Credit Card in Japan: Is It Allowed? Benefits and Tips

The credit card is undoubtedly one of the best friends of the Brazilian consumer, but is the figure similar on the other side of the world, in Japan? Let's find out.

The Japanese are known, among other characteristics, for their intelligence, technologies and development.

Of course, when thinking about Japan, also comes to mind its beautiful temples and stories of brave samurai and beautiful geisha.

It is a place where modernity and tradition are balanced in a synergism seen in few other places around the world.

This contrast between the modern and the ancient is also present in the use of money by the Japanese.

In the West, we are very used to using non-cash payment methods, such as credit cards.

Could it be that in Japan, one of the most westernized countries in Asia, is this also the case?

Paying bills in Japan: tradition and modernity

As we said, Japan is a land where modernity and tradition come together in a fine balance in different spheres of culture and customs, including the use of money.

The official Japanese currency is the yen, which has been in place since the 19th century, going through wars, economic crises, environmental disasters and everything that can shake a country's currency.

Therefore, for the people, cash, paper money itself, is part of a long tradition and national identity.

That's not to say there aren't other payment methods, of course.

After all, we are talking about a modern country that has the third largest economy in the world.

Prepaid card

Is it allowed to use a credit card in Japan?

Using a credit card in Japan is allowed, but it is not the most accepted form of payment in the country.

On the doors and windows of establishments that accept cards, it is possible to see the flags that each establishment receives.

The best-known card brands are also the most common in Japanese establishments.

If you don't have a card and are thinking about going to Japan, look for one with an internationally accepted flag.

The experts of easy-to-approve card portal provide information on the cards that offer the highest chance of approval and the advantages and disadvantages of each one.

Check this information out before making your decision.

What is the most accepted payment method in Japan?

In Japan, the most accepted payment method is cash.

Many Japanese establishments have self-service machines, widely used by locals, but also by tourists.

They offer convenient, quick and inexpensive meals, but only accept cash, paper or currency.

Many tourist attractions such as temples also accept cash only. No credit card.

The establishments that accept cards are usually large stores and restaurants with service by waiters, which have a larger structure.

Why does the yen have no cents? Is it undervalued?

The article is still halfway through, but we recommend also reading:

Should I take a credit card to Japan?

If you're already deciding not to take your credit card with you on your trip to Japan, calm down, don't put the cart before the horse.

Because we said that the Japanese prefer to receive cash, this does not mean that the card does not exist in the country.

Especially if you are in the big cities, the credit card is a widely accepted form of payment.

Not being able to spend everything on the card, on the one hand, is good for controlling expenses.

The easy-to-approve card portal reminds you that the total card bill must not exceed 30% of what you earn.

From there, you could be getting into a financial trap.

On the other hand, the card remains the safest form of payments abroad and at home, as it avoids the chances of theft.

Point card - discover the point cards of Japan

Is it worth using a credit card in Japan?

The main reason to use a credit card in Japan is security.

Walking around in possession of a lot of cash while on the street can make you an easy target for thieves and malicious people.

The biggest disadvantage of using the card abroad, however, is the infamous IOF.

However, now that the price of purchases is converted when the card is swiped and no longer when the invoice is closed, the user is less subject to currency fluctuations.

This means that you can have more control over how much you are actually spending on the card and do the math to know whether or not it is worth using this payment method for a given purchase.

The most important thing is to remember that the invoice always arrives and needs to be paid.

As the easy-to-approve card portal well reminds you don't want to tarnish your precious credit history with debt you can't pay.

Even if you use your card for occasional purchases, Japan is a destination where you need to carry a reasonable amount of cash.

That doesn't mean walking around the streets of Tokyo with a fanny pack full of cash.

Ideally, if you have a safe in your hotel, leave most of your money there and leave with only what you need for the day.

- credit card in japan: is it allowed? benefits and tips
Credit card in Japan: Is it allowed? Benefits and Tips

enjoy your trip

Now that you know how payments work in Japan, you can plan your trip more calmly.

In the Land of the Rising Sun, modern customs meet and sometimes even clash with traditions.

The yen has been the official currency of Japan for over two centuries, which makes its cultural force extremely powerful.

Perhaps this is one of the reasons why so many places, from tourist attractions to shops, in Japan have not succumbed to modern card-based payment trends.

Of course, this does not mean that the second largest economy in the world does not accept cards in its territory at all.

It just means that two payment methods coexist in a much greater balance than in other societies, not only Western but also Eastern.

A China, for example, barely uses the card anymore.

Much of the Asian giant's payments are made through QR codes and electronic wallets through cell phones.

Japan remains with its tradition even in the use of money.

It's one more aspect to take advantage of on your trip to the other side of the world.

Good trip!

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