Withdrawing money in Japan using foreign cards

Unlike other countries, cash are still important in Japan as most stores only accept cash as a method of payment. You will likely have more troubles when you’re out of cash here, so today we’ll introduce some automatic teller machines (ATMs) in Japan you can use to withdraw money with cards issued outside of Japan.

ATMs to look for

Not so many ATMs here accept credit, debit, or ATM cards issued outside of Japan, but the ATMs below accept foreign cards.

7-Bank ATMs

Available at over 20,000 7-Eleven convenience stores and major train stations in Japan, 7-Bank ATMs accept credit, debit, and ATM cards issued outside of Japan.

Availability: 24 hours
Types of cards: VISA, PLUS, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus, UnionPay, American Express, JCB, Discover, and Diners Club International

ATM locator
Service hours
How to use the ATM

Japan Post Bank

There are over 20,000 Japan Post Bank branches in Japan, and you can withdraw money using foreign credit, debit, and ATM cards here. Unlike 7-Bank ATMs that are available for 24 hours, only few Japan Post Bank ATMs operate for 24 hours.

Availability: varies depending on its location
Types of cards: VISA, VISA Electron, PLUS, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus, UnionPay, American Express, JCB, and Discover

ATM locator
Details & service hours

Mizuho Bank

Mizuho Bank is one of the three main banks of Japan (the others are Mitsubishi MUFG and Sumitomo Mitsui SMBC), and apparently its ATMs do accept foreign credit, debit, and ATM cards.

If you can’t find any 7-Bank ATMs or Japan Post Bank ATMs, try to find Mizuho Bank ATMs as they are available for 24 hours.

Availability: 24 hours
Types of cards: VISA, PLUS, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus, UnionPay, JCB, and Discover
Details

Most of these ATMs provide service in English, so you can still use them even if you don’t understand Japanese.

In order to use international ATMs, make sure the following things are already settled at home before leaving Japan:
●Make sure that your cards can be used abroad
●Check the fees and daily / monthly limits for international withdrawals
●Remember your PIN for the card
●Notify your bank that you’ll use your card overseas, because most banks usually will block a card which is suddenly used abroad, suspecting a fraud
●Make sure that you have enough money balance in your account
●Withdrawal fees vary depending on the bank, make sure to check and calculate beforehand to save and use your money wisely