Owais Crawford
When travelling to Japan, it is important to have local currency on hand. While credit cards are accepted at most major hotels, department stores, and restaurants, yen is useful for purchases at local shops and convenience stores. Narita Airport has several currency exchange stores, including GPA stores, which handle 34 currencies, including Japanese yen and US dollars. These stores are conveniently located in the departure and arrival lobbies of both the North and South Wings, as well as in the passenger area after passport control. Additionally, there are four automatic currency exchange machines available at the airport. It is recommended to exchange your money at the airport when you arrive, as the rates are the same as at the banks, and it can be difficult to find exchange services outside of the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of currencies handled at Narita Airport | 34 |
| Location of currency exchange stores | One store in the Departure Lobby in the South Wing, one store in the Departure Lobby in the North Wing, one store in the Arrival Lobby in the South Wing, one store in the Arrival Lobby in the North Wing, one store in the passenger area after passport control |
| Exchange rates | Same as banks |
| Recommended time to exchange money | When you arrive at the airport |
| Exchange of traveller's checks | Possible at the airport |
| Cards with minimal fees | WISE card |
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What You'll Learn
GPA currency exchange stores at Narita Airport handle 34 currencies
Yes, you can exchange dollars for yen at Narita Airport. There are several currency exchange options available at the airport, including the GPA currency exchange stores, which are operated directly under the management of the Narita Airport corporate group.
GPA currency exchange stores handle 34 currencies, more than any other currency exchange store at the airport. This includes the Japanese yen, US dollar, euro, and Chinese yuan. The stores are located in the Departure and Arrival Lobbies in both the North and South Wings of the airport, as well as in the passenger area after passport control. There are also four automatic currency exchange machines available at the airport.
The exchange rate at GPA stores may change due to market fluctuations or current events. It is recommended that customers check the rate at the store when exchanging currency. Additionally, there is a maximum amount of currency that can be exchanged per day at one GPA store by the same holder, which is within 5 million JPY.
With their convenient locations and handling of a wide range of currencies, the GPA currency exchange stores at Narita Airport aim to make travelling more enjoyable and simpler for passengers.
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Exchange rates at the airport are the same as at the banks
When it comes to exchanging currency, you have a few options, including doing it at the airport or at a bank. While it is possible to exchange dollars for yen at Narita Airport, the exchange rates at the airport are not the same as at the banks. In fact, airport exchange rates are often less favourable compared to bank rates. Airport currency exchange rates are influenced by market trends, demand, and service provider fees, and due to these additional charges, they are typically 10% to 15% higher than standard bank rates.
However, exchanging currency at the airport has its advantages. Airport exchanges are always guaranteed to have foreign currency in stock, whereas banks may need to order cash for you. This makes the airport a more convenient option, especially if you're short on time before your trip. Additionally, airport currency exchange services often operate 24/7, accommodating travellers arriving or departing at any time.
On the other hand, banks offer competitive exchange rates and lower fees. By ordering currency from your bank before you travel, you can often get a better deal than at the airport. Major banks usually have branches abroad or partner with other banks, so using their ATMs overseas can provide decent exchange rates and eliminate out-of-network ATM fees.
To get the most out of your money, it's important to compare exchange rates and fees offered by different banks and airport exchange services. While airport exchanges offer convenience, banks can provide better rates and lower fees, especially if you plan ahead.
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Credit cards get the best exchange rates in Japan
Yes, you can exchange dollars for yen at Narita Airport. However, it is very unlikely that you will get a better exchange rate there compared to using a credit card in Japan. Airport exchange desks may charge high fees and offer low exchange rates.
When using a credit card in Japan, it is generally best to choose the local currency (yen) when given the option to make a charge in yen or your native currency (USD). This will help you avoid dynamic currency conversion, which can result in high fees and poor exchange rates. Dynamic currency conversion is a service offered by merchants to convert the price in JPY to US dollars at the point of purchase, which is often less favourable than the standard exchange rate your credit card issuer might charge.
Some credit cards, such as Capital One, do not charge foreign transaction or currency conversion fees when used in Japan. Cards linked to payment networks like Visa and Mastercard are among the most widely accepted in the country, especially in major stores, hotels, and restaurants. However, Japan is a largely cash-based society, and it is recommended to carry some yen, especially for smaller shops and places outside major cities.
