Stop Wasting Money in Japan: Cash, Credit, & ATMs Explained!

Did you know about all these fees before? 😳

Thank you for vdeo :) Can we exchange euro cash wirh these atm's ? which one is better? we keep our money at atm card and use it from atm card or euro cash with us better

This why U.S base exchange

This scam doesn’t happen in my country

Hi! Do you if is viable to just bring the dollars cash and convert them in Yen at a bank or exg house ?

Most stores, transportation and services accept "Mobile Suica", so that's all you need to know.

The other thing about the virtual IC card in the Apple wallet is when buying things where they take both Apple Pay and IC card, you need to ensure the clerk knows you want to use your IC card before you scan it or the Apple Wallet tries to use Apple Pay and asks for your FaceID. IC card does not require FaceID.

I was just in Japan and 7-11 bank tried to charge a percentage of the amount I wanted to take out at the ATM plus an ATM fee where the ones at Lawson only charge an ATM fee. My US bank (Schwab) reimburses ATM fees and doesn't charge any foreign transaction fees, so it's still best to use Japanese bank ATMs or ones that won't charge a percentage. So ¥50,000 = $331.00, no fees.

What about using currency travel type cards?

I stuck with 7-11s on my trip basically exclusively. I did use a Family Mart once because I was basically out and surprisingly there wasn't a 7-11 close. I pretty much kept to pulling 10000 yen at a time, usually all I needed for a given day. Though sometimes I did need to making another withdrawal, or I might pop in at night if I was running low so I had money to start the day off especially if I was heading out early. I personally preferred the 7-11s cause they gave you the option for 10 1000 yen bills. I know that plenty of places in Japan are said to be fine dealing with larger bills but I much preferred if I was paying for a 300 yen item to just hand a 1000 bill(or just coins). But that was my preference, and while I can't speak for Lawson's atm Family Mart doesn't have that option.

Also it was a bit surprising after having started my trip in Tokyo, when I got to Kyoto suddenly the vending machines only did cash and not IC cards. I had been use to just using my card on the machines but nope. Tokyo was the only place that had them. And I mean even around say Kyoto Station and stuff still cash only for the vending machines. I did use my card at some bigger spots at times, usually if I was blowing more money than I had on me or if it was most of what I was carrying, just cause that way I wasn't leaving myself cashless. But I also didn't use my suica as much as I thought I would outside stations(and the aforementioned Tokyo vending machines). Well and 7-11, used it there every time. I probably could've used it more and just topped it off more but I think I was worried about suddenly finding myself without cash on the card and needing the train so I played it safe.

Also if you go into a 7-11 and don't see an atm, usually that means they're in a separate building generally just around the corner or next door. That tripped me up a time or two, like in Harajuku so keep an eye out there. And then yeah remember when it comes to the end of your trip that you want to start burning off the money on your IC card, along with the cash. Just don't leave yourself with money to get food and to the airport heh. I nearly thought I was going to have to withdraw more money my last day cause I put myself so short, and of course that would've left me with even more left over cash I couldn't spend. Sure, could've converted it back home I suppose but figured I'd avoid that loss if possible.

Oh I'd also add, maybe a bit obvious but good habit to use Google Maps(or whatever) and check the area you're going to for convenience stores. Especially if you're like me and have a store preference. There were a couple times where it was clear there wasn't a 7-11 near, and even a couple times like when I was in Hakone, where I wasn't near any store at all so I had to be a bit careful.

Very well made and informative video. I really liked how you added timestamps for the different topics you spoke about. Thank you for this!

GBP to JY is even better in terms of conversion

Excellent video! Thanks!
Do you know something about using a debit card? I’ve heard some people saying it is impossible to use

Avoid Japanese banks for currency exchange. They will charge you a flat fee on top of a poor exchange rate.

The ATMs at Japan Post used to have limited hours in some communities. They tended to not be open evenings and weekends. I’m not sure if that still holds true. They were not 24-7.

Spend your coins as you accumulate them. Easiest way to stop from caring too many. When I lived in Japan, there were times when I would have $30 in coins. It’s not as difficult as it sounds to accumulate that many coins fast!

Great Video! Id say always do Japan Post ATMs because they dont even try to do DCC!!

Not all ic card expire in 30 days I still use my for over 12 years and I always have a balance on it some card expire after 10 years if you don’t use it

Avoiding the airport stalls, and fancy currency exchanges is a way to save money… This is groundbreaking… Never ever heard of this before… Absolutely incredible!😂😂😂

A lot of great info in one place! Thank you!

Great presentation. Really appreciate the tips. 🙏🏻

If the mid market rate is 151 and the airport gives you 149, that is a 1.3% penalty. Not bad at all.

i didnt know the suica's value depleted after 28 days ? i havent been there in years but i remember using suica/pasmo cards i purchased on my first trip on successive trips there, i was actually going to pull them out with the intent to use them again on an up and coming trip. i hope they are still usuable because i heard they are not issuing them anymore ???

My number one expense is going to be food lol
Hotel and flight doesnt count 🤣

This is invaluable advice. Thank you so much!

Quick tip to calculate Yen to US dollars…..remove the two 0’s and subtract a third and you’ll be very close.

Example: 1000 Yen, remove two 0s you get 10. Subtract 1/3 you get $6.50 US dollars roughly.

1500 Yen > 15 > $10 dollars

Will the Japanese yen go up by November? Im going to japan during that time and wondering if i should get some yen before then

One additional tip: you are going to end up getting piles of coins. You can either try to use them all at vending machines or…use them to reload your IC card at certain merchants. Some merchants such as 7-11 might have change counters. Dump all your change in there. Note that IC cards are only topped off with round amounts. So hand them additional paper YẾN to get you over the amount. The machine will just spit any excess change out to you.

I wish I knew this earlier on during our trip.

Thanks for the info + subtitles!

For the regular SUICA/PASMO cards, they’re good until 10 years after your last transaction and you can return them to get your ¥500 deposit and remaining money out after a ¥220 fee. It’s the Welcome SUICA and PASMO Passport for tourists that expire at 28 days and I think has no ¥500 fee at the moment. The chip shortage has meant the regular IC cards have been unavailable a long time now but the tourist cards are available at select stations and airports.