Are American Express credit cards widely accepted in Japan, specifically, Osaka?
I'm planning how I'll be bringing my money in my future Japan trip, and I was wondering if I could use a mix of cash and credit cards. Sadly, as of the moment, I only have an Amex credit card.
Also, if I could, would you recommend it? (in regards to additional fees or anything)
Best Answer
Qualifier: I live in Tokyo.
All the large stores, especially the major electronics retailers and any international-level hotel, will accept most credit cards. American Express is certainly the least popular, if you can obtain a Visa you'd have very few problems.
Smaller stores, almost all restaurants under $50/plate (and some that are over), and the smaller non-chain hotels are cash only.
On the positive side, withdrawing cash from an ATM is much easier than only a few years ago. 7-11 convenience store ATMs accept Plus-network bank cards, so if it has the Plus logo on the back you just need to find a 7-11, and that won't be a problem.
Fees are $2 per transaction over whatever your bank charges, so don't go in for an extra $20. I usually withdraw Y50,000 - Y90,000 at a time.
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Is American Express widely accepted in Japan?
Can I use an American Express card in Japan? Absolutely. American Express is not as widely accepted around the world compared with Visa and Mastercard, but you should have no trouble using your Amex card at most places where credit cards are accepted in Japan.Does Japan accept American credit cards?
Credit, debit and prepaid cards of international brands are generally accepted throughout the country. There will be instances where stores may not display the symbols of the cards they accept, so ask the salesperson if you can use your card.Where are American Express cards not accepted?
Places Where American Express is Not Accepted: Cuba, Sudan, South Sudan, Iran, Syria. Major Retailers That Accept American Express: Amazon, IKEA, Sears, Target, Walmart, Lowe's, Apple, Best Buy, Staples, CVS. Major Retailers That Don't Accept American Express: Costco, small non-chain stores/restaurants.What cards are accepted in Japan?
Visa, Mastercard and JCB are the most widely accepted cards in Japan. Some merchants may refuse American Express because of the higher merchant fees. Outside of Japan, JCB is generally only accepted in places that are frequented by Japanese tourists.2021 BEST American Express Credit Cards - Amex Reviews / Rankings
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Answer 2
Mark's answer is generally correct -- Japan is still a cash society and it is generally far more convenient (and reliable) to carry a wad of cash easily withdrawn from a 7-11 or Japan Post Office ATM -- yet credit card acceptance is far far better than the dire picture he paints.
Places that almost universally (90%+) accept credit cards:
- Hotels
- Trains (for charging a prepaid card, not sure about individual tickets)
- Department Stores
- Electronics Stores
- Convenient Stores
- Larger chain shops (Uni-qlo, etc.)
Places that generally (50%+) accept credit cards:
- Restaurants with average dishes over ¥1,000
- Taxis
- Supermarkets
- Bars that do not bill by the drink
Of the places that do accept credit cards, Amex is definitely lowest on the list. Visa and Mastercard are almost universally accepted. Japan Diner's Club or something of the sort (you likely don't have one) are less accepted. American Express probably runs around 50% of Visa/MC.
So if you're planning on paying for everything with your Amex, you're going to run in to some trouble. If you are planning to use it in the first list of places (mostly for larger purchases), you'll have better luck, but will probably run in to somewhere that doesn't accept them.
The above is my experience living in urban/semi-urban Western Japan for the past decade and change. Your mileage may vary if you go out to the countryside.
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