02/09/2026
Donโt make the "card-only" mistake in Japan! ๐ฏ๐ต๐
โWhile Japan is super modern, it is still heavily reliant on physical cash. Thousands of Aussie travelers get caught off guard expecting to tap-and-go everywhere!
โHere are 4 spots where you MUST have Japanese Yen (JPY) in your wallet:
โRamen Shops & Ticket Vending Machines: Most local eateries require physical cash at the door machine before you take a seat.
โShrines, Temples & Street Markets: Entry fees, lucky charms, and food stalls are almost strictly cash-only.
โLocal Taxis & Small Towns: Outside major train hubs, regional vendors rarely accept foreign credit cards.
โBus Fares & IC Card Top-ups: Reloading your Suica or Pasmo travel pass at station kiosks requires physical cash notes.
โ๐ก Travel Tip: Foreign transaction fees on Australian bank cards add up fast (usually 3%โ5% per tap), and overseas ATM fees can be brutal.
โPick up your Japanese Yen before you fly with Melbourne Currency Exchange:
โโจ $0 Commission & zero hidden fees
โ๐ Better rates than airport counters
โ๐ Order your cash online today ๐ด
โ.
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