Japan
Note
Japan has a strong cash culture, and it is usual to see people carrying large amounts of cash with them because of the low crime rate. It is only recently that credit cards have begun to become more popular. However, travelers may still encounter difficulties with foreign credit cards.
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY; symbol ¥). Notes are in denominations of ¥10,000, 5000, 2000 and 1000. Coins are in denominations of ¥500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1.
The import and export of local and foreign currency is unrestricted, subject to declaration of amounts equivalent to ¥1,000,000 or above.
Mon-Fri 0900-1500.
All money must be exchanged at an authorized bank or money changer.
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa and other major credit cards are widely accepted in towns. Check with your credit or debit card company for merchant acceptability. ATMs are widely available although many do not accept foreign credit or debit cards, and are harder to find outside of towns. They only operate during normal banking hours and weekend services can be restricted to Saturday morning. ATMs are available in towns and they are generally open Mon-Fri 0700-2300, Sat-Sun 0900-1900. Citibank machines also accept foreign credit cards and are often open 24 hours.
These can be exchanged at most major banks, larger hotels and some duty free shops. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Japanese Yen or US dollars.
