Tokyo - Post Report Question and Answers
Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Yes they are widely accepted. There are several systems that only take Japanese CC and that requires a Japanese bank account, which is difficult to get set up. - Jan 2024
Yes, but most people use cash. - Nov 2020
Yes, but it's still very much a cash society - Mar 2019
We don't use cards often as cash seems more commonly accepted. We get money at the Embassy cashier. - Jun 2018
Credit cards are safe, yes. Widely accepted, not so much. For an advanced culture, it can feel a bit "developing world" here in that regard. Lots of places accept only cash. ATMs are locked up/unavailable outside of normal banking hours in many places around Tokyo and Japan. Most Japanese businesses still regularly use fax machines, if that tells you anything! - Mar 2018
There are some specific ATMs that will accept international cards, but certainly not the majority. Credit cares are widely used, but you can't count on using them at smaller shops and restaurants. - Feb 2014
You can use them anywhere, but may have to pay a fee. - Apr 2013
They are safe. - Jan 2011
Both are widely used and available. Most people would cash personal checks at the Embassy to get cash, though. - Oct 2008
Tokyo is a cash-based society. Bigger stores and restaurants may take credit cards but cash is used most widely. Because it is so safe here (and because things are expensive), most people routine carry several hundred dollars worth of yen with them. - Jan 2008
