The independent guide to cash, cards, and currency exchange in Japan — brought to you by SMART EXCHANGE.
BEFORE YOU LAND
1,000+
See what’s near your hotel, airport, or itinerary before you arrive in Japan.
Where travelers start
The most-read guides for planning your money before the trip.
Browse by topic
Latest articles in each category.
Browse by destination
Popular regions among international travelers.
Common questions
Most travelers are comfortable carrying ¥10,000–¥20,000 at a time for daily spending, topping up as needed.
In big cities, mostly yes. Outside them, cash still wins at markets, small izakaya, and older shops.
Rates and fees vary more than most travelers expect — airport counters are rarely the best deal.
For transit and convenience stores, an IC card saves a lot of friction.
Not all ATMs accept foreign cards — but a growing number do, and we'll show you which.
Almost never — and in some situations, offering a tip can actually cause confusion.