Currency Guide Japan

Currency

Japan Yen (JPY) = 100 Sen. Notes are in denominations JPY$10000, 5000, 2000, 1000

To view images and descriptions of all these denominations [click here]

Credit Cards

International credit cards such as American Express, VISA, Diners Club and MasterCard are also acceptable at these major establishments. However, Credit card transactions are not always convenient outside big cities so obtaining cash beforehand is recommended when you travel to the countryside

Traveller's Cheques

Travellers Cheques are accepted by leading banks, hotels, ryokan (Japanese inns) and stores in major cities.

Currency Regulations

The import and export of local and foreign currencies are free. Amounts over JPY1,000,000 in local currency in cash or monetary instruments must be reported to customs.

[Click Here] for more information on doing a money transfer to Japan.

Currency Exchange

There are currency exchange facilities at all major airports and most hotels. There may be a small charge for cashing in Travellers Cheques.

Banks

Cash machines are commonly available in big cities across Japan. However, many do not accept foreign credit cards or debit cards and their service hours are very often restricted. Many ATMs operate only during banking hours although some remain open until 18:00-20:00 on weekdays. Often, weekend services are restricted to Saturday mornings.
For ATMs that accept credit cards, it is advised to contact each credit company beforehand and check the location of each ATM and its availability as these conditions vary from machine to machine.

Exchange Rate History

Date   JPY Rate
01/01/02   184.013
01/01/03   183.74
01/01/04   184.10
01/01/05   188.650
01/01/06   196.759

A rough guide to the tourists rates for the Japanese Yen since the beginning of 2002

View Japanese Yen exchange Rate

Order Japanese Yen or Japanese Travellers Cheques

Register for an International money Transfer to Japan