Breakaway Destination Guides (International)

  The Japanese Mint

Sterling travellers cheques are widely accepted as are Visa, Diners, American Express and Master Charge credit cards.

The currency is the Japanese Yen (¥), which is equal to 100 sen. Major credit cards are accepted in the larger hotels and stores, but most Japanese operate with cash. Cash and travellers cheques can be exchanged in banks, post offices and currency exchange bureaux. Banks are usually open Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm. Travellers cheques offer the best exchange rate and are best taken in US dollars. ATMs do not accept all credit and debit cards; only the international ATMs in post offices, airports and some major stores.

You don't need to tips for any of the below special services.

Your credit cards are not all mighty in Japan. VISA and Master are not that popular in Japan and American Express is even less popular.

You can use these cards at:

Other stores that do not display the card logo will only accept cash. "Yen"

Getting cash by credit card is not easy. In the case of American Express, you will need to go to the American Express office at Ootemachi in Tokyo. The Hotel cashier will not give you cash against your credit card. VISA is the strongest card in Japan. You can now withdraw money from ATM's at Post Office. There are 21000 offices in Japan.

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