How To Pay For Things In Japan?

Here’s a guide on how to pay for things in Japan. Are you heading to Japan on vacation anytime soon? Did you ever wonder about the payment options? Can you use your credit cards? Can you go cashless? 

It’s crucial to know how to pay for things in Japan so that you do not offend anyone. It’s no brainer that Japan is a very organized and highly structured society. 

So, by understanding their way of conducting business and economy will help you to be more mindful and respect their cultural practices. There is a lot of confusion because one payment method may not work everywhere. Worry not. 

• Related: Why Taxis Are SO Expensive in Japan
• Related: Why is Tipping Rude in Japan 

Whether you are visiting this beautiful country for business or pleasure, we got you covered and will be  breaking down the basic information about Japanese conversions and currency, the payment options, proper etiquette while paying for things ! So sit back, relax, sip on some coffee and let’s get started.

How To Pay For Things In Japan

Japanese Currency & Conversion Rate In Japan

Japanese Yen or JPY for short denoted by the symbol ¥ is the currency used in Japan and is considered as the third most foreign exchange currency after the US Dollar and Euro. One US Dollar is worth roughly 136.24 Japanese Yen. 

One euro is worth roughly 142.99 Japanese Yen. The Yen conversion rates fluctuate on a daily basis so make sure to check and compare with your home country currency before your trip.

Paying In Cash in Japan 

Cash is the easiest and most preferred payment option in Japan. As a tourist, it may even surprise you by the amount of cash being carried around by the locals, even something as high as tens of thousands of yen in the wallet.

Cash is the most convenient method for many business owners, restaurants, retailers, etc despite the fact that japan is a highly developed and industrialized nation.  

Just be more cautious, do not forget your wallet somewhere. Keep in mind that many shops still do not accept credit or debit cards. Some temples and shrines opened for tourism only accept small bills. Some food outlet chains like McDonalds and Burger King accept cash only. 

Make sure you have some coins ready when you want to go sightseeing without your luggage as most coin lockers accept cash only. Another interesting thing is that the vending machines that are convenient to buy snacks, beverages and other items  run on small paper bills and coins.

Where can you get yen and the  use of big and small bills: Although you can convert your currency at the airport, the rate may be poor. So you can go to the banks, large railway stations or post offices.

Remember to use small bills in tiny shops or for taxi fares. Do not use a big note 10,000 yen as most drivers do not have change. Big bills are accepted almost anywhere in Japan

Pros

• Payment flexibility is great
• Very convenient and easy

Cons

• Difficult to manage expenses
• Higher chances of robbery/theft

Using CREDIT & DEBIT CARDS To Make payment in Japan

Do not forget to notify your bank or card providers before leaving the country or else they can freeze the card for suspicious activity. Also, be aware of the withdrawal limits too. 

Credit cards are being widely accepted mostly in the city or large establishments like malls, hotels, department stores, restaurants, stores, train stations, taxi services and so on. 

Credit card companies like Mastercard, American Express, VISA, Japan Credit Bureau ( JCB) are popularly used. Most of the trains, buses and taxis accept credit card payment.Most places have a simple logo or seal indicating credit card payment.

Debit cards on the other hand are less popular payment option in Japan. Try to opt for a debit card that waives off the international ATM fees and  forein transaction fees such as  a Discover Debit card and Citibank Debit card.

If you would like to withdraw some money, look out for Postal ATMs or 7-Eleven bank ATMs that are found all across the country and accept foreign cards.

Pros

• Both protected by a secure PIN & chip
• Debit cards help with managing your budget
• Credit cards are accepted worldwide and have perks on spending like frequent flier program, 0% purchases and so on.
• Credit cards can be replaced if lost and you can access funds up to the limit.

Cons

• Both cards have international ATM fees and currency conversion fees.

You Can Use Prepaid Travel Cards & Forex Cards To make Payments in Japan 

A travel card and forex card can be a cost-effective solution and less expensive alternative to a credit or debit card. It is a pre-loaded card that allows you to pay with minimal fee or no fee for currency conversion. 

They can be used in the same places where VISA and Mastercard are accepted and best suited for making online payments in the hotels, restaurants, shops and other places. 

Although it is a convenient way of making payment, most of the smaller shops do not accept card payments at all. Remember to reload the card properly as it can take upto three to more working days for funds to clear.

Pros

• Protected by secure PIN & chip
• Accepted in almost all countries
• Very low markup fee or no fee  for transaction
• Preload exchange rate in multiple foreign currencies
• Option for backup cards and emergency card replacement 

Cons

• Local ATM fee is applicable
• Reloading time is long

You Can Also Use Mobile Payment Apps To Make Payments in Japan

Mobile Payment apps are very popular in the country as they are used to pay bills or receive and send money to anyone with the same app. So, this is a great alternative to a tourist and super easy to operate. 

To name a few:

R Pay or Rakuten Pay: This can be downloaded from any of the Japanese app stores and can earn double the points. If you do not have a credit card, all you gotta do is top up the balance with your bank account. 

PayPay: It is like a  prepaid debit card which is free to download from the app stores. All you need is a Japanese phone number for this and link your bank account to make payments. It is widely used in Japan and offers customers discounts with participating stores.

Pros

• Accepted in many places
• Super quick mode of payment

Cons

• The apps are completely in Japanese

You Can Also Use IC CARDS To Pay in Japan 

This microchip plastic card is a great payment tool for most transportation fares, vending machines, restaurants and local stores. They are very easy to use and can be purchased at the railway stations and recharged easily. 

They cost around 500 yen. Some of the best IC Cards used in Japan are-  Toica, Sugoca, Pasmo, Suica, Kitaca, Nimoca and more. 

You can use these cards for coin lockers in the train stations or to purchase snacks from the vending machines so your trip can be more convenient if you could get your hands on one of these.

Pros

• Convenient
• They can be recharged easily

Cons

• Expensive

Japanese Etiquette While Paying For Things:

You must always take into account the cultural practices to avoid any embarrassing or offensive behavior. 

Tipping is not a custom and can be considered rude or insulting with a few  exceptions like a private tour guide but make sure you put the money in an envelope and seal it and hand it over to them with both hands. 

If you are waiting for change, the cashier usually will count it in front of you to make it visible so pay close attention and recounting it is considered offensive. 

Whenever you need to make a payment, it is common courtesy to wait in line and patiently wait your turn.

Making Payments in Japan: FAQs

Conclusion: 

I hope this guide was helpful and you have gained some perspective into the payment options available in Japan. Now you can enjoy your time here without any worry. Just make sure you plan ahead , keep these tips in mind and have enough throughout the day. 

Also Read

• Why is Japan so Advanced