Japan Travel MONEY Tips 2025: Paying by Credit, IC Card, Cash ¥

[@AKim-uu4hg]

This is the third video of yours I've watched so far. We leave in September 2024 (it's July now) for Japan and your videos have been so helpful - thank you! Excuse me while I continue to binge watch and take notes from more of your videos!!

[@KenshoQuest]

You're welcome! Please do continue to watch.

[@timothybarksdale7229]

Yes- !! I completely agree. I too arrive in Japan in September and find these essential and actually far better than any others.

[@jadeshadey4767]

I just want to say THANK YOU FOR the last bit of info about purchasing items using tax free. This saved me from making a mistake, good to know to keep these receipts thank you !!🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 you and your family are blessed to visit for a long period of time every year, I pray that, I too, will be be blessed one day to be in Japan. Thank you for all you do ✨

[@KenshoQuest]

Glad to have helped!

[@BillyJoe354]

I'm beyond grateful, thank you so much!!! I am leaving on Wednesday and this video helped me so much! Thank you Thank you Thank you!

[@KenshoQuest]

You’re welcome! Here’s our checklist, to make sure you have everything planned for your trip: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6DCgXl9bd2KjbMsi=MYv9GsGut8SQfJ60 Have a wonderful time in Japan! 🌸Heidi

[@funnymomas]

Incredibly useful and honest, thank you very much! We are to travel to Japan in 2 weeks and this was a life saver! I especially appreciate the respect you show to the country when advising viewers not to try to take advantage of loop wholes or tax-free inadequately. Cheers!

[@runderbaby5045]

I agree with almost everything you’ve said. I use ic card for almost everything(travel to Japan at least twice a year). My wife is a Japanese professional ice dancer so sho also has a Japanese bank account. Japan is tough and behind the rest of the world on a lot of things

[@xm2895]

I did not know you can use a CC for the Shinkansen! very useful tips, thank you!

[@KenshoQuest]

You're welcome! Yes, you can pay by credit card when buying Shinkansen tickets online, at a JR ticket office, or through a ticket machine. Here's our separate video about Shinkansen trains: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGStdYWZatifa6s

[@michaelmaslo3937]

All of your videos are so very helpful. My wife and myself will be headed to Tokyo May 2025. This is our first time out there and we are so excited. All these videos really help us a lot. Keep up the great work.

[@EricBishard]

The information about the 7-11 machines was great. I didn't know that 7-11 would play such a great role in my Tokyo visit 😏

[@KenshoQuest]

7-11 is the best! We eat lunch from there almost everyday in Japan.

[@Rocky32189]

Thank you. These videos are super helpful. Please keep them coming.

[@baderhasan152]

You guys are providing such helpful advice. Thanks for sharing ❤.

[@KenshoQuest]

You're welcome!

[@KenshoQuest]

Are you planning a Japan trip? If you've been to Japan before, which are your preferred payment methods?

[@kuna507]

Cash

[@favmusicsong]

You absolutely nail it on the part where issues occur paying on Japan platforms and buying tickets through Klook

[@KenshoQuest]

We love using Klook!

[@ExtremeBlue10]

I have been watching your content for about a month since I'm travelling to Japan soon, very helpful videos and tips! Thank you very Much 🙏🏻

[@KenshoQuest]

You’re welcome. Have a wonderful time in Japan!

[@alanthew6490]

Thanks for the advise on the digital ic cards. Something else we can sort before our trip.

[@KenshoQuest]

Yep! Here’s our video on the best apps for Japan travel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqTden94pJWpqJIsi=wLjk5N_iokV3gxDv

[@tracyhau5188]

Most detailed and useful video I have ever seen so far. thanks a lot.

[@KenshoQuest]

Thanks! We have tons of videos here on Kensho Quest about preparing for Japan travel. 🌸 Heidi

[@cjkim2147]

I had an experience where my manager (she lives in US) used Chase Sapphire Preferred in Japan, and chooses USD. I tried to tell her that it'll charge more as it's DCC, but she was simply telling me that she's okay because CSP doesn't incur foreign transaction fee. I tried to explain that foreign transaction fee exemption and DCC are two different things but she was so convinced that she's doing it well...... I gave up explaining haha At the very least, the price she paid was under 50 USD so it won't be much difference

[@KenshoQuest]

You tried!

