What No One Tells You | 10 Things to Know for the Updated Japan Money Guide 2024

Japan is NOT a Cashless Society and that there’s no Tipping Culture. In this video, I’d like to introduce some updated tips to help you make the most of your trip. We’ll start with the tax exemption system, which allows tax-free shopping but is undergoing changes, so it’s important to know the new rules. We’ll also touch on Japan’s varying sales tax rates, with some essentials taxed at a lower rate—helpful for budgeting. Next, we’ll guide you through Japan’s newly issued 500-yen coins and bills, and the customs around offering 5-yen coins at shrines. I’ll also share tips on enjoying high-end dining at lower prices and provide updates on scams in restaurants and taxis. I'll show you the best places to withdraw cash easily and safely. Please watch this before traveling to Japan!
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0:00 Opening
1:06 1. Tax Exemption System
2:50 2. Sales Tax Rates Vary by Item
4:06 3. Notes on New Banknotes & Coins
5:08 4. Shrines & Money
6:14 5. Unacceptable Credit Cards
6:52 6. Extra Coins
7:41 7. Lunch is Less Expensive than Dinner
8:47 8. Scam in Restaurants
9:43 9. Cab Scams
10:39 10. Where to Withdraw Cash

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❤️ MegLog Travel from TOKYO ❤️
My channel focuses on the Japan Travel Guide and suggests Spots, Food and Hotels.

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Local Japanese woman living in Tokyo. I am suggesting a lot of Spots, Foods and Hotels in Japan for travelers from all over the world through Youtube channels.
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Please note as follows:
*The prices might be different from this video upload.(価格は当時のものですので、変動する場合があります。)
*Business hours might be different from this video uploaded as well.(営業時間も当時のものと異なる場合があります。)
*We do NOT take any responsibility or liability for any damage or loss caused through our video. (当動画によって生じたいかなる不利益、損害に関しても一切の責任を負いません。)

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Share your thoughts and questions in the comments!

[britneyt-m]

An absolute banger, thanks Meg this video was very helpful! 🙏💖💴

[JackBlack-iiip]

Never, ever enter a restaurant where prices are not displayed.

[Mochichan]

After getting some cash at the airport, I then only went to 7-11 to withdraw from their atm. It’s cheap and easy!!

[kvom]

Rather than accumulate coins, use SUICA to pay when possible if CC aren't accepted.

[unebonnevie]

Get a credit card that does *not* charge conversion fee, typically travel reward type of credit cards. It will help a lot. You will always get the market rate without ANY fee by using such credit card.

[jasonlucas]

In Japan, I always carried 100 yen coins with me. The roadside vending machines were the best but often only accepted coins. When I hiked or biked thirsty, I bought a cold drink from the vending machine that was so good. The great thing was that I didn't need to bring my drinks, which might have become hot drinks, inside my bag.

[john-rossmorland]

I have only been to Japan once but I did not bother with doing tax free shopping. It seemed complicated and I was happy to pay taxes in the country I was in to support the economy.

[lz]

This was very helpful - especially the recommendation about which banks and ATMs are most reputable and trustworthy.
I hope that some day you will make a video about getting around Tokyo with mobility issues. I am older and have trouble with stairs due to arthritis. I also have bad feet. I plan to come to Tokyo in November, but I am worried about taking the subway because of having to use a lot of stairs and walk a lot. I would love informative videos about getting around for people who can't walk a lot. I plan to use taxis frequently so I can avoid unnecessary walking.

[zenfluence]

Lots of places don't take AMEX due to high transaction fees. Happens in other countries too.

[cezze]

Meg’s videos have been very helpful and insightful as i prepare for my fall trip to Japan.

[dragonofparadise]

I kept my lucky 500 yen coin from my last trip to Japan. It makes for a good conversation with new people as many are shocked to see a coin worth more then a quarter too.

[dennistani]

Thank you for the nice video! As an american that has lived in Japan for 6 years, my recommendation is to use 7-11 ATM for cash withdraws. Their ATM's are easy to use. The fees are low and the the exchange rates are excellent. You can withdraw up to your bank daily ATM withdrawel limits. Do NOT exchange money at the currency exchange places as the exchange rates are generally bad. Also the change to the tax on purchases, the procedure will be the same as the United Stares ans Europe, you get the money refunded upon leaving the county. Of course as an american, we must declare all purchases upon entry into the USA, and must declare and pay duty tax on those items with a small exemptions. Take care everyone!

[vinyalonde]

Very helpful -- thank you for posting this video. Adding to what you said about bills, I have bought Japanese currency in my home country to have some money available when I landed. On my last trip to Japan, the bills I had received from my bank included some 2000 Yen bills that apparently are very rare in Japan. And one last point, it is worthwhile to check what the ATM requires for a PIN code. I received instructions from my bank that the PIN code had to have four digits in order to work in Japan. Almost exclusively, I used the ATMs at 7/11 stores. I never had a problem withdrawing cash.

I look forward to finding out more about your tours.

[cjkim]

Hi thank you for the helpful video :)
I did notice there are more stores that accept credit cards compared to 2019, and certain trains (Fukuoka subway, Osaka Nankai railways) also take credit cards.

It was fun to experience the different payment methods in Japan.

[mollygrubber]

Hi Meg, thanks for the helpful videos. I am traveling in Japan soon and your videos are a great help.

[miraxterrik]

Point 1: for that to work, they would need a custom officer at the luggage checkin desk BEFORE security check. If I buy a lot of cosmetics, I can't take them to cabin bag. Or imagine buying shoes and clothes, how am I supposed to fit that all in a cabin bag? They would need to be at the check-in line so I could show my purchase before the airline checks it in.

[livingthevacationlife]

Super helpful video, very informative as we plan our upcoming trip in March 2025. I'll definitely be checking out the rest of your videos and keeping track of new content. Subscribed! 😎

[GraemeHart]

That is such a shame about the change to tax free shopping.

I am sure some people resell but it's not very obvious what you're supposed to do at the airport when leaving and I suspect most tourists do not follow the correct procedure.

[deaddrunkgamer]

Sure pickpockets exists everywhere, though i've never really heard about it being an issue, never heard about a case first hand experience either.
Me personally walk around with 60.000 -> 10.000 yen at all time without a worry.
Also i only use 7/11 atms quick and reliable.