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How to Pay in Japan

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Money Matters in Japan 
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How to Pay in Japan

Many foreign visitors wonder about how to pay when traveling to Japan. What is the most convenient payment method in Japan? Can I use my credit card? In this article, we have summarized some relevant information on how to pay in Japan. Generally speaking, Japan is conservative and paying with cash is the most common method. You can pay with cash at almost any stores. Additionally, credit cards are widely accepted. In recent years, mobile payment also gains popularity in the country.

Paying with Cash in Japan

Cash is accepted in almost everywhere in Japan. Paying with cash is one of the safest and fastest payment methods. Even for stores that accept credit cards, sellers usually prefer paying with cash. When visiting places like museum, park, garden, temple, shrine, Tokyo Disneyland, and zoos, you may have to pay for the admission tickets and cash comes in handy. Cash is also useful for paying bus and trains. Except for a few large cities like Tokyo, taxi drivers prefer taking cash as payment. Note that Japan is one of the safest countries around the world, thus you don't have to concern about carry a large amount of cash. Moreover, most souvenir shops only accept cash. Last but not least, cash makes buying street food a simpler process. In brief, preparing for sufficient cash is crucial to your trip to Japan.


 

Using Credit Cards in Japan

Many types of credit card around the world are accepted in Japan, including VISA, MASTE, AMEX, JCB, DINERS, and many more. However, local Japanese and stores usually do not prefer credit card. When shopping in Japan, department stores and chain retail stores often take credit card, which is a great payment option especially when you are paying for a large sum. Many large hotels around the country also accept credit card.

For smaller hotels, it is recommended to check if they take credit card. Restaurants and bars usually put on logo to inform customers if credit card is accepted. In general, cash payment is preferred over other payment methods whether paying for a taxi, train ticket, or many other services in Japan. Thus, as a rule of thumb, it is always a good idea to confirm in advance if you want to pay with credit card.



Mobile Payment in Japan
Mobile payment is not very well developed in Japan. As of now, Apple Pay, Quick Pay, and Suica are the most common mobile payment. Quick pay is among the most convenient mobile payment. Simply add a credit card to your mobile phone, and you may pay by scanning. Suica is also very common. However, bear in mind that the set up process is a more complicated than Apple apps.

For online shopping, PayEasy is probably is the best option. PayEasy is a well-known brand in Japan, allowing users to pay directly from bank. PayEasy logos are found in many ATM cross the country. In addition, payments can be done at many post office branches. Apple pay linked to different credit or debit cards such as JCB, Master card, Orico, Credit Saison, SoftBank, ID card, View card, and MUFG is accepted in Japan. Generally, mobile payment is not recommended for foreign visitors.



As a reliable Japan travel agency in Tokyo, we are happy to provide you budget Japan group tours, and private car/limousine service, if you need more information on Tokyo tours, and Tokyo limousine service, please feel free to contact our specialists.
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Most Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the most common mobile payment?
    The most accepted mobile payments are R Pay, Pay Pal, and Line Pay. Because mobile payment are recently introduced to Japan, mobile payment are not the most convenient to use. Some stores accept mobile payment, but it is not the best way to make payment.
  • Is it easy to use Apple Pay in Japan?
    Apple Pay becomes more common in recent years as people start to pay with iWatch and iPhone. Additionally, Google pay and Quick Pay are also introduced to the country. Many stores, restaurants, metro stations start to accept Apple Pay. Some storage, vending machine, and taxi also accept Apple Pay.
  • What type of credit card can be added to Apple Pay?
    Many credit and debit card issued by American Express, JCB, Master, Aeon, Orico, Credit Saison, SoftBank, ID card, View card, and MUFG can be added to Apply Pay.
  • Does Japanese taxi accept credit cards?
    Only taxi in large cities like Tokyo accept credit card. Most taxi drivers prefer cash, which is the most popular payment method in the country.
  • What is the best way to pay for things in Japan?
    The best way to pay is cash. Sellers in most stores, especially small shops and food stands, prefer cash.
  • Is it easy to use IC card in Japan?
    IC card is found in Japan. However, IC card has to be purchased and loaded in advance. Thus, it is not a good payment option. Instead, cash is recommended.
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