IC cards & payments
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How much cash do you actually need in Japan in 2026?
Japan takes cards more widely than its reputation suggests, but cash still matters. A Tokyo resident on how much yen to carry, where cards fail, and the fees to dodge.
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Tax-free shopping in Japan: the conditions, and the paperwork at the airport
How tax-free shopping in Japan works for visitors — who qualifies, the passport and payment steps, the airport checks — written from the official rules, which change.
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Adding Suica to an overseas iPhone: what works and what silently fails
How to add a Suica to an overseas iPhone as a visitor, why some foreign cards are declined for top-ups, and the backup plan for when Apple Pay quietly refuses.
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The card machine asking 'pay in your currency?' — always say no
Dynamic currency conversion in Japan explained: why paying in yen beats paying in your home currency at card terminals, ATMs and hotels, and how to refuse it.
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Which ATMs in Japan take a foreign card, and what they charge
A Tokyo resident on which ATMs in Japan reliably accept foreign cards, the fees to watch, the DCC prompt to refuse, and how to get yen without overpaying.
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Suica, Pasmo or Welcome Suica: which IC card should a visitor get?
A Tokyo local explains the real differences between Suica, Pasmo and Welcome Suica for visitors — deposits, the 28-day expiry, phone options, and which to pick.