JI
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Best Money Exchange for Japan

Compare exchange rates, fees, and the best way to get yen

4 providers🇯🇵 Updated May 2026
Quick Pick

Don't want to compare? Our top pick is Your Existing Card — , rated 3.5/5.

Get Your Existing Card→

Quick comparison

Y
Your Existing Card

Zero preparation needed — use your current debit or credit card.

★★★★★
3.5
Method
Your existing card
Exchange Rate
Bank rate (2-5% markup)
Fees
1-3% foreign transaction
Setup Required
None
Visit Your Existing Card →
W
WiseBest exchange rate for Japan travelers

Best exchange rate with transparent fees and multi-currency card.

★★★★★
4.6
Method
App / Card
Exchange Rate
Mid-market rate
Fees
0.35-2% transparent
Setup Required
App + card (1-2 weeks)
Visit Wise →
C
Cash Exchange

Walk-in currency exchange at airports and city locations.

★★★★★
3.0
Method
Counter
Exchange Rate
3-8% markup
Fees
Commission varies
Setup Required
None (walk in)
Visit Cash Exchange →
R
Revolut

Great exchange rates with free ATM withdrawals up to monthly limit.

★★★★★
4.4
Method
App / Card
Exchange Rate
Near mid-market
Fees
Low + free ATM limit
Setup Required
App + card (1-2 weeks)
Visit Revolut →

Detailed reviews

01
Y

Your Existing Card

Zero preparation needed — use your current debit or credit card.

★★★★★
3.5
  • ✓Zero preparation needed
  • ✓Works immediately on arrival
  • ✓No new apps to learn
  • ✗Foreign transaction fees 1-3% on every purchase
  • ✗ATM fees from both banks
Visit Your Existing CardFull review →
02
W

Wise

Best exchange rate with transparent fees and multi-currency card.

★★★★★
4.6
  • ✓Best exchange rate available to tourists
  • ✓Transparent fees no surprises
  • ✓Withdraw cash at any 7-Eleven ATM
  • ✗Must sign up and order card 1-2 weeks before trip
  • ✗ATM withdrawal has daily limits
Visit WiseFull review →
03
C

Cash Exchange

Walk-in currency exchange at airports and city locations.

★★★★★
3.0
  • ✓Immediate cash no waiting
  • ✓No technology needed
  • ✓Available at all airports
  • ✗Worst exchange rates 3-8% markup
  • ✗Airport rates worse than city
Visit Cash ExchangeFull review →
04
R

Revolut

Great exchange rates with free ATM withdrawals up to monthly limit.

★★★★★
4.4
  • ✓Great exchange rates
  • ✓Free ATM withdrawals up to monthly limit
  • ✓Easy app interface
  • ✗Weekend exchange rate markup applies
  • ✗Free withdrawal limit then 2% fee
Visit RevolutFull review →

Head-to-head comparisons

Your Existing Card vs WiseYour Existing Card vs Cash ExchangeYour Existing Card vs RevolutWise vs Cash ExchangeWise vs RevolutCash Exchange vs Revolut

Frequently asked questions

Should I exchange money before going to Japan?
Exchange a small amount for arrival (¥10,000-20,000). Use Wise/Revolut cards or 7-Eleven ATMs in Japan for the best rates.
Is Japan still a cash-heavy country?
Increasingly less so, but many small restaurants, shrines, and rural areas are cash-only. Always carry some yen.
Which ATMs in Japan accept foreign cards?
7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs are the most reliable. Available 24/7 at convenience stores.
How much cash should I carry in Japan?
Budget ¥5,000-10,000 per day for cash-only expenses. Major stores and restaurants accept cards, but small eateries often don't.
Should I exchange money before going to Japan?
Exchange a small amount for arrival (¥10,000-20,000). Use Wise/Revolut cards or 7-Eleven ATMs in Japan for the best rates.
Is Japan still a cash-heavy country?
Increasingly less so, but many small restaurants, shrines, and rural areas are cash-only. Always carry some yen.
Which ATMs in Japan accept foreign cards?
7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs are the most reliable. Available 24/7 at convenience stores.
How much cash should I carry in Japan?
Budget ¥5,000-10,000 per day for cash-only expenses. Major stores and restaurants accept cards, but small eateries often don't.
Should I exchange money before going to Japan?
Exchange a small amount for arrival (¥10,000-20,000). Use Wise/Revolut cards or 7-Eleven ATMs in Japan for the best rates.
Is Japan still a cash-heavy country?
Increasingly less so, but many small restaurants, shrines, and rural areas are cash-only. Always carry some yen.
Which ATMs in Japan accept foreign cards?
7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs are the most reliable. Available 24/7 at convenience stores.
How much cash should I carry in Japan?
Budget ¥5,000-10,000 per day for cash-only expenses. Major stores and restaurants accept cards, but small eateries often don't.
Should I exchange money before going to Japan?
Exchange a small amount for arrival (¥10,000-20,000). Use Wise/Revolut cards or 7-Eleven ATMs in Japan for the best rates.
Is Japan still a cash-heavy country?
Increasingly less so, but many small restaurants, shrines, and rural areas are cash-only. Always carry some yen.
Which ATMs in Japan accept foreign cards?
7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs are the most reliable. Available 24/7 at convenience stores.
How much cash should I carry in Japan?
Budget ¥5,000-10,000 per day for cash-only expenses. Major stores and restaurants accept cards, but small eateries often don't.
Should I exchange money before going to Japan?
Exchange a small amount for arrival (¥10,000-20,000). Use Wise/Revolut cards or 7-Eleven ATMs in Japan for the best rates.
Is Japan still a cash-heavy country?
Increasingly less so, but many small restaurants, shrines, and rural areas are cash-only. Always carry some yen.
Which ATMs in Japan accept foreign cards?
7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs are the most reliable. Available 24/7 at convenience stores.
How much cash should I carry in Japan?
Budget ¥5,000-10,000 per day for cash-only expenses. Major stores and restaurants accept cards, but small eateries often don't.
Should I exchange money before going to Japan?
Exchange a small amount for arrival (¥10,000-20,000). Use Wise/Revolut cards or 7-Eleven ATMs in Japan for the best rates.
Is Japan still a cash-heavy country?
Increasingly less so, but many small restaurants, shrines, and rural areas are cash-only. Always carry some yen.
Which ATMs in Japan accept foreign cards?
7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs are the most reliable. Available 24/7 at convenience stores.
How much cash should I carry in Japan?
Budget ¥5,000-10,000 per day for cash-only expenses. Major stores and restaurants accept cards, but small eateries often don't.
Should I exchange money before going to Japan?
Exchange a small amount for arrival (¥10,000-20,000). Use Wise/Revolut cards or 7-Eleven ATMs in Japan for the best rates.
Is Japan still a cash-heavy country?
Increasingly less so, but many small restaurants, shrines, and rural areas are cash-only. Always carry some yen.
Which ATMs in Japan accept foreign cards?
7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs are the most reliable. Available 24/7 at convenience stores.
How much cash should I carry in Japan?
Budget ¥5,000-10,000 per day for cash-only expenses. Major stores and restaurants accept cards, but small eateries often don't.
View all FAQs →