JPY Exchange in Japan: 5 Methods Compared for 2025

Must-Know Before Departure: Exchanging JPY in Taiwan vs. Japan, Which Is More Cost-Effective?

✈️ Planning a trip to Japan but confused about “how to exchange JPY”? Worried about not exchanging enough in Taiwan, yet afraid of high fees when exchanging locally or withdrawing from ATMs in Japan? This comprehensive Japan currency exchange guide will thoroughly explain all ways to obtain JPY—from bank exchanges in Taiwan, local exchanges in Japan, to convenient ATM withdrawals. We will compare exchange rates, fees, and convenience for each method, helping you easily find the most cost-effective and suitable option, so you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind! Before starting the comparison, let’s first establish a core concept.

Exchanging at Banks in Taiwan: Best Rates, Top Choice for Planned Spending

💡 Advantages:

• Best Rates: Whether handled over-the-counter or via online exchange, Taiwanese banks (such as Bank of Taiwan, Mega Bank) typically offer the most cost-effective JPY cash selling rates among all channels.
• High Peace of Mind: By preparing most of the required cash before departure, you can use it immediately upon arrival without spending time looking for exchange points or worrying about communication issues.

👎 Disadvantages：

• Time Constraints: Transactions must be conducted during bank operating hours, which can be inconvenient for office workers.
• Lower Flexibility: Cannot accommodate unexpected cash needs during the trip; if you exchange too much, converting back to TWD upon return will incur another exchange loss.

Exchanging JPY Locally in Japan: Emergency Backup but Higher Cost

💡 Advantages:

• Convenient for Emergencies: When cash runs out, this is the most direct way to replenish funds in Japan, addressing urgent needs.

👎 Disadvantages:

• Less Favorable Rates: Local exchange offices in Japan, whether at airports, banks or city counters, generally offer worse TWD-to-JPY rates than in Taiwan, effectively costing more to obtain JPY.
• Limited Options: Not all exchange points accept TWD; sometimes you may need to first convert TWD to USD and then to JPY, resulting in additional exchange losses.

Quick Conclusion: Best Strategy Is “Taiwan First, Japan Second”

In summary, the smartest strategy is: exchange about 70% of the main cash at banks in Taiwan before departure, use credit cards for the remaining portion, and treat “local exchange in Japan” or “ATM withdrawals” as emergency backup options when cash is insufficient.

Comparison of Local JPY Exchange Channels in Japan: Airport, Banks, or Voucher Shops—Which to Choose?

If you encounter a cash shortage in Japan and must exchange money locally, you need to understand the advantages and disadvantages of the following channels.

Channel 1: Airport Currency Exchange Counter

• Features: The most convenient option, visible immediately upon arrival. It is the top choice for those urgently needing cash for transportation or essential purchases.
• Notes: The cost of “convenience” is “expensive.” Airport exchange rates are usually the worst among all physical channels. Unless absolutely necessary, it is recommended to exchange only a small, sufficient amount.

Channel 2: Local Banks in Japan

• Features: Widely available, found in major cities. The exchange rates are better than at airports and relatively reliable.
• Notes: Japanese banks have strict operating hours (usually 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM) and are closed on holidays. Currency exchange may require filling out forms and waiting in line, which can be time-consuming for travelers on a tight schedule.

Channel 3: Voucher Shops & Currency Exchange Stores (e.g., Daikokuya)

• Features: This is the choice for insiders. Voucher shops (such as Daikokuya, Access Ticket) mainly deal in ticket sales but also offer foreign currency exchange. Their rates can sometimes be more competitive than banks.
• Notes: You may need time to find them in the city, and shop sizes vary. Most importantly, many voucher shops primarily exchange strong currencies like USD or EUR and may not accept TWD cash.

To give you a clearer understanding, we have compiled the following comparison table:

Complete Guide to Withdrawing Cash from ATMs in Japan: The Most Convenient Emergency Solution

Compared to finding local exchange points, using a Taiwanese debit card to withdraw JPY from ATMs in Japan is a more flexible and convenient option. Before operating, be sure to complete the following preparations.

Step 1: Confirm Whether Your Debit Card Has the “International Withdrawal” Function

Before departure, be sure to check your debit card!

1. Check the Card Logo: Turn the card over and confirm it has the VISA (Plus) or MasterCard (Cirrus) logo. This indicates your card supports international withdrawals.
2. Call the Bank to Confirm: Contact your card-issuing bank’s customer service to ensure the “international withdrawal function” has been activated.
3. Set a 4-Digit Magnetic Stripe PIN: Overseas ATM withdrawals use a “4-digit magnetic stripe PIN”, not the chip PIN commonly used in Taiwan. Apply for or confirm your 4-digit overseas withdrawal PIN with the bank.

Where to Find ATMs Supporting International Withdrawals?