[@togetherfourever]

your wallet is so beautiful and fits EVERYTHING

[@KenshoQuest]

Thank you! I bought it at Bunkoya OOzeki in Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan. The way they paint the leather is a traditional art form.

[@solomani-42]

Looking to coming back for 1 to 3 months later this year. Would love to see a video on how to stay long term - tips and tricks (though it may boil down to “airBNB”). Thank you.

[@KenshoQuest]

Thanks for the suggestion! So mostly about long term accommodations? Or other aspects like grocery shopping, as well?

[@GregK235]

Thank-you for a very informative overview of payment methods. BTW, the Bank of Japan will be introducing new bills and a 500-yen coin on July 3, 2024. However, the current notes will still be usable.

[@KenshoQuest]

Oh, wow! Thanks for letting us know.

[@amkiyoi]

Thank you for your video and information on how to pay in Japan. Very useful for our trip to Japan this October 2024.

[@KenshoQuest]

You’re welcome. Enjoy Japan!

[@RoissyAngel]

Superb info. Very well presented.

[@KenshoQuest]

Thank you!

[@thetsoe5318]

Thank you so much for this video. I have a tour to Japan the end of this month. This video helped me so much!!

[@KenshoQuest]

You’re welcome! Have a wonderful time in Japan.

[@IchimokuCloud]

Super helpful.

[@KenshoQuest]

Glad to have helped! Are you headed to Japan soon?

[@dennistani1986]

Excellent updates, thank you!! Quick comment, Japan will be changing to an updated currency bills on July 3rd. So the ¥1,000, ¥5,000 and ¥10,000 bills will be different. One of the impacts will be to those small restaurants that use the ticket machines for people to pay for and order food. Those machines will have to be replaced to accept the new bills. Take care!

[@KenshoQuest]

Thanks for adding that! I heard that some of the restaurants might switch to accepting cashless payments like IC card instead of updating machines to accept the new bills. We’ll see!

[@dennistani1986]

@@KenshoQuest Correct!! Well today is July 3rd, the day that the new currency will be distributed. I did hear that some bus lines and businesses didn't get the machines to accept the new bills. I have some old bills just in case!

[@shanegeneral3874]

Maybe in the big cities, but out in the suburbs where we spend 4 months a year cash is still definitely KING!

[@KenshoQuest]

Yep, there’s a big difference between major cities and suburbs/rural areas.

[@pauljackson171]

Thank you!!!

[@KenshoQuest]

You’re welcome! We have lots of videos here on Kensho Quest about Japan travel.

[@mangomacaron01]

Awww the my little pony stickers :) Thanks for the informative sharing!

[@KenshoQuest]

You’re welcome! I thought they matched with the Wells Fargo horses. 🐴 😂

[@irinaphillips8962]

Thank you so much for your very helpful video!

[@KenshoQuest]

You’re welcome!

[@krystalvm2601]

Thank you. Your content is so thoughtful

[@THE_WOAT]

It boggles my mind that digital IC cards are only available for iPhones. Android has nearly 75% of the worldwide market share. Super frustrating for a tech-based society to be this far behind.

[@brandnewday9520]

It boggles my mind that there are still people who judge Japan by the “tech-based” stereotype from the 1980s.

[@THE_WOAT]

@@brandnewday9520 Uhhh... Japan is the no.1 rated tech country in the world. It boggles my mind that people will post comments without spending 2 seconds to verify on Google.

[@kevlarcardhouse252]

There is a digital IC card for Android. Google deliberately blocks it for any phone bought outside Japan so they can save a few pennies on the RFID licence Japan uses. Also, LOL at Japan being a tech based society.

[@user-kc1tf7zm3b]

It boggles my mind that consumers want to use Android at all. Android phones are for mugs. Cupertino, California. Much better. 🐻

[@evertime123]

If you have a pixel (7 and above i think) you can root it and enavle the felica NFC that japan uses

[@pjacksreads536]

Great information thanks

[@sdmxterra]

thank you for the information

[@KenshoQuest]

You're welcome!

