Money(19 guides)

Why Two Prices? Japan's 8% and 10% Consumption Tax Explained

Why Japanese receipts show two prices, when the 8% reduced tax rate applies, and how to read tax-included pricing as a tourist.

Updated: 2026-08-09

Getting Receipts in Japan for Your Expense Report

Need a Japanese receipt for work? Learn when the register slip is enough, how to ask for a ryoshusho, and which invoice details to check.

Updated: 2026-08-08

Japan Accommodation Taxes: Why Your Hotel Charges Extra

Accommodation tax in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, with July 2026 rates, calculation examples, payment timing, and the difference from onsen tax.

Updated: 2026-07-30

ATMs That Accept Foreign Cards in Japan (7-Eleven, Post Office)

Foreign-card ATMs in Japan, with official withdrawal limits, possible local fees, currency-choice guidance, hours, and a practical decline checklist.

Updated: 2026-07-26

Shipping Souvenirs Home from Japan: Post Office Options and Customs

How to mail souvenirs from Japan: compare EMS, air and surface parcels, prepare an online label, list contents for customs, and avoid prohibited goods.

Updated: 2026-07-23

Tax-Free Shopping in Japan: 2026 Rules and the November Refund Change

Japan tax-free shopping rules through October 2026, plus the confirmed November 1 refund system, 90-day export deadline and airport process.

Updated: 2026-07-19

Exchanging Money in Japan Without Bad Rates

Where to exchange currency in Japan and how to avoid bad rates. ATM withdrawals, exchange counters, and airport booths compared for travelers.

Updated: 2026-07-14

Lost or Stolen Credit Card in Japan: Who to Call First

Lost your credit card in Japan? The order to act: freeze the card with your issuer, report at a police box, and secure cash — plus how to dial overseas.

Updated: 2026-07-14

IC Card Went Negative: How Suica/Pasmo Auto-Charge Works

Why a Suica or Pasmo seems to go negative at a Japanese ticket gate, how auto-charge really works, and how to settle a low balance at a fare adjustment machine.

Updated: 2026-07-13

Tax-Free Shopping Mistakes That Get You Charged at the Airport

Why customs can charge tax on a tax-free purchase when you leave Japan, the mistakes that trigger it, and how to pass the departure check smoothly.

Updated: 2026-07-13

A Realistic Daily Budget for Japan (Typical Costs)

A realistic daily budget for traveling in Japan by category, with typical costs for food, transport, lodging, and sightseeing for tourists.

Updated: 2026-07-03

Getting Your IC Card Deposit Back Before You Leave Japan

How to refund a Suica, Pasmo, or other IC card and get your 500 yen deposit and balance back before flying home from Japan.

Updated: 2026-06-28

Japan's Coins and Notes: A Quick Visual Guide

A visual guide to Japan's coins and banknotes: every denomination, what each looks like, the holed and bicolor quirks, and what vending machines accept.

Updated: 2026-06-27

QR Code Payments in Japan (PayPay, Alipay, WeChat): Tourist Guide

Can you use your home QR payment app in Japan? How Alipay+, WeChat Pay, and PayPay work for tourists, which stores accept them, and what to do if a scan fails.

Updated: 2026-06-26

Airport Duty-Free vs In-Store Tax-Free Shopping in Japan

Airport duty-free and in-store tax-free shopping in Japan are not the same. Compare location, limits, documents, and which one saves you more money.

Updated: 2026-06-25

Cash or Card in Japan: Where You Still Need Yen

Do you need cash in Japan? Where cards work, where only yen is accepted, and how much cash to carry as a tourist, with a scene-by-scene guide.

Updated: 2026-06-13

When a Paper Ticket Beats an IC Card in Japan

When a paper train ticket is cheaper or smarter than tapping a Suica or Pasmo in Japan, with a clear comparison for tourists.

Updated: 2026-06-13

Tipping in Japan: The Short Answer for Travelers

Do you tip in Japan? The short answer is no. How to handle restaurants, taxis, hotels, and the few exceptions where a gesture is welcome.

Updated: 2026-06-13

Which Credit Cards Work in Japan? Visa, Amex, JCB, and More

Which credit and debit cards are accepted in Japan, where each brand works best, and what to do when your card is declined.

Updated: 2026-06-13