In Japan, not all ATMs support overseas cards. Here are your best options:

• 🥇 Top Recommendation: 7-ELEVEN’s Seven Bank ATM (セブン銀行)
  With the widest coverage across Japan, operating almost 24 hours, and a multilingual interface (including Traditional Chinese), it offers the highest withdrawal success rate and is the top choice for foreign travelers.
• 🥈 Secondary Option: Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行) ATMs
  Also widely available, even in more rural areas. These support overseas cards as well, though some machines may be older or have restricted operating hours.
• 🥉 Other Options: In large shopping malls, stations, or airports, you can find ATMs marked with “International Service”, such as certain machines at Mitsubishi UFJ Bank or Mizuho Bank.

Japan ATM Withdrawal Fees Explained

The most common concern is the fees. Overseas ATM withdrawal costs are mainly composed of three parts:

1. Taiwan Issuing Bank Fee: Charged by your Taiwanese bank, usually a fixed fee of NT$70–100 plus 0%–1.5% of the withdrawal amount (depending on the bank’s regulations).
2. Japanese ATM Bank Fee: This is the service fee charged by the Japanese ATM. Seven Bank’s rates are: ¥110 for withdrawals under ¥10,000, and ¥220 for withdrawals over ¥10,001.
3. International Network Settlement Fee: Charged by international networks such as VISA or MasterCard, typically around 1.5% of the withdrawal amount. This fee is factored into the exchange rate for the day, so it will not appear as a separate item on your statement, but it has been paid. You can refer to Visa’s official exchange rate calculator for details.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Avoid the “DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion)” Exchange Rate Trap

⚠️ This is the most important trap to watch for when withdrawing or using cards overseas! At the final stage of an ATM transaction, the screen may display an option asking you “Settle in TWD or Settle in JPY?”

This is the DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion) mechanism. If you choose “TWD”, the ATM will use a very unfavorable custom rate to convert the amount, showing you immediately how much TWD is deducted, but this rate can be 5% or more worse than the normal exchange rate!

✅ Correct Operation: Always choose “Settle in Local Currency”, which is “JPY”! This way, the rate is based on the international network’s settlement rate, and although you will only know the exact amount when your statement is issued, it is definitely the most cost-effective.

Conclusion: Craft Your Optimal Japan Currency Exchange Strategy

Based on the full analysis, an experienced traveler will create a well-rounded exchange strategy rather than relying on a single method. Here are our final recommendations:

🏆Japan Travel Golden Payment Combination:

• 70% Exchange in Taiwan: Exchange the main cash needed for transportation, snacks, tickets, and other small expenses at banks in Taiwan. Enjoy the best rates and use it immediately upon arrival.
• High-Reward Overseas Credit Card: Use a credit card first at restaurants, department stores, drugstores, and other card-accepted places. Choose a credit card offering overseas cashback above 1.5%; this not only offsets overseas transaction fees but can even earn rewards!
• Enable ATM International Withdrawal: Use your debit card as the ultimate backup. If cash runs out unexpectedly or you encounter cash-only stores, you can withdraw JPY anytime from a 7-Eleven ATM to address urgent needs.

With this combination, you can enjoy the most cost-effective exchange rates while maintaining flexibility and convenience in spending, and confidently handle any unexpected cash shortages. Now, you can set aside your worries about exchanging money and start planning the perfect trip to Japan!

FAQ Common Questions List

Q1: How much JPY cash should I bring when traveling to Japan?

A: It depends on your travel style. Generally, it is recommended to prepare about ¥10,000 per person per day in cash for small expenses such as transportation, meals, shrine visits, and vending machines. For larger expenses like shopping and accommodation, it is advised to use a credit card as much as possible. If you plan to visit more remote rural areas, your cash needs may be higher.

Q2: Is there a withdrawal limit when using ATMs in Japan?

A: Yes. This limit consists of two parts: first, the single withdrawal limit at the Japanese ATM (Seven Bank is usually ¥100,000); second, the daily withdrawal limit set by your Taiwanese issuing bank (usually equivalent to NT$100,000–150,000). It is best to confirm your daily overseas withdrawal limit with your bank before departure.

Q3: If my credit card offers high cashback, is it more cost-effective to use the card rather than pay cash?

A: Yes, in most cases. As long as your credit card provides overseas cashback (e.g., 2.5%) higher than the overseas transaction fee (usually 1.5%), using the card is more cost-effective than paying cash. However, this assumes the merchant accepts credit cards; many ramen shops, small markets, or traditional stores in Japan still accept cash only.

Q4: Can I use mobile payments like Apple Pay or Google Pay in Japan?

A: Yes, and their usage is becoming increasingly widespread. Mobile payments in Japan are mainly based on contactless technology (integrated with transportation cards like Suica, PASMO, ICOCA, or systems like QUICPay and iD). As long as your phone is linked to a supported credit card, you can use it smoothly at major convenience stores, supermarkets, department stores, and some restaurants. However, it is still recommended to carry some cash and a physical credit card to handle various situations.