Getting Money In Kyoto

In Japan, you’ll use an IC card for local transport and small purchases, and a credit card for big purchases (hotels etc). But you still need some Japanese cash. Here’s the lowdown on ATMs, changing cash and using credit cards in Kyoto.

The Takeaway:

Do:

• Use your ATM card to get most of your money after you arrive in Japan (make sure the account it draws from is cashed up). You can get your first wad of cash from an ATM at your arrival airport.
• If your bank (debit) card and credit card are separate cards, be sure to bring both to Japan (so you can charge some cash if your checking account runs dry).
• Get an IC card for local transport and small purchases. If you have an iPhone you might be able to get a digital IC card. If you arrive in Tokyo, you can buy a Welcome Suica or Pasmo Passport. And if you arrive in Kansai, you can get an Icoca card.

Don’t:

• Don’t bother getting travelers checks.
• Don’t buy Japanese yen before arriving in Japan (exchange rates are much better in Japan and you really should use a Japanese ATM to get your yen).

Here are the details:

ATMs In Kyoto

ATMs should be your primary source of cash while you’re in Japan. You can get yen cash from ATMs in Japan with a normal bank (debit) card, provided you have sufficient funds in the account that the card accesses. Cards on international networks like Plus, Cirrus, Star etc can be used in Japan. The back of your card may have the symbols for the networks it belongs to. Be sure you know the PIN number of your card.

3 important notes about using ATMs in Kyoto:

1. Some banks put daily withdrawal limits on their cards or prevent overseas use of cards without prior notification (this has been a problem with Bank of America-issued cards). So, before leaving home, ask at your bank about the daily withdrawal limit and overseas usage of your card.
2. You can use your bank (debit) card to withdraw cash from your live (checking) account with 7-11 and postal ATMs. You can also use a credit card to get a cash advance (ie, charge cash) from those machines. If you use the credit card feature, you’ll need the PIN for the credit card.
3. You’ll find ATMs in every bank in Japan. However, most bank ATMs only accept Japan-issued cards, so don’t bother trying your foreign card. Instead, you can use your bank cards at post offices and convenience stores (see below).

ATMs At Post Offices In Kyoto

All Japanese post offices ATMs and you can find post offices in almost every city, town and village in Japan. You’ll even find them on the far-flung outer islands. ATMs are usually open the same hours as the post office itself (9am to 5pm weekdays only), so don’t count on getting cash after hours from them. However, the central post office in each city will usually have ATMs that are open almost 24 hours a day. Occasionally, you’ll find that your card won’t work for some reason.

Japanese postal ATMs have English guidance (select the English option from the first screen and follow the instructions).

Kyoto Central Post Office ATM hours:
12.05am-11.55pm Mon-Sat
12.05am-9pm Sun and holidays

Kyoto Convenience Store ATMs

These days, Japanese 7-11s have ATMs that accept most foreign-issued cards. This is convenient, because these places are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Most convenience store ATMs have English guidance.

What Currency To Bring To Kyoto In Cash?

If you’re the nervous type, you might want to bring some foreign currency (US dollars are best, followed by euros) for situations where you can’t use an ATM. You can exchange foreign cash for yen at some banks, some large hotels, some department stores and discount ticket shops.

You’ll get the best rate at discount ticket shops, followed by banks and post offices, followed by hotels and department stores. You will get a competitive rate for US dollars, a decent rate for euros, and a terrible rate for Aussie dollars, Kiwi dollars, Canadian dollars and British pounds (meaning, they really only want to deal with US dollars and euros).

Kyoto Banks

Most banks in Japan will exchange major currencies for yen during their normal operating hours (meaning 9am to 3pm or 5pm on weekdays only). As with post offices, you’ll get the best rate for US dollars. Most banks will require that you show your passport when exchanging money.

Discount Ticket Shops

You’ll find discount ticket shops (known as “kinken shops” in Japanese) near train stations in larger cities. Your hotel front desk will usually be able to point the way to the nearest shop. Some of these places will exchange foreign cash for Japanese yen and you’ll usually get a slightly better rate than at other places.

Currency Exchange in Kyoto Hotels and Department Stores

Most major first-class hotels and department stores will exchange major international currencies for Japanese yen. The rates aren’t so good and, as usual, you’ll do best with US dollars. Ask at the front desk or the information counter.

Cash Advances on VISA Credit Cards

If you find that your bank or credit card won’t work with any ATMs and you run out of cash, there is one final option before heading to the embassy and begging for mercy: If you have a VISA credit card, you can charge yourself some cash at any Mitsui-Sumitomo bank (you’ll find these in the larger cities). Note that this is a counter transaction; it can’t be done at the ATM. You’ll need your passport to do this.

What you’re doing is buying cash, so it works like any other credit card purchase. You’ll find the cash you charged listed like any other purchase on your next monthly statement. Needless to say, you won’t be able to charge any cash if you’re over your limit.

Kyoto District Map

Click a Kyoto District for detailed info on attractions, places to eat and accommodation