Banking in Japan

Japanese banks are usually open Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 15:00.

In order to open an account at a Japanese bank, a foreigner requires to present his/her Alien Registration Card, the document any foreigner needs to apply for when staying in Japan for more than 90 days. An inkan (personal stamp) or signature is also needed.

Japanese banks offer automatic teller machines (ATM) and cash dispensers (CD). At ATMs one can pay withdraw, deposit and transfer money and pay bills, while at CDs it is usually only possible to withdraw money. Most ATMs and CDs are unavailable on weekends and during the night, but the number of 24h ATMs is increasing. The machines found in convenience stores, for example, are often available around the clock.

As a traveler in Japan, be aware that most Japanese ATMs do not accept foreign credit cards. Only the international ATMs found in post offices and in a few major department stores and airports accept foreign credit and debit cards.

Telephone and utilities bills can be paid at banks, ATMs, post offices and at some convenience stores.