To get cash in Japan, it is suggested to use a debit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees, such as the Charles Schwab debit card, at ATMs in convenience stores like 7-Eleven or Japan Post. This way, you can withdraw yen without incurring additional charges.
In summary, while you can exchange dollars for yen at Narita Airport, using a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction or currency conversion fees will likely get you a better exchange rate in Japan. Remember to choose the local currency (yen) when given the option and be mindful of the country's cash-heavy culture by carrying some yen as well.
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ATM fees depend on the time and day of the week
While ATMs remain a convenient way to access cash and manage everyday banking tasks, using an ATM can incur fees, especially if you are withdrawing cash from a machine outside of your bank's network. ATM fees can vary depending on the time and day of the week, with some ATMs charging higher fees during peak hours or on weekends. Here are some factors to consider:
Bank-Owned ATMs: These are ATMs owned by your bank and are usually located in branches, stores, shopping centres, or high-traffic streets. Most banks offer fee-free usage for their customers when they use ATMs within their network. However, using an ATM outside of your bank's network may result in additional charges, including fees from your bank and surcharges from the ATM owner. These out-of-network fees can vary and tend to be higher in popular tourist destinations or during peak travel seasons.
Affiliated ATMs: Some smaller banks or online-only financial institutions use a shared network of ATMs. Using an affiliated ATM typically does not incur additional fees, even if it is not owned by your specific bank.
International Transaction Fees: When travelling internationally, using an ATM outside of your home country may result in international transaction fees. These fees vary by financial institution, with some banks charging a percentage of the transaction amount, such as 1% to 3%. It is always a good idea to speak with your bank before travelling to understand the applicable international fees and plan accordingly.
Time and Day Sensitivity: While not explicitly mentioned, ATM fees may be influenced by the time and day of the week. ATMs in high-traffic areas or tourist destinations may adjust their fees based on demand. For example, using an ATM during peak hours or on a weekend when banks are typically closed might result in higher fees. Conversely, using an ATM during off-peak hours or on a weekday when banks are open may result in lower fees.
To summarise, ATM fees can depend on various factors, including the time and day of the week. By understanding the fee structure of your bank and planning ahead, you can often avoid unnecessary charges. It is always a good idea to use your bank's ATMs or affiliated ATMs to minimise fees and take advantage of any reimbursement or refund policies they may offer for out-of-network ATM usage.
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Exchange traveller's cheques at the airport
Yes, you can exchange dollars for yen at Narita Airport. Several banks and currency exchange places are available at the airport that deal with multiple currencies, including Japanese yen, US dollars, euros, and Chinese yuan.
Regarding exchanging traveller's cheques at the airport, there is conflicting information. Some sources indicate that traveller's cheques may offer the best rates, while others suggest that not many places exchange them anymore. In 2016, a monetary exchange at the Narita Terminal 1 South Wing Arrivals Level had a sign stating that they did not accept traveller's cheques. In the same year, a person with traveller's cheques was directed to American Express, the issuer of the cheques, by banks in the arrivals lobby.
If you plan to rely on exchanging traveller's cheques, it may be beneficial to contact the airport or relevant financial institutions beforehand to obtain up-to-date information on their policies and any associated fees. Alternatively, consider using a Visa or Mastercard debit card and withdrawing cash from ATMs as needed during your trip, as various ATMs in Japan, such as 7-Eleven 7Bank and Japan Post Offices, accept foreign cards with potentially more favourable rates and higher withdrawal limits.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can exchange US dollars for Japanese yen at Narita Airport. There are eight currency exchange stores and four automatic currency exchange machines available at the airport.
Exchange rates at the airport are the same as at the banks. However, it is generally recommended to exchange money at the airport as it is difficult to find exchange counters outside the airport.
Yes, you can exchange money at major hotels, large banks, and post offices. You can also withdraw Japanese yen from ATMs across Japan, such as Japan Post ATMs and Seven Bank ATMs. Credit cards are also a good option as they get the best exchange rates and are widely accepted.
