Many Westerners imagine Japan to be a modern, technology-oriented country. If this may be true for mobile phones, electronics or gadgets, it does not apply to electronic money. Japan remains strongly a cash-based society, and credit card companies use every incentive possible to try to supplant cash - but mostly in vain. Even in major cities, many smaller shops or restaurants do not accept cards at all, or if they do, they usually restrict its use (over a certain amount, or not for lunch in the case of quite of few restaurants). Debit cards such as Maestro or Cirrus are almost unheard of.
Banks and ATM's
Banking hours are usually Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm, and closed on Saturday, sunday and national holidays. ATM's are usually close between 5 and 8pm, depending on the bank. Few offer 24h ATM service, as convenience stores take care of it (though each for a limited number of Japanese banks). UFJ Bank was the first major Japanese bank to offer 24h ATM in 2003. However, overseas credit or debit cards are very rarely accepted in Japanese banks. Even if you see a Visa or MasterCard sign, it only concerns Japanese ones. In any case, Japanese banks always charge about 110yen for ATM withdrawal, except for one's own bank during the bank opening hours (i.e. not the longer ATM's opening hours, but until 3pm).
A few big Mitsui-Sumitomo Banks accept foreign Visa, Mastercard, Maestro and Cirrus. They usually boast a conspicuous "Visa" sign. Since 2002, Japanese Post Offices also accept foreign cards and have menus in English, but close relatively early. Otherwise, Citibank is the best bet for most visitors to Japan, as it offers 7day/24h ATM service, accept foreign cards and is free for Citibank (or associate) card holders. The drawback is that they aren't as numerous as Japanese banks or post offices.
There are other Citibank ATM's, but not available 24h. Please refer to Citibank Japan's website for a complete listing and area maps.
Credit cards contact
American Express, Tel: 0120-020-120
Diners Club, Tel: 03-3797-7311
MasterCard, Tel: 03-5728-5200
Visa, Tel: 00531-44-0022
For lost credit cards call the relevant toll-free 24hr number :
American Express, Tel: 0120-02012
Mastercard, Tel: 00531/11-3886
Visa, Tel: 0120-133173
Currency Exchange & Traveller's cheques
Cash and traveller's cheques can be exchanged at the so-called "Authorized Money Exchange Banks" (signed displayed in English). These are common in cities, but much less in the countryside. Alternatively, try large hotels or shops. Most banks will change T.C.'s if they are in US dollar or Euro denominations.
If you want to issue traveller's cheques, major banks now have automatic machine that will convert your yen to US dollar or Euro.
