Banking & Money: how it works in Japan — first-hand
Real experience of people from chats on «Banking & Money» in Japan — as it is, no fluff. For your case — ask Luky.
From real experience
When exchanging USD to JPY in Japan, city exchange offices generally offer better rates than those at airports. For instance, at Fukuoka Airport (KIX), the rate was 156.26 JPY per USD. In Kyoto, rates were higher: 158.10 JPY at World Currency Shop and 158.20 JPY at Kyoto Money Exchange. A higher numerical rate means more Yen received per Dollar. For initial expenses like transportation and a meal, around $50-$100 USD is recommended.
Clarification on currency declaration requirements when departing from Japan. Information is sought on limits, inspection procedures, and implications for multi-leg international travel.
Exchanging currency using foreign cards in Japan can be done at ATMs, often found in convenience stores like 7-Eleven. However, these ATMs typically dispense only Japanese Yen, and the exchange rate is determined by the card's issuing bank and payment system. Direct withdrawal of US Dollars is not usually possible.
ATB UnionPay cards work in Japan but may require specific ATM handling. If a 4-digit PIN is not accepted, try adding two zeros at the end of the code (6-digit format). When paying at stores, if the card is declined, inform staff it is 'Chugoku no kado' (China UnionPay) to ensure they select the correct payment terminal mode.
Experiences with using Kyrgyz Visa cards in Japan confirm their functionality. However, the prevalence of 'cash only' establishments necessitates carrying some cash as a backup, even when reliable foreign cards are available.
For adding Japanese transit cards (Suica/Pasmo/ICOCA) to Apple Wallet, users often encounter payment issues. Recommended troubleshooting steps: 1. Try a different bank card. 2. Use a VPN if located in restricted regions like Belarus/Russia. 3. If Suica fails, switch to PASMO. Transit cards are widely accepted for small retail payments (conbini, vending machines, etc.) in addition to transit.
Russian-issued cards (specifically UnionPay) have limited acceptance in Japan; they work for cash withdrawals at 7-11 ATMs and some major retail stores but are unreliable for general contactless payments. Russian travel aggregators (Ostrovok, Trip.com) accept Russian-issued cards for hotel and transport bookings.
Russian Agricultural Bank (RSXHB) UnionPay cards are effectively non-functional in Japan due to sanctions. Offline payments and ATM withdrawals are consistently declined. ATB (Automated Trading Bank) cards are currently cited as the only reliable option for Russian citizens in Japan.
Planning a trip to Japan involves itinerary creation and budgeting. Travelers often build their own routes using resources like Google Maps, Trip.com, and Visit Japan. Costs can vary significantly based on flight and accommodation choices. It's important to prioritize destinations and activities to maximize the travel experience within the available time and budget.
Inquire about the possibility and process of withdrawing cash from ATMs in Japan using foreign cards, including potential options like NFC withdrawals. Also, gather information on card limits and specific bank policies (e.g., Freedom Bank).
Alipay is generally not accepted for payments in Japan. Travelers should be aware of this limitation and prepare alternative payment methods.
To make reservations requiring a credit card in Japan (e.g., for capybara cafes) when you lack a suitable card, consider using virtual foreign Visa card services. These services can provide a temporary virtual card with a pre-loaded balance for reservations, circumventing the need for a physical international credit card.
Explain the limitations of using Apple Pay in Japan, particularly in certain stores and with specific terminals. Advise on how to withdraw cash using Apple Pay or alternative methods for converting funds from Russian cards, such as P2P platforms or specific exchange services available in Osaka. Mention the importance of having physical cards as a backup.
The limit for exporting cash from Japan is equivalent to 100,000 Japanese Yen per person, regardless of the currency. Travelers are advised to declare amounts exceeding this limit. During departure, customs officials may selectively inquire about the amount of cash carried, especially for those traveling to Russia.
When exporting cash from Japan, travelers may be asked about the amount they are carrying, especially if their destination is Russia. While there's a legal limit (100,000 JPY equivalent), travelers have reported successfully carrying amounts exceeding this by declaring only the permissible limit and omitting the rest, or by stating they are traveling to a third country. Customs officials may selectively inquire and perform checks.
Discussing the prevalence of cash-only payments in Japan and the potential unreliability of foreign cards. Emphasizing the importance of carrying some cash for transactions, especially given potential ATM or card acceptance issues.
Discussing the use of specific travel insurance cards (e.g., from Platipomiru) and payment methods (e.g., KVN activation) for transactions in Japan. Also, exploring options for obtaining foreign credit cards (e.g., Visa from Bakay Bank in Kyrgyzstan) that work reliably in Japan.
Investigate the current functionality of Russian-issued Visa and Mastercard (specifically from Mbank and Ayyl banks) in Japan for bookings and payments. Be aware that due to recent sanctions, these cards may not be accepted. Research alternative international cards that work reliably in Japan, such as those issued in CIS countries or through intermediaries.
The ATB UnionPay card is reported to work in approximately 70% of places in Japan. However, it may come with high service fees. Consider this option alongside others when planning payment methods for your trip.
