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Cash, cards and everyday payments

Money & payments

Prepare a backup payment method, use ATMs and IC cards safely and understand tipping and service charges.

Money & payments illustrated guide

What do you need to solve?

Payment help choices in Japan for a declined foreign card, finding yen or a working ATM, and understanding an extra charge on a bill
My foreign card was declined. Troubleshoot a declined card I need yen or a working ATM. Plan cash and withdrawals There is an extra charge on the bill. Understand charges and tipping
Before you need help: three things to prepare
  • Keep your issuer contact details accessible without the banking app.
  • Separate your backup card or cash from your main wallet.
  • Check the purchase date and shop procedure before relying on a tax-free refund.
Check the tax-free shopping procedure →
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Japan Joy Guide

Guides in this category

Traveler checking Japan’s 3,000 yen departure tax in an international flight ticket total Japan departure tax: ¥3,000Japan’s departure tax is generally ¥3,000 per international departure from July 1, 2026 and is usually collected in the ticket price. Check older contracts and exemptions.Read the guide → Foreign traveler checking confirmed Kyushu recovery discount rates and pending booking details Kyushu recovery discount for foreign touristsCheck current Kyushu recovery-discount dates, booking routes and foreign-visitor conditions, including Kagoshima’s October 14 launch and seller-specific availability.Read the guide → Traveler whose credit card was declined at a payment terminal in Japan Foreign card not working?Foreign card declined in Japan? Compare contactless, chip and PIN, online 3D Secure, cash and ATM fixes, then check the card issuer.Read the guide → Traveler withdrawing Japanese yen from an ATM with an overseas card Cash and ATM guidePlan a sensible yen backup, find an ATM that accepts overseas cards and understand withdrawal limits and possible fees.Read the guide → Traveler using an ATM, ticket machine, parcel service and Wi-Fi at a Japanese convenience store Convenience store servicesUse Japanese convenience stores for overseas-card ATMs, ticket and bill procedures, parcel services, selected Wi-Fi and everyday payments without assuming every store offers every service.Read the guide → Traveler checking the tax-free shopping refund method at a store in Japan Tax-free shopping refundsSince November 1, 2026, eligible shoppers pay tax first. Complete Customs confirmation before baggage check-in, then receive the refund from the shop or provider.Read the guide → Using a Suica IC card at a train station ticket gate IC card guideChoose a Suica, PASMO, visitor or mobile IC card, charge it, use trains and buses, and fix low balance or ticket-gate errors in Japan.Read the guide → Traveler asking restaurant staff whether tipping is needed in Japan Do I need to tip?Do you tip in Japan? See the normal no-tip rule, rare guide or ryokan exceptions, and how service, table and local tax charges differ from gratuities.Read the guide →
Official resources

Check current information

Traveler using a cashless mobile payment at a convenience store in Japan Cashless payments in JapanCompare cards, contactless payments, IC cards and cash-only situations.Open official site → Credit card approved at a payment terminal with safety information Using credit cardsCheck official visitor guidance for card acceptance and overseas-card ATMs.Open official site →