Exchanging Money: A Guide To Narita Airport

Narita Airport has several currency exchange options, including four automatic currency exchange machines and eight currency exchange stores. However, it is generally advised to avoid exchanging money at airports, as the convenience often comes at a price. Instead, travellers are recommended to use an ATM at a convenience store or bank, which usually offers a better exchange rate.

Currency exchange counters at Narita Airport

There are several options for exchanging currency at Narita Airport. One option is to use the GPA currency exchange counters, which are operated directly under the management of the Narita Airport corporate group. These counters handle 34 currencies, which is more than any other currency exchange counter at the airport.

Another option is to use one of the ATMs at the airport, which accept foreign ATM cards. You can withdraw Japanese yen directly from these ATMs, and the exchange rate will be the same as the Mastercard or Visa rate, plus any foreign transaction fees. It is important to note that the ATMs attached directly to currency exchange counters may not offer the best rates.

While currency exchange counters at airports are typically convenient, they may not offer the best exchange rates. Some travellers recommend withdrawing cash from an ATM at a convenience store or bank in Japan, as these may offer better exchange rates. However, it is worth considering that you may want to have some Japanese yen with you when you leave the airport, so exchanging at least some money at the airport may be a good option.

Using an ATM at the airport

If you want to exchange money at Narita Airport, you can use one of the seven bank and Mizuho ATMs that accept foreign ATM cards. You can also use your debit card to withdraw cash at an ATM in a convenience store or bank, which will usually give you a better exchange rate than the airport currency exchange.

It's worth noting that Japan is still largely a cash-based society, so it's a good idea to have some Japanese yen on you when you leave the airport. You can exchange money at major hotels, but the rates are usually not as favourable as at the airport or banks.

If you're looking for the best exchange rate, it might be worth exchanging some money before you arrive in Japan. However, if you need cash right away, using an ATM at the airport is a convenient option. The airport ATMs have low fees, and you can get the same rate as you would at a bank or convenience store ATM as long as you select Japanese yen instead of your home currency.

There are also GPA currency exchange counters within Narita Airport that handle 34 currencies, more than any other currency exchange counters at the airport.

Exchanging money at a convenience store

If you want to exchange money at Narita Airport, there are several options available to you. You can exchange money at a GPA currency exchange counter, which handles 34 currencies. You can also use one of the seven bank and Mizuho ATMs at the airport, which will work with foreign ATM cards.

However, if you want to get the best exchange rate, it is recommended that you use an ATM at a convenience store or bank in Japan, as these will probably give you a better deal. You can withdraw cash with your debit card, and as long as you pick yen and not your home currency, the exchange rate will be the Mastercard or Visa rate, plus any foreign transaction fee. This means that the rate is not dictated by the ATM provider.

It is also possible to exchange money at major hotels, but the rates are usually not as good. Depending on where you are travelling from, it might be beneficial to exchange money before you arrive.

Exchanging money at a bank

There are seven bank and Mizuho ATMs at Narita Airport that accept foreign ATM cards. The rates are the same as at the banks, so you can withdraw cash with your debit card without having to worry about getting a worse deal. However, it's worth noting that Japan is still largely a cash-based society, so it's a good idea to do your research and make preparations before you go.

If you want to exchange money before you arrive at the airport, you can do so at major hotels, although the rates may not be as good. Alternatively, you can use an ATM at a convenience store, which will probably give you a better deal than exchanging money at the airport.

Exchanging money at a hotel

If you're looking to exchange money at Narita Airport, there are a few options available to you. One option is to use one of the seven bank and Mizuho ATMs at the airport, which accept foreign ATM cards. The exchange rate at these ATMs is usually better than that offered by currency exchange counters.

However, if you're looking for convenience and don't mind paying a slightly higher rate, you can also exchange money at major hotels. Hotels typically offer currency exchange services, but the rates may not be as favourable as those offered by banks or ATMs. It's important to do your research and make preparations before travelling to Japan, as it is still largely a cash-based society.

While exchanging money at a hotel may be convenient, it's worth noting that you may get a better rate by withdrawing cash from an ATM using your debit card. ATMs at convenience stores or banks in Japan are likely to offer a more competitive exchange rate.

Additionally, it's worth considering exchanging some money before you arrive in Japan, as this could save you money in the long run. By planning ahead and comparing exchange rates, you can make the most of your money and avoid paying unnecessary fees. Remember to always choose to withdraw in the local currency (yen) to avoid unfavourable dynamic currency conversion fees.

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