Roberta Aguirre
When travelling to Japan, it is important to plan ahead when it comes to exchanging money. Narita Airport offers currency exchange services, with one of the widest selections of foreign currencies available in Japan. You can exchange 34 world currencies, including US dollars, Euros, Chinese yuan and Australian dollars. 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 is difficult to exchange cash once you leave. International ATM cards can be used at select machines in Japan, such as Seven Bank ATMs at 7-Eleven convenience stores and Japan Post ATMs, but they may have fees and limits on withdrawal amounts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Currency exchange at Narita Airport | Possible |
| Exchange rates at the airport | Same as at the banks |
| Recommended? | Not recommended due to poor exchange rates and high transaction fees |
| Alternatives | Exchange money at major hotels, banks, post offices, or use international ATM cards at select machines in Japan |
| Number of currencies exchanged at GPA currency exchange store in Narita airport | 34 world currencies |
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What You'll Learn
- The GPA currency exchange store at Narita Airport offers exchange for 34 currencies
- Exchange rates at the airport are the same as at banks
- It is difficult to exchange travellers' cheques outside of the airport
- International ATM cards only work on select machines in Japan
- Hotels may exchange money but rates are usually worse than at the airport
The GPA currency exchange store at Narita Airport offers exchange for 34 currencies
Currency exchange is available at Narita Airport, which is helpful if you need local money when arriving or have some left over before departing. The GPA currency exchange store at Narita Airport offers exchange for 34 currencies, including major currencies such as US dollars, euros, Chinese yuan, Taiwan dollars, and Australian dollars. This is one of the widest selections of foreign currencies available for exchange anywhere in Japan.
GPA currency exchange stores are operated and managed directly by the Narita Airport corporate group. The stores are located in the departure and arrival lobbies of both the North and South Wings, as well as in the passenger area after passport control. There are also automatic currency exchange machines available.
The exchange rate provided by GPA is for reference only and may change due to market fluctuations or current events. It is not guaranteed that you will receive the posted rate when exchanging currency. Additionally, there is a daily limit of 5 million JPY per customer at each GPA currency exchange store to prevent money laundering and terrorism financing.
When exchanging large amounts of currency, you may be asked to provide your name, phone number, or flight number for verification purposes. Overall, the GPA currency exchange store at Narita Airport offers a convenient and safe service for travellers, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
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Exchange rates at the airport are the same as at banks
Exchanging currency at the airport is a convenient option for travellers who need to obtain local currency quickly. While airport currency exchange services are typically available 24/7, the exchange rates offered may be less favourable compared to those provided by banks or other financial institutions.
Airport currency exchange rates are influenced by various factors, including market trends, demand, operational costs, and service provider fees. These rates can fluctuate and are often higher than standard bank rates. Additionally, airport exchange services may charge additional fees, resulting in higher overall costs for travellers.
On the other hand, banks offer competitive exchange rates and typically have lower fees associated with currency exchange transactions. Major banks often have branches abroad or partner with other banks, providing access to ATMs with decent exchange rates and eliminating out-of-network ATM fees. By ordering currency from their bank before travelling, individuals can benefit from the convenience of having foreign currency readily available and potentially avoid additional costs associated with airport exchanges.
However, it is important to consider the time constraints and convenience associated with exchanging currency. The busy days leading up to an international trip may not allow sufficient time to visit a bank and exchange money. In such cases, airport currency exchange services provide a convenient alternative, allowing travellers to utilise their waiting time at the airport efficiently.
While the exchange rates at airports and banks can vary, it is essential to consider the specific circumstances and requirements of each individual. Factors such as the amount of currency needed, time availability, and personal preferences can influence the decision-making process when choosing between exchanging currency at an airport or a bank.
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It is difficult to exchange travellers' cheques outside of the airport
Currency exchange stores at Narita Airport offer a wide selection of foreign currencies for exchange, including the US dollar, Euro, Chinese yuan, Taiwan dollar, and Australian dollar. While it is possible to exchange traveller's cheques at the airport, it is not recommended as a primary option due to potential fees and unfavourable exchange rates.
Traveller's cheques used to be a popular method of exchange, offering better rates than cash. However, with the widespread acceptance of international ATM and credit cards in Japan, traveller's cheques have become less necessary. It is important to note that traveller's cheques cannot be used as cash in most places in Japan, and only major hotels are likely to accept them.
Exchanging traveller's cheques outside of the airport can be challenging due to the limited number of institutions that still accept them. Banks and post offices offer money exchange services, but the process can be time-consuming and subject to banking hours. Additionally, communication barriers may create delays if you don't speak Japanese.