[@crossofamber]

Outstanding

[@Ciaseea]

Great tips as always! This might be a long shot, but where did you get that adorable strawberry coin purse?

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi. I bought it from a shop in Japan called Earl's Favourite. It's located in Akihabara. Here's the location on Google maps: maps.app.goo.gl/CL1KDghNm47BPG1u6 and their Instagram: instagram.com/earlsfavourite/

[@vanesaluna3379]

Hi! I'm going to Japan this July with my mom and is going to be our very first time so I'm pleased but anxious at the same time because the credit card of my mom is not working and maybe we are not going to be able to use a credit on our trip. We didn't know that debit cards had those types of issues in Japan and we were initially going to pay for everything on our journey with a debit card but in my case paying with cash almost in every store or supermarket will be okay? And excellent video thank you so much!

[@KenshoQuest]

Most places in Japan accept cash, so it’s fine to pay mostly by cash. Debit cards are accepted at places that accept credit cards, we just don’t like to use ours for security reasons. It would be worth setting up alerts to get notified every time a purchase is made with the debit card, so you know right away if there are any fraudulent purchases.

[@NANICU]

A point to note: Japan will be getting new yen bills in July 2024 and not all vending machines will be updated in time, so it's best to hold on to the current series for machines.

[@KenshoQuest]

Noted! We accidentally held onto plenty of coins this time.

[@halfdohm]

Thanks so much for the video. My wife and I will be using the digital PASMO IC cards. Do we need to load them with apple pay every time they get low or does apple pay allow us to use them and them adds the money as it's needed? If we do need to load them ourselves when needed, what happens if we have a balance when we leave Japan? Not sure you can answer but if you can I would appreciate it. Thanks again!

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi. You first load a balance onto the digital PASMO, and then your fare is deducted when you tap out of the train station. You will not be able to get a refund of the balance from the digital card. So it's best not to have a large balance when you leave Japan. You could start by loading 4,000-6,000 Yen, and then recharge by 1,000 or 2,000 Yen as needed. If you have a balance at the end of your trip you could buy a drink from a vending machine. Or use your PASMO card as partial payment at a convenience store and pay the rest by cash. 🌸 Heidi

[@halfdohm]

@@KenshoQuest Thank you Heidi, very much appreciated. - Frank

[@bilianapopova8625]

Thank you so much for the detailed information. I'm going to Japan in September 24. Concerning payment methods, can I use Revolut and can I pay with welcome suica for shinkansen tickets. TIA

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi. You can pay with Revolut at businesses that accept credit/debit cards. Welcome Suica works for local trains, but not for buying Shinkansen tickets. Here's an easy way to purchase Shinkansen tickets online: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXWThaNtr6yGm9E

[@phuocthai7571]

Thanks for this videos this'll be really helpful for us. Are we able to buy an ic card from the machine with credit card?

[@KenshoQuest]

Some machines for purchasing IC cards accept payment by credit card. Some only accept payment by cash. Once you've purchased the IC card, it can only be topped up with cash.

[@raiden290]

Hi! Been binge watching your videos for a trip to Japan later this month and it has been super useful. Thank you! I just have a query regarding the currency. At the end of my trip, will I be able to convert the leftover Yen back to my native currency at the airport before my departure? Or are there better alternatives?

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi. You can convert Japanese Yen to your home currency at a Currency Exchange Counter at the airport before leaving Japan. However, you always lose some money when converting. We try to time it so that we only have coins left at the end of our trip and spend them at the airport. Or we keep extra cash to use for our next Japan trip. 🌸 Heidi

[@mazzdacon2134]

Correction - Suica cards are available on any iPhone of a certain model, however android phones must be Japanese.

[@KenshoQuest]

Yes, digital IC cards are available for iPhone 8 and later models.

[@user-kc1tf7zm3b]

The iPhone 8 qualification is irrelevant as the iPhone 8 was released in September 2017, which was the better part of a decade ago now.

