Best card and money tips for Japan.
For Japan, the best Aussie card is the Wise Debit (real jpy rate on eftpos purchases. jpy has been weak recently — locking rates with wise's jpy balance has been a winner.). Cards work in cities for bigger transactions, but cash still rules for everyday spending.
Cash or card?
Cards are increasingly accepted post-COVID, but Japan still skews cash-heavy — especially small restaurants, temples, and rural areas. The good news: 7-Eleven ATMs are everywhere and accept all foreign cards fee-free (from the ATM side).
- 7-Eleven (or Lawson, FamilyMart) convenience-store ATMs are gold — open 24/7, accept any foreign card, no surcharge from the ATM.
- Tipping doesn't exist in Japan. Leave it as the bill states — leaving extra confuses people and may be refused.
- JR train tickets, vending machines, and most konbini accept Suica/Pasmo IC cards. Load with cash, tap to pay everywhere.
Best Aussie cards for Japan
Real JPY rate on EFTPOS purchases. JPY has been weak recently — locking rates with Wise's JPY balance has been a winner.
CATCH: ATM fees free up to A$350/mo, then 1.75%.
No FX fees on contactless. Increasingly accepted at konbini, malls, big restaurants.
CATCH: Some smaller spots and ramen shops are cash-only — Up still works for everywhere else.
Refunds ATM fees — useful if your bank charges its own fee on top of the (rare) 7-Eleven ATM fees.
CATCH: Eligibility requirements as for other countries.
ATM playbook
- 7-Eleven (Seven Bank)
- Lawson Bank
- Japan Post Bank (Yucho)
- Bank-branch ATMs after hours (often closed nights/weekends)
- Airport ATMs (rates are fine but lines are long)
Outside the 7-Eleven / Lawson / FamilyMart / Japan Post network, ATMs frequently reject foreign cards. The four mentioned all work 24/7 and accept Visa, MasterCard, and most other networks without ATM-side fees. Your bank may still charge — Wise/Up/ING help.
Local money hacks
Watch out for
Indicative FX as of May 2026. Card features and eligibility change — verify with the issuer.