Confirmation that Visa cards issued by Belarusian banks (e.g., Alfa Bank) and Kyrgyz banks (e.g., Bakay Bank via TBank) work reliably in Japan for transactions.
Inquire about the possibility and process of withdrawing Japanese Yen from ATMs in Japan using foreign cards. Determine if specific ATMs or card types are recommended.
UnionPay cards have a 60-70% acceptance rate in Japan. For some banks, if a PIN is rejected, inputting the 4-digit PIN with two leading or trailing zeros to make it 6 digits may resolve the issue. Always carry cash as a backup.
Experiencing issues with a foreign (Kazakhstan) card in Japan, leading to a lack of cash for airport transfer. Exploring options for using a Suica card, purchasing transport passes via Trip.com, withdrawing cash, or finding local assistance. Potential solutions include checking card limits, ATM withdrawal options (including NFC), contacting the card issuer or colleague, and seeking help from Russian speakers.
Flight cancellations due to typhoons in Japan are causing significant traveler distress. Airlines and booking platforms are offering rebooking options, but often with substantial additional fees or long delays. This creates a critical issue for travelers whose visas are nearing expiration. It's essential to understand the airline's policy on involuntary changes and to explore all rebooking avenues, including direct contact with the airline, to avoid additional costs and visa overstays.
When booking hotels in Japan, 'additional charges' mentioned by platforms like Booking.com often refer to mandatory local tourist taxes or facility fees levied by the hotel. These are separate from the room rate and should be clarified with the hotel upon booking or check-in.
Estimated daily food budget in Tokyo: For a budget-conscious traveler, budget approximately 35 USD (5,000-7,000 JPY) per person per day, excluding alcohol. This amount can cover meals at fast-food chains (e.g., Sukiya) or simple dishes like ramen. Adjust budget based on dining preferences and inclusion of alcoholic beverages.
A traveler is planning to use Apple Pay and cash for their trip to Japan, as their bank (Freedom Bank) has delayed the delivery of a plastic card for two weeks.
ATB UnionPay cards may have limited acceptance in Japan. While they might not work at all 7-Eleven ATMs or some Starbucks locations, they are generally accepted at establishments like Lawson, Shibuya (Tokyo), hotels, and taxis. Card usage fees and exchange rates should be verified with the issuing bank. Successful transactions at some locations, like Shibuya, suggest broader acceptance with specific merchants or systems.
Advise on payment methods in Japan for travelers relying on Apple Pay. Explain that not all terminals accept it and physical cards are often required. Provide information on potential solutions for withdrawing cash using Apple Pay in Osaka or exchanging money from Russian cards, including the feasibility of P2P transactions or alternative services.
Using foreign bank cards in Japan can be challenging for some travelers. While ATMs in convenience stores like 7-Eleven can dispense Yen, exchange rates may not be optimal. Some Belarusian banks (Priorbank, BNB, MTBank) have previously worked, but options for obtaining foreign currency cards are limited for those without existing foreign accounts. It's advisable to research current card compatibility and consider alternative payment methods or currency exchange strategies.
Japan has an export limit of 1 million JPY per person for undeclared cash. The 100,000 JPY limit is for duty-free import into Russia. If you have excess cash, consider distributing it, using alternative exchange methods, or spending it before departure. Avoid carrying large amounts in a single wallet.
For a two-week trip for two in Japan, excluding flights and shopping, budget approximately 100 EUR per person per day for accommodation, food, local transport, and sightseeing. This estimate represents a mid-range travel style. Note that while food and casual shopping in Japan can be comparable to Eastern Europe, accommodation and inter-city transport may align more with Western European prices. Therefore, Japan's overall cost can be considered moderate, falling between Eastern and Western European price points depending on travel choices.
Foreign bank card usability in Japan varies. ATB UnionPay has mixed results for payments but generally allows cash withdrawals. Belarusian Visa cards may lead to extensive reporting requirements with the Russian tax authorities. Kyrgyz cards (Ayyl Bank, Bakai Bank) and Tajik Visa cards (Orionbank) are reported to work well, with Ayyl Bank offering competitive exchange rates. Russian-issued UnionPay cards (like from RSHB) may not function due to sanctions. European Visa/Mastercard cards are generally expected to work. For reliable transactions, a Visa/Mastercard from a non-Russian bank is recommended, though be prepared for potential reporting obligations.
For non-Russian issued bank cards in Japan, NFC payments via Apple Pay or Google Pay are widely accepted at convenience stores (e.g., 7-Eleven) and retail chains. When paying, use the term 'Touch' to indicate NFC intent. Some small retail boutiques may still be cash-only. Note that while digital wallets are effective, carrying yen remains necessary for small shops or specific vendors.
Suica cards can be purchased at airport kiosks using large banknotes (10,000 JPY). For trips under 28 days, Welcome Suica is recommended as it requires no deposit. Balances up to 20,000 JPY can be stored on the card.
Russian-issued UnionPay cards work in Japan with a ~70% success rate. Essential instruction for the user: explicitely inform the cashier to enable the UnionPay processing on the terminal. Lawson convenience stores are reported as more reliable than 7-Eleven or FamilyMart for these transactions.