Japan's currency is the Yen. Coins are minted in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 yen. Bank notes are printed in higher denominations of 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000 yen.
It is generally safe to carry cash in Japan. Small amounts of cash are needed for most forms of transportation, for dining spots that do not accept credit cards or traveler's cheques, and for other small purchases.
Yen traveler's cheques can be purchased at overseas banks. They can be cashed quickly at banks, but few stores or restaurants accept them.
Personal checks are not in general use.
Credit cards are widely used in urban areas. Shops and restaurants that accept credit cards have stickers at the entrance or signs posted elsewhere to designate which cards are accepted.
Other currencies may be exchanged for Japanese yen at international airport exchange centers or at authorized city banks in Japan.
The exchange rate for each day is posted at most banks from 10:00 a.m. for U.S. dollars, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00pm for other currencies. Exchange currency at banks during this time frame to avoid inconvenience.
Japanese public transport, stores and restaurants are legally forbidden to accept foreign currencies. You do need small amounts of yen currency for immediate needs.
If you have foreign bank notes other than U.S. dollars, it is wise to convert some of it to yen while at the airport. Even at leading city banks, tellers are not always accustomed to handling foreign bank notes. Unused yen (bank notes only; no coins) can be reconverted into foreign currencies at the airport with no limitation, provided the exchange center has sufficient funds for reconversion.
The money exchange centers at Narita Airport are open from 6:00 a.m. until the last flight arrives at night. Kansai Airport has 10 banks for handling currency exchange. Of them, one or more are open from 6a.m. to 11p.m. Foreign currencies handled at these airports' centers include the Australian dollar, Austrian schilling*, Belgian franc*, Canadian dollar, Danish krone*, Deutsche mark, Dutch guilder*, Finland Markka*, French franc, Hong Kong dollar, Italian lira, New Zealand dollar, Norwegian krone*, Singapore dollar, Spanish peseta, Pound sterling, Swiss franc, Swedish krona* and U.S. dollar. All 19 currencies can be exchanged for Japanese yen but not necessarily vice versa for currencies marked by an asterisk.
Prepaid cards used in public telephone booths for international and local calls, city transport, and for other purposes have gained popularity.
Personal checks are not in general use.
Credit cards are widely used in urban areas. Shops and restaurants that accept credit cards have stickers at the entrance or signs posted elsewhere to designate which cards are accepted.
Other currencies may be exchanged for Japanese yen at international airport exchange centers or at authorized city banks in Japan.
The exchange rate for each day is posted at most banks from 10:00 a.m. for U.S. dollars, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00pm for other currencies. Exchange currency at banks during this time frame to avoid inconvenience.
Japanese public transport, stores and restaurants are legally forbidden to accept foreign currencies. You do need small amounts of yen currency for immediate needs.
If you have foreign bank notes other than U.S. dollars, it is wise to convert some of it to yen while at the airport. Even at leading city banks, tellers are not always accustomed to handling foreign bank notes. Unused yen (bank notes only; no coins) can be reconverted into foreign currencies at the airport with no limitation, provided the exchange center has sufficient funds for reconversion.
The money exchange centers at Narita Airport are open from 6:00 a.m. until the last flight arrives at night. Kansai Airport has 10 banks for handling currency exchange. Of them, one or more are open from 6a.m. to 11p.m. Foreign currencies handled at these airports' centers include the Australian dollar, Austrian schilling*, Belgian franc*, Canadian dollar, Danish krone*, Deutsche mark, Dutch guilder*, Finland Markka*, French franc, Hong Kong dollar, Italian lira, New Zealand dollar, Norwegian krone*, Singapore dollar, Spanish peseta, Pound sterling, Swiss franc, Swedish krona* and U.S. dollar. All 19 currencies can be exchanged for Japanese yen but not necessarily vice versa for currencies marked by an asterisk.
Prepaid cards used in public telephone booths for international and local calls, city transport, and for other purposes have gained popularity.