[@ShanteRoxxane]

The pronunciation of Yen is “Yen” in Japanese. However, when actually giving the price of something the Y sound is dropped and it’s pronounced “En”.

[@M.HC-jd6ks]

Our japan trip is coming up next week- quick question my son does not have credit card. He wanted to use his debit card but after watching this video I do not want him to use debit. Would a prepaid CC card work ?

[@KenshoQuest]

Yes, a prepaid credit card could be a good solution. His debit card can be used to withdraw cash from the ATM and he can pay in cash. You can also load up to 20,000 Yen onto an IC card, and that can be used to pay at many places such as convenience stores, fast food restaurants, and vending machines. Here's my video about using the ATM in Japan: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXzGlHeVespnn9k

[@raquelduarte5718]

Hi guys! Thank you very much for your super helpful content! I have a doubt concerning US dollar bills exchange in Japan and would like to check if you would know... I have some $100 US dollar bills from 1996 (big face type) that have never been used, so they are brand "new", although they are from an old series. Do you know if exchange agencies in Japan accept these kind of bills, of if they only accept the new type, or newer issued bills? Thank you for your attention!!

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi. That might be an issue at a currency exchange. We recommend going to your bank in the USA and asking to exchange them to the newest version before your trip to Japan. I have a $100 bill with a slight tear in it that went all around the world because no exchange counter would accept it.

[@raquelduarte5718]

@@KenshoQuest Thank you very much for your reply. Unfortunaly I don't live in the US, so I won't have this option. But I'll see what I can do! Thanks!!

[@user-kc1tf7zm3b]

@@raquelduarte5718Just exchange the $100 bill at your home country for your local currency.

[@paz80917]

Hi, if you want to use the digital IC card do you need connection to Wifi or a data or eSim plan on the phone for it to work?

[@bigsidsand]

Yes you do. I am currently visiting Japan from Hawaii right now. You definitely need to have a internet connection for the digital IC card to work. I and my wife which is Japanese are using GlocalNet WiFi.

[@paz80917]

@@bigsidsand Thanks for the reply! I wasn't sure if it would work with wifi or if it required eSim. Thanks!

[@bigsidsand]

No worries.

[@solomani-42]

You don’t need any network connection for things like AppleWallet to work. The card in your wallet is a “physical” (and separate) card. You can test this by putting your phone on airplane mode and your card will still work.

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi. For tapping a digital IC card it doesn’t need internet to function. It’s supposed to work even if your phone’s battery dies, if you have Express Transit enabled. However, you will need internet connection to top up a digital IC card. And more importantly you’ll want internet to navigate! Here’s one of our videos on the best eSIMs for Japan travel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmO9gmmZlM90b7csi=bB18F7KPir4mzHIU

[@Crunchyconservativemamma]

Our family does the same thing. We Homeschool and remote work 3 months in each country home for the summer months to visit family.

[@KenshoQuest]

Nice! Which countries do you like to spend time in?

[@stephanienguyen3702]

Hi, is it possible to use one credit card to buy Shinkansen bullet train tickets for 2 people?

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi, yes, you can buy multiple tickets for different people at once.

[@albertkho8561]

Hi ma'am, can we pay for public transportation using a credit card with contactless?

[@KenshoQuest]

Usually, no. There are some buses in the Kawaguchiko Five Lakes area that accept payment by credit card. Most train and buses accept payment by IC card. Some taxis accept credit card. This video can help you figure out which IC card to get: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4vUo4mmhrGFmM0si=m7lGzUtM7gjyjqC-

[@andreaspeter8687]

can use debit contactless to pay in japan for payment?, because i am not familiar with credit card

[@KenshoQuest]

Some places, such as convenience stores, accept contactless payment. You can also use a debit card to withdraw money from an ATM. Here’s our video on using an ATM: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXzGlHeVespnn9ksi=Wvf_IhodayLrm4ph

[@niputuayuningwulanpradnyan6958]

When we have plan to visit Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, can i use SUICA for paying public transportation in Kyoto and Osaka? or we also have to get ICOCA when we traveling in Osaka dan Kyoto?

