Japanese Yen

[Chaoster]

Anyone been to Japan recently? Is it true they prefer cash over credit cards? Someone told me they still use cash over credit cards.
If so how much yen would you bring for a 2 week trip?

 

[BrianL]

Anyone been to Japan recently? Is it true they prefer cash over credit cards? Someone told me they still use cash over credit cards.
If so how much yen would you bring for a 2 week trip?

I went a while back, and, it is true that they do prefer cash at many places. Most bigger places and touristy spots will take cards, but it is good to have cash on hand. Alos, don't hand the cash to them - there will be a little tray usually that you place the money in, then they will place change back in that and slide it back to you.

 

[ChrisFL]

Cash is recommended. Credit Cards have become way more popular in the lead up to (what was supposed to be the 2020) Olympics, but you will still see a lot of places that only accept cash.

Also make sure you have a coin purse as they use coins up to 500 yen, and you will have a LOT of coins. As far as how much yen, difficult to say, maybe 30,000 to 40,000 yen, and 7-Elevens all have ATM's you can use with western credit cards....I'm guessing other convenience stores also take them by now as well.