Osaka - 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?
Credit cards: yes and no. I have never had a problem at a physical store with my non-Japanese credit card, however I have had problems using it to order online from Japanese stores (even U.S. brands). I have never had this happen anywhere else in the world...some places still only accept Japanese credit or debit cards or the Pay Pay app which I have not been able to use given lack of compatibility with either my non-Japanese phone/app store or non-Japanese credit card. ATMs are common and all of the ATMs at convenience stores accept my non-Japanese debit card so it is very easy to get cash. - May 2026
Yes, yes. - May 2021
Cash economy, for the most part, but cards are also widely accepted. - Jul 2018
More and more places take U.S. credit cards but still many fewer places than you'd think. Western ATMs work at 7-11. - Oct 2013
This is still largely a cash society. Exchange Services are available at the Consulate. - Aug 2006