I personally prefer to have multiple modes of payment with me when I travel just in case something bad happens. There are several establishments in Tokyo where they accept credit cards.

• Credit Cards

○ There are a lot of shops in Tokyo that accepts credit card. During my stay I mainly used my yen to pay for split bills with friends, or loading my suica. There are still some shops that prefers to have you pay for cash though so bring some cash with you. When checking if a store accepts credit cards, they usually have a sign near the register or payment area with visa/mastercard logos on it. You can also ask them if credit cards are okay with: Kurejittokādo wa tsukaemasu ka? (クレジットカードは使えますか) or in my case I just ask “Credit card [kurejittokado] ii desu ka?”. It is usually understood in my experience and they response if yes or no.

You don’t need to do this unless you really want to use your credit card, but having both visa and mastercard can be a lifesaver. I experienced visa cards having maintenance/being down so I couldn’t use it for buying things where my mastercard works perfectly fine.

• Debit Cards

○ I have not personally used this, but I imagine it is just similar with the option above payment wise. Although Japan is a fairly safe place, it might be a good idea to use a debit card that doesn’t contain all your savings and where you can transfer some money if needed. However, take into account moments where you might not have an internet connection. It might also be a good idea to bring a backup debit card in case there is something wrong with your other card.

Just for the storage of your cards, I recommend those containers or wallets that blocks rfid (to avoid rfid skimming) just for security and to also not just put everything in one place. If you prefer otherwise, that is fine. I was just taught that way and if you lose one thing, you lose all of it. However, there is also the struggle of keeping track where things are so just do what fits you better.

• Cash

○ As mentioned, this is still needed in some parts so having some with you is nice. I tend to withdraw it upon arriving in Tokyo instead of exchanging but if the rates are good at your place, then it is your call. I’ve seen and heard a lot of people suggest to just exchange at the ATMs because the conversion is better but please do your own research for your own situation.

○ ○ ATM Locations

There are a lot of ATMs upon arriving in either Haneda Airport or Narita airport. There’s also the option for ‘English’ as the language so withdrawing is pretty easy. There are typically some writing that indicates they accept foreign debit cards for withdrawal + visa/mastercard icons.

Convenience Stores (Konbini) [Family Mart, 7/11, Lawson to name a few] There are some ATMs available in these places typically. However, you might experience them not accepting your card for whatever reason the farther you go from central Tokyo. Here are the places I’ve had no problems withdrawing in just in case you have problems:
○ ○ ○ Harajuku – Mizuho ATM 24H open (Google maps address)

○ ○ ○ East Ikebukuro Convenience Stores

Prices wise to give you an idea how much to withdraw, a typical meal should be around 1,000 yen to 2000 yen. There can be meals that are 500 yen+ (I’ve seen in chains like Matsuya). Bento from the convenience stores are about 500 yen above. Riceballs are 140yen (approximately). Cheaper place to get items: supermarkets (especially around 7pm where the bento prices are discounted). Feel free to browse how certain things are priced in Tokyo vs in your country (for example. How much is the same meal from McDonalds in your country vs Tokyo) so it is easier for you to budget.

• SUICA/Pasmo

○ SUICA and Pasmo are similar in functionality but different names. These are called IC cards. These can be used after loading a certain amount of cash for: tapping to go to the train without buying a ticket every time, tapping for the bus so you don’t need to pay for cash, paying stores/restaurants/shops, buying in convenience stores, and buying in vending machines. This works like a debit card where you will load a certain amount of yen (for example: 10,000 yen) and this can be used for those mentioned as a mode of payment until the balance is 0 or unable to cover the costs.

Depending on where in Japan you are going, check what IC card is being used in that region. For Tokyo, tourists can get SUICA or Pasmo . The cards from PASMO may have a different design and there are different kinds where some are only valid for about 28 days. Please make sure when you are buying.

When do you need to buy this and where?

○ If you have an iPhone please check if your model is able to have suica in your Apple Wallet. Check google and confirm if your unit is capable of this. If you are, there are guides online like in youtube on how to add Suica to your wallet. If your phone is capable and you are successful in adding SUICA to your wallet, you do NOT need to buy the IC card. To use this when you are in Japan here is a useful video. Be sure that your phone’s NFC is turned on. How to turn NFC on || What is NFC?

To load this, follow the video I linked above. Some people also told me they can just load it via their bank? or card so please confirm if this is possible with yours and if your bank is supported to use apple pay as certain countries can not use their cards or accounts for this.

○ If you have an android, is it bought from Japan with felica? What is felica? If your device is not bought in Japan, most likely it does not have that functionality so you NEED to buy the SUICA/Pasmo if you prefer to use it as a mode of payment. Personally, it makes riding the train easy and I get to buy items from random vending machines I see which you will see A LOT in Tokyo.

