How to Get Cash in Japan - Withdrawing Money at ATM

Let’s get the tricky bit over with first: Most Japanese bank ATMs will not accept foreign cards (with the exception of SMBC Bank).

But ATMs located inside post offices and 7/11 stores (called 7 Bank ATMs) accept foreign cards. And as soon as you arrive in Japan, you’ll see this won’t present a problem; there are 7/11s on every street corner.

Just beware, Maestro cards with IC chips aren’t accepted at Japan Post ATMs and people have reported trouble using them elsewhere as well.

ATMs can be found in many 7-Eleven stores as well as airports, post offices, and other tourist hotspots.

Japanese bank ATMs can be fairly unreliable. Many won’t accept foreign cards while others are closed overnight or on the weekends. Even bank ATMs displaying Visa and Mastercard logos are iffy about international cards. Most bank ATMs also charge additional fees for withdrawals made outside operating hours.

Just a few branches of the major Japanese banks, such as SMBC and MUFG, have ATMs in major cities that will accept foreign cards. They will have signs in the window if they're foreign card friendly.

Your best bet is the Seven Bank ATMs found in 7-Elevens. These are open 24/7, have English instructions, and accept foreign-issued Visa, Mastercard, Plus, Maestro, American Express, Cirrus, and Union Pay cards.

Japan Post Bank ATMs are another option, identifiable by the JP logo. There are over 26,000 of these ATMs nationally inside every post office and some train stations, shopping centres, and supermarkets. They usually accept foreign-issued cards but may operate on business hours similar to the post office.

Keep in mind that both Seven Bank and Japan Post Bank ATMs have withdrawal limits per transaction (¥100,000 and ¥50,000 respectively). You might even face stricter limits imposed by your own bank or card company.

Japan has an extensive network of ATMs, but not all accept foreign cards. Here are some reliable options:

• 7-Eleven: ATMs in these convenience stores accept most foreign cards and are available 24/7.
• Post Offices: Many post offices have ATMs that cater to international cards.
• Major Banks: Banks like SMBC and Citibank offer ATMs that accept foreign cards.
• Airports: ATMs at major airports generally accept foreign cards.

Tips for Using ATMs

• Check Fees: Know any international transaction fees your home bank may charge.
• Withdrawal Limits: Note that ATMs may have daily withdrawal limits.
• Language Options: Most ATMs offer multiple language options, including English.

Avoiding ATM Pitfalls

While using ATMs in Japan is generally straightforward, here are a few tips to avoid common pitfalls:

• Plan Withdrawals: Withdraw larger amounts less frequently to minimise ATM fees.
• Timing: Some ATMs in Japan may not operate 24/7, especially in rural areas or smaller banks. Plan your withdrawals during business hours.
• Bank Partnerships: Check if your Australian bank has partnerships with Japanese banks. This can sometimes result in reduced or waived ATM fees.