To avoid these difficulties, it is advisable to treat traveller's cheques as cash and exchange them at the airport upon arrival. Alternatively, consider using a WISE card or a similar service that allows you to safely and conveniently withdraw and spend money in Japan.
Overall, while it is possible to exchange traveller's cheques outside of Narita Airport, it may be a time-consuming and challenging process due to the limited acceptance of this form of payment in Japan. Therefore, it is highly recommended to explore alternative options, such as international ATM or credit cards, which offer greater flexibility and convenience during your stay in Japan.
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International ATM cards only work on select machines in Japan
While ATMs that accept international cards can generally be found without much trouble in Japan, it's worth noting that not all ATMs in the country accept foreign-issued cards. These are usually marked as international and offer services in multiple languages, including English.
International cards can be used at the ATMs of Seven Bank, found at every 7-Eleven convenience store, as well as at international airports, large train stations, and larger shopping malls. Seven Bank owns over 26,000 international ATMs and operates 24 hours a day, depending on the bank card used. The ATMs offer services in multiple languages and accept a wide range of cards, including VISA, VISA PLUS, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus, American Express, JCB, China UnionPay, Discover, and Diners Club. However, certain Maestro cards with an IC chip are currently not supported. It's important to note that an ATM usage fee may apply, and cards issued overseas may incur additional fees imposed by the card's financial institution.
Another option is Aeon Bank, which accepts a wide range of international cash and credit cards. While Aeon Bank has fewer ATMs than Seven Bank or JP Bank, they can be found at supermarkets and convenience stores operated by the Aeon Group. ATMs by Aeon Bank can also be found at Aeon malls and selected other locations. Similar to Seven Bank, Aeon Bank's ATMs are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and may charge an ATM usage fee.
Other ATM options for international cardholders in Japan include Japan Post Bank, which has ATMs in post offices, train stations, and supermarkets, and E-net, which has ATMs in Family Mart stores and other convenient locations. It's worth noting that ATM service hours may be limited, especially during holidays, so it's advisable to check the location details before visiting.
To ensure a smooth experience when using international ATM cards in Japan, it's recommended to notify your bank in advance of your travel plans to avoid any unexpected blocks on your card due to suspected fraud. Additionally, it's a good idea to confirm with your financial institution that your card can be used overseas for cash withdrawals.
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Hotels may exchange money but rates are usually worse than at the airport
While hotels may offer currency exchange services, their rates are usually worse than those offered at the airport. Currency exchange desks at airports often offer a wide range of foreign currencies and may occasionally provide limited-time favourable exchange rates.
Hotels may exchange money for you as a convenience, but their rates are typically not as competitive as those found at dedicated money exchange services or banks. It is generally recommended to exchange money at the airport or a local currency exchange office, or to simply withdraw local currency from an ATM, as this often provides a better exchange rate than what hotels offer.
Additionally, when booking a hotel room, the currency you use to pay can impact the overall cost. Some sources suggest that booking in the local currency is generally preferable, as it avoids potential foreign transaction fees and unfavourable exchange rates applied by banks or credit card companies. However, it is worth noting that exchange rates fluctuate, and there is always a risk that the rate may move in an unfavourable direction between the time of booking and the time of payment.
Furthermore, when booking through a third-party website, the exchange rate offered might be worse than what your bank would provide directly. This is because banks may charge foreign transaction fees and currency conversion fees on top of the exchange rate. Therefore, it is advisable to compare the rates offered by different options before deciding how to pay for your hotel booking.
In summary, while hotels may exchange money for you, their rates are typically worse than those available at the airport or through other financial institutions. It is generally recommended to research and compare exchange rates before travelling to ensure you get the best value for your money.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can exchange money at Narita Airport. There is a GPA currency exchange store in the airport, which offers a wide selection of foreign currencies for exchange, including 34 world currencies such as US dollars, Euros, and Chinese yuan.
Exchanging money at the airport is convenient and ensures that you have Japanese yen to use once you leave the airport. The rates at the airport are the same as at the banks, and it can be difficult to find money exchange counters outside of the airport.
Other ways to obtain Japanese yen include exchanging money at major hotels, using international ATM cards, using credit cards, or exchanging traveler's checks. However, exchanging money at hotels may result in less favourable rates, and international ATM cards only work on select machines in Japan, such as Seven Bank ATMs at 7-Eleven convenience stores and Japan Post ATMs.