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi, if you already have a Suica card it will work fine in the Kyoto/Osaka areas. Otherwise, if you don't please get an ICOCA card.

[@niputuayuningwulanpradnyan6958]

@@KenshoQuest Thank you so much

[@BlackMambaFan124]

just curious, what's the point of an IC card when its available on apple wallet. Any pros to having the physical IC Card?

[@KenshoQuest]

I prefer using a digital IC card on Apple Wallet since it's easy to top-up. Sometimes I don't have sufficient funds to exit the ticket gate, but I can quickly add fund using my Apple Card. With a physical IC card, I need to search for either a Fare Adjustment Machine or Charging Station. And I need to have cash to top-up. I'm also less likely to lose my phone than a plastic IC card. The only advantage I see to a plastic card is that it may be easier to take out each time to tap through, than taking out a phone. 🌸 Heidi

[@BlackMambaFan124]

@@KenshoQuest thank you Heidi! greatly appreciate your response!

[@Fatch2000]

If you travel with kids or teens, do you recommend they each have an IC card?

[@KenshoQuest]

Yes, absolutely. IC cards cannot be shared. Each person over the age of 6 should have their own. Children between the ages of 6-11 can get a child IC card. Here is a video showing how to get a child IC card: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJPZgqiof8mCpMU

[@apocalipsisph]

Hi! Is there a way to withdraw/exchange money if I have a virtual card? I have a Payoneer mastercard but I don't have the physical card 😭

[@KenshoQuest]

I’m not sure if there is. We always bring a physical card, so I haven’t looked for other options.

[@apocalipsisph]

@@KenshoQuest okay, thanks for the response anyway!

[@boblab8097]

Any idea why the Apple Card doesn’t work in Japan? We were there last summer and couldn’t get the card to work anywhere. A shame as the sole reason I chose Apple Card is that they don’t charge foreign transaction fees.

[@KenshoQuest]

Sorry, I’m not sure why. I only use my Apple Card to recharge my digital PASMO. I didn’t try using it at any shops in Japan. Maybe Mastercard isn’t as widely accepted.

[@joka5345]

So can load ic card with credit?

[@KenshoQuest]

Only if it’s a digital IC card on your phone.

[@marcustan5868]

Wait, they allow google pay too?

[@KenshoQuest]

In Japan, stores and restaurants that accept contactless payment by physical credit card sometimes also accept ApplePay or GooglePay. For example, you can use a credit card stored in GooglePay for payment at 7-Eleven stores in Japan. I wouldn't rely on GooglePay alone, but you may be able to use it at some places in Japan.

[@marcustan5868]

@@KenshoQuest thxsss

[@paz80917]

Sorry to hear that you have been scammed when using your debit card. I tried looking into this but I am a bit confused about how this happened. Do you think it is because of skimmers, or do you literally think the restaurant employees stole your information or were hacked by someone who stole the information from the restaurant.

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi. My guess is that the restaurant employee recorded the numbers on the front and back of my debit card. Either wrote them down or took a photo. Normally in Japan, I walk up to the cashier at the front of the restaurant to pay. In this particular restaurant, I handed my credit card to the waiter when he brought the bill. He came back saying my card didn't work. I handed him my debit card instead, which he took and charged our bill to. Soon afterward we got a fraud alter from our bank saying our debit card had been used online in another country (not Japan). This is known as "card not present fraud". They just need the info on the front and back of the card to make an online purchase. After this experience I only pay by credit card or cash in restaurants. And I always walk up to the cashier to pay. In the USA we sit at the table and hand our card to the waiter, so that's what I'm more accustomed to.

[@paz80917]

@@KenshoQuest Thank you for sharing -- it is a great tip to keep in mind about allowing others access to the card directly. Would be curious to see how common tap to pay is in Japan in places that do accept credit cards.

[@weronikaniemczyk5233]

@@KenshoQuest I have also similar situation . I paid online for express bus tickets from Shinjuku to Fuji , and next day I had 4 transations by my credit card from China …. I had to order new credit card

[@KenshoQuest]

@@weronikaniemczyk5233 So sorry that happened!

