Cash / Money, Tokyo

There is a money changer called "Money Exchange WORLD CURRENCY SHOP"at Ropponggi Hills, west wing on the 6th Floor. it is at no. 32. they accept most international currency, not just USD. the rates are not the best but it's great if you need some JPY urgently.

opening hours: 11:00am-7:00pm / Sat., Sun. & public holidays 12:00pm-5:00pm

Given the difficulty some have had getting cash from ATMs in Japan, I thought I would pass along something that has never failed for me: a Visa debit card at a 7-11 convenience store. When I say 7-11, I mean 7-11, not just any convenience store. I don't know about the exchange rate, but if you need cash, you might give it a try. Good luck.

Please be kindly noted that Money Exchange is NOT a common spot in Tokyo!!!
As far as I know, there is 1 TravelTex in Shinjuku west gate. It locates right opposite to UNIQLO shop. To reach there, please walk across road and it hides behind a building. Since the demands might be A LOT larger than supply, the rate is VERY bad.
So to avoid loss from exchange rate, you could either get enough money before you enter Japan or get enough money before you step out of Narita.

The basic unit of currency in Japan is the YEN. When in Tokyo, you have to be very careful as things are very expensive. It's possible to buy cheaper things by being careful. But if make the mistake of going to an upscale restaurant or bar, you could easily get a $200 bill awaiting you at the end.

Credit cards are accepted in hotels and major stores, but their use is still not very popular, believe or not. ATM cash dispensers accept Visa, Mastercard, Diners club and American Express. It's important for you to know that many ATM cash dispensers' schedule are the same as their bank.
The easiest way to pay is in cash. Don't worry for your change, Japanese people are extremely honorable, specially with tourists.

I still get annoyed by this... In Japan, you can only get money out from ATM at Citi bank and post offices so when you see them don't miss out! I don't know what's the deal but they have a diffrent system that not corporating with the rest of world.

Despite what your banks says, if you don't have a Japanese ATM card, you may have a hard time withdrawling money in Japan. Nearly all Japanese banks' ATMs do not accept standard foreign ATM cards with logos such as Maestro, Cirrus, and PLUS. There are two places that I am aware of that will accept them: Citibank ATMs, and some post office ATMs (look for signs in English saying they accept foreign cards). The Citibank ATMs are usually only found in major districts around Tokyo. The post office is scattered throughout Japan and has reasonable opening hours (9am to 8pm or so). Be sure to take out plenty when you have the opportunity. Most likely, you will spend more than you planned to, and the ATMs may not be available on weekends or holidays.

Strangely enough, I never had so many problems in paying with a credit card as in Japan. In many places they don't accept such paying method, only cash. And it's not easy to retrieve cash, either. So be well prepared!!!