To buy the SUICA: UENO station, JR RAIL office. Just ask them about this, it is 1,000 yen per card which you will need to pay in cash. You can load this in the train station as well with this useful video as guide.

To Buy the Pasmo: You can ask the information in UENO station where to buy the pasmo card. They will give you a mini map for the station. You’ll need to pay this in cash as well.

It might be useful to find a location to get these cards from if you are unable to go to these places or it is far. Maybe there is a location closer to you where you can get these. Maybe also the airport. The locations I mentioned are when I personally had the experience so I am unsure about other places. Please check online and use other references.

Here’s a list of the mobile applications I’ve found very useful and their uses during my stay/trip in Japan. I do mainly use android but I will be linking the apps here as well so you can easily download or find them.

For Navigation

• Google Maps

Google Maps is a very useful application all around. You can find your way to your destination easily.

It shows the time of departure of the trains and which train to ride in which platform, color, and station, it can show you the shops/restaurants/parks around your area if you want to go on an adventure, it shows you directly where to walk to get to your destination. It is such a life saver and the most convenient and used application during my entire trip.

If you do not know how to use google maps, some key important details:

•• Allow the permissions for the app: Android | IOS

•• Make sure your location is turned on: Android | IOS

•• General basic usage of google maps: Click this video

• Uber

This application will require you to make an account and get an OTP to confirm your account. Generally, taxis are pretty common and easy to spot in Tokyo. Red = not occpuied, you can ask for the service. Green = occupied, already servicing someone. This link helps if you are confused about this.

My reason for suggesting this is sometimes bad things happen (I dislocated my knee during my solo travel) so my friend had to book me an uber just to be sure I can get back properly. This is reserved for situations you are unable to get a taxi or can not physically use the train (ex. after midnight, or convenience, or health related, etc)

Note: this will be 500yen/1000yen (approximately) more expensive compared to just taking a taxi instead of booking one via the application. Taxis in Japan can get pricey so people generally use the train instead or wait for it to open around 5 am if they missed the train. You can pay via cash or credit card with this.

Translation

• Google Translate

Google translate should be available for you to use. You can transalte text, audio, or take an image/photo and translate it to your preferred language. This is ideal if you are looking at directions, menu, or trying to communicate with someone in general. You can download languages so you can use the application even while offline.

• Papago

Papago is another useful translation app that allows you to translate like google translate.

Booking

• Airbnb

Airbnb is a very useful application for finding accommodation especially for bigger groups of people instead of using a hotel. Generally, people have house rules and you will need to check in via letting them know in the application of your: arrival date/time, and in some cases they will ask you to fill up information in a website and attach your passport photo. The check in can be different compared to a hotel as well like: you will be given a code as password for the 1. main entrance of the building, and 2. for the room itself. Some units have the keypad on the door itself that acts as a lock. Some units still need a key. In some cases, this key can be stored in a locked container on the door itself which you need to input the code provided to gain access with the key.

To check out some units will require you to send them a message upon you leaving and for you to turn off the lights, water, etc. For the cases like the key being in the lock box, you will need to put it back and lock it properly before you fully leave the building and after you locked the door using the key.

Some suggestions for getting a nice place would be:

•• Check if they are close to a station

◦◦◦◦ Note: JR Line trains have more people but usually arrive faster. If you need to use a local line, it might take you longer to get to your location + extra cost. It depends on your budget and what you feel is right.

•• Check if they have an elevator in the building. It will be best to avoid lifting the heavy luggage up the stairs.

•• Check how far is it to the main areas you want to visit

•• Check if the surrounding area is easy to find/you are comfortable with it

•• Check if Wifi is provided, as well as other things you want (airconditioner/hair dryer/etc)

•• Check the description and reviews of the airbnb before fully booking

○ For VISA, if you are from a country that requires visa application to be allowed to the country for a certain amount of time, be sure to apply. Google your country and if you need to apply for visa. If you do not need to apply for visa, check how long you can stay with your tourist visa.

For Passport, aside from the obvious use for travelling, this can be used for getting TAX free in shops. Some shops have a required amount for you to be eligible so be sure to check with the employees (for example: uniqlo in harajuku needed a certain amount during our stay. Don Quijote requires a certain amount and tax free is on a different floor in ikebukuro so check with the store you are in). You generally need to present your passport for this.

It is also suggested to have your passport with you as I’ve seen posts and people discussing that police might stop you and ask to check your passport. I have not experienced this and nobody I have met has, but that doesn’t mean it may not happen so just to be safe bring it.

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