48.05 |
| 50,000 JPY | 318.23 | 280.25 | 240.23 |
Rates are European Central Bank reference rates for 29 Sept 2026 (published each working day around 16:00 CET; the UAE dirham uses its official US-dollar peg of 3.6725). The live converter loads the latest rate when the page opens.
Over the 30 days of ECB data to 29 Sept 2026, one US dollar bought 1.60% fewer JPY and one euro 4.04% fewer.
Before you go
- When a card terminal or ATM offers to charge you in your home currency, decline and pay in JPY; the conversion it offers usually includes a wide margin.
- Tell your bank you are travelling and carry two cards on different networks in case one is declined.
- Check your card's foreign transaction fee and put it in the budget converter's fee field.
Budget the trip with the travel budget converter, see all JPY rates, or browse more country guides.