Shopping
Are credit cards widely accepted? Would you recommend bringing cash or credit cards?
Although most stores and restaurants will accept Visa and MasterCard, travelers should keep in mind that Japan is still very much a cash culture.
You may find smaller shops or remote ryokan hotels that only accept yen in cash.
More than 26,000 Post Office ATMs exist at various locations throughout Japan, and stickers indicate whether a Post Office has an ATM machine. Cirrus, Plus, Maestro and Visa Electron networks are accepted, as are Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club credit cards.
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Articles in this section
- You often see“ duty free” at airports and other locations. What is the difference between Tax-free and Duty-free?
- Can I get both the liquor tax and consumption tax refunded at a sake brewery?
- I left my passport at my hotel. Can I apply for tax exemption tomorrow?
- Is it true that purchases made at shopping malls and shopping streets can be consolidated for tax exemption purposes?
- I understand that liquids cannot be brought onto the airplane, so how can I apply for tax exemption for cosmetics and so on?
- If I don’t get an entry stamp on my passport because I use the automatic gates when entering Japan, am I still eligible for tax exemption?
- What is the eligibility for tax refunds?
- Are credit cards widely accepted? Would you recommend bringing cash or credit cards?
- What can I bring through Customs?
- Where do I find tax free shops?