Japan tips: money and payments

By the Japan Travel Costs team. Each tip links to an official or reputable source, last checked 2026-10-22. Anything we could not verify is left out or labelled. About us.

Cards and IC cards cover more of Japan every year, but a few money habits still catch visitors out. These are the ones we would tell a friend before they fly.

1. 1.Do not tip

   Tipping is not part of Japanese culture. Restaurants, taxis and hotels do not expect it, and leaving money on the table can cause confusion. A simple "arigato" does the job.

   Sources: JNTO: Tipping in Japan, Consumer Hotline for Tourists: No tipping culture. Last checked 2026-10-22.

2. 2.Use 7-Eleven ATMs for cash

   Seven Bank ATMs inside 7-Eleven stores accept overseas-issued cards, and the screens work in English. Visa and Mastercard withdrawals run around the clock, though the ATM is only reachable when the store is open.

   Source: Seven Bank: Withdrawing yen with overseas cards. Last checked 2026-10-22.

3. 3.Get an IC card for small spending

   IC cards like Suica and PASMO pay for trains, buses, lockers and small purchases. JNTO's advice is simple: tap smoothly at the gate and keep moving.

   Source: JNTO: 10 Smart Travel Tips for Japan (2026 PDF). Last checked 2026-10-22.

4. 4.Know the Welcome Suica rules

   Welcome Suica is JR East's card for visitors. There is no deposit, it is valid for 180 days, and it can be topped up to a maximum of ¥20,000. Lost cards cannot be reissued, so treat it like cash.

   Source: JR East: Welcome Suica. Last checked 2026-10-22.

5. 5.iPhone users can skip the plastic

   Welcome Suica Mobile runs through Apple Pay on iPhone XR or XS and later with iOS 17.2 or higher, and on Apple Watch Series 3 and later. The balance is valid for 180 days from the first charge and is not refundable.

   Source: Welcome Suica Mobile FAQ: compatible devices. Last checked 2026-10-22.

6. 6.Tax-free shopping changes on 1 November 2026

   From 1 November 2026, visitors pay the full tax-inclusive price at tax-free shops. The consumption tax is refunded after customs confirms, at departure, that you are taking the goods out of Japan. Purchases must total at least ¥5,000 before tax per store per day.

   Sources: Japan Customs: Tax exemption (refund) program, JNTO: Japan's new tax-free shopping system. Last checked 2026-10-22.

7. 7.Do the refund check before you check in bags

   Within 90 days of purchase, scan your passport at a tax-free kiosk in the departure lobby, before baggage check-in, with all your tax-free goods on hand. A red result means customs wants to see the items. You cannot get checked bags back to do this, so arrive early.

   Sources: Japan Tourism Agency: Tax-free page for travellers, Japan Customs: Tax exemption (refund) program. Last checked 2026-10-22.

8. 8.Do not open the snacks

   Under the new system, food, drinks and cosmetics no longer need sealed packaging, but if you consume or use them in Japan they are no longer eligible for the refund.

   Source: JNTO: Japan's new tax-free shopping system. Last checked 2026-10-22.