[@jazzman5938]

@@KenshoQuest I wonder if you reported this fraud to the police in Japan. This restaurant (or employee) needs to be stopped.

[@aziaelion6954]

How do you mention IC cards but not tell us where to get them?

[@KenshoQuest]

Here's our video on which IC card to get: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4vUo4mmhrGFmM0 If you have an iPhone, you can install a digital card through Apple Wallet. Otherwise, you can purchase a plastic IC card once you're in Japan. They are available at airports and train stations from vending machines or service counters. They are currently more widely available, after the recent chip shortage. 🌸 Heidi

[@soniacardenas3709]

How does Klook code on a credit card? As travel, online shopping, commuting expense, or something else? Trying to decide which card to charge the JR Pass on :-) Also, should a card with no foreign transaction fee be used on Klook?

[@KenshoQuest]

Our payments to Klook were categorized as "Travel" on our credit card statement. I do recommend using a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, even though Klook allows you to select which currency you want to pay in.

[@marcustan5868]

Can i pay using debit card in restaurants? Because i do not have credit card?

[@KenshoQuest]

Yes you can. Or you can pay by cash. We personally do not pay by debit card anymore, after being victim to "card not present fraud". Basically, our card info was stolen while paying at a restaurant in Japan and then used to make a fraudulent purchase online. You may want to set up alerts, so you are notified every time a payment is made with your debit card info.

[@marcustan5868]

@@KenshoQuest thank you so much 💓

[@user-kc1tf7zm3b]

@@marcustan5868 Never ever hand a credit or debit card to any staffer who will then take the card out of sight. Making notes of the credit card numbers is the oldest trick in the book. Walk up to the credit card machine and finalise payment yourself as this removes all risks. The safest way to make payment is to use digital phone or watch payment as the staffer will never sight the card numbers. If the establishment accepts NFC (IC) digital device and physical card payments then there is no reason to pay with cash at all. *Simply put, use NFC payments wherever this is available.* Only use cash as a last resort.

[@johndexterespadero5187]

Can i use IC card to pay the taxi.?

[@KenshoQuest]

Some taxis accept IC card as payment. Some taxis only accept cash.

[@KS-zd4ew]

paying by cash is better than using credit cards , the exchange rate is terrible when using credit cards

[@KenshoQuest]

We’re happy with the exchange rate given by our Visa credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. There’s a website for checking the Visa network exchange rate: www.visa.com.my/support/consumer/travel-support/exchange-rate-calculator.html And one for Mastercard: www.mastercard.us/en-us/personal/get-support/convert-currency.html

[@user-kc1tf7zm3b]

False. The rate you bought the Japanese yen for may not be the best rate at all, especially if you purchased the yen in your home country as the exchange rate is typically worse than when in Japan. The rates fluctuate on a daily basis and varies on the money changer location. Saying that you received the “best exchange rate” is extremely unlikely as there are almost an unlimited number of places of exchanging currency. There is no way of knowing who offers the best exchange rate. In any case, the exchange rate may change 5 minutes after you purchase your yen, where now the new rate is more favourable for the tourist.

[@kuna507]

NO cash no shop

[@austrian_snapper7964]

totally disagree, exchanging cash is always the best method. best rates....

[@KenshoQuest]

I'm sure it varies based upon home bank and card network. For me as an American with a Visa debit card and Charles Schwab checking account, I get an excellent exchange rate using ATMs in Japan, as I showed in my previous video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXzGlHeVespnn9k I wouldn't be able to find someone who would exchange money for me at a loss to themself. 🌸 Heidi

[@user-kc1tf7zm3b]

False. The rate you bought the Japanese yen for may not be the best rate at all, especially if you purchased the yen in your home country as the exchange rate is typically worse than when in Japan. The rates fluctuate on a daily basis and varies on the money changer location. Saying that you received the “best exchange rate” is extremely unlikely as there are almost an unlimited number of places of exchanging currency. There is no way of knowing who offers the best exchange rate. In any case, the exchange rate may change 5 minutes after you purchase your yen, where now the new rate is more favourable for the tourist.