Tokyo Banks

What's so important about Tokyo banks?

Well before we talk about getting your hands on your money during your stay in Tokyo, please make sure that when you land at Tokyo International Airport you arrive with cash in your pocket.

Not only will this reduce the stress of your first few hours in the city, it'll also give you time to find your bearings without the immedate worry of how to get your hands on some cash.

Major Tokyo Banks

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So which Tokyo banks will you find in the city?

Actually not that many that you're familiar with - possibly only one - Citibank. Citibank has the strongest presence of the international banks and they do have some 24 hour ATMs. Be warned though - these are few and far between. You need to have enough cash on you to get you to the ATM if this is going to be your main source of hard currency.

Another bank which is recently hitting the scene is Shinsei Bank. This was originally a Japanese bank but has recently become more international in flavour.

The great thing here is that the ATMS are open 24 hours, 365 days a year. If you have a Visa Plus card then you can use these ATMS.

Most of the other banks you see here are domestic in nature and you cannot use their ATMs with an international card.

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Alternative ATM Cash Access

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What are the alternatives to Tokyo banks?

There are Seven Eleven convenience stores all around Tokyo and they're open 24 hours so you can pop in anytime you need. The franchise of Seven Eleven convenience stores recently opened up the possibilities for ATM users with international cards.

If you have Visa, Plus, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus, American Express, JCB or Union Pay, you can use any of the ATMS provided by Seven Bank.

The sign on the left is a typical ATM sign that the convenience stores display outside their doors. To find out whether there's a Seven Bank ATM or partner ATM in the area that you will be staying, follow the link to Seven Bank.

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Credit Cards

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Most major stores, restaurants and hotels now accept international Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club, with Visa being the most recognized credit card. I would still say never assume though - check before you commit to anything if you want to pay with your credit card - even if there is a sign outside that seems to indicate it's ok.

The comments above only apply to Tokyo and other major cities. If you are traveling to other areas of Japan, particularly the countryside, access to ATMs and banks will be severely restricted so please check in advance.

Travelers Cheques

If you're planning on using travelers cheques during your stay, again find out where you are able to exchange your cheques for the real article.

There are very few money changing kiosks in Tokyo - so few it's not worth mentioning in my opinion - so you will need to find a bank or organization that will accept your cheques. Many of the Tokyo banks do not exchange travelers cheques so you need to know where to go.

The most accessible and foreigner friendly in my experience is the World Currency Shop.

My personal recommendation, and I can't say this enough, is make sure you have some cash on you wherever you are in Tokyo.

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