Currency & Payment method
Currency / Money Changers
Currency:
Official Currency is Japanese Yen ( JPY / ¥ ).
[Bank Notes] 10,000 / 5,000 / 2,000 / 1,000yen
[Coins] 1 / 5 / 10 / 50 / 100 / 500yen
Foreign currency cash e.g. USD, EUR cannot be accepted that you need to prepare some Japanese Yen cash.
Money changers:
– Foreign currency exchange is available at banks (selected outlets only) and authorized money changers but handling charge costs.
– ATMs that accept international cash withdrawal using credit card generally offer better exchange rate (less commission) than banks. Seven Bank ATMs located in SevenEleven stores would be the easiest to find.
Available mode of payment
Cash
You don’t really need to bring along large amount of cash, but some businesses still accept only cash (e.g. small retailers, discount stores, or local transportation operators).
Credit Cards
VISA and MASTER cards are most widely accepted, followed by Amex and Diners.
E-Wallet / Debit
Union Pay, Alipay, WeChat Pay are accepted at major convenience stores, electronics retailers, and selected shops.
Exchange Rate JPY: Tue, 27 Jan.
Tax
Japan’s consumption tax rate is 10%, but reduced rate of 8% is applied to groceries (except alcohol).
Tax Refund scheme for short-term travellers
Short-term travellers can claim 8% Tax Refund on purchased goods under below conditions.
- Who is eligible? — Short-term travellers (non-resident in Japan) leaving Japan within 6 months from the date of arrival.
*Important! Your passport must be stamped with the date of entry. If you use automated gate, ask immigration officer (right after the gate) for stamp. - Where to shop? — Purchase at participating stores only (see below logo)
- How much to spend? — Minimum amount of 5,000yen (without tax) in a single store/day, and it is allowed to combine multiple goods to reach the amount. When shopping at department stores, you can also combine receipts from each tenant and proceed to tax-free counter. *If consumable goods are included (e.g. foods, beverages, cosmetics, medicine), maximum claim amount of 500,000yen is applied.
- How do you get your tax refund?
(1) Pay amount without tax at the time of purchase ( selected outlets only ).
or
(2) Pay full amount upon purchase and apply for tax refund (get your passport attached with “record of purchase”, keep your receipt until you depart Japan), then claim at airport customs upon leaving Japan. Tax will be refunded by cash or revert back to your credit card account, or charge to E-Wallet.
