Tokyo Subway Ticket or an IC card
The pass looks cheap, the tap card looks easy, and you want to stop second-guessing.
Food, etiquette and daily basics
Cash, card or IC card in Japan
You are not sure what to carry, and you do not want to be stuck at a till.
Carry a card, an IC card and a modest amount of yen in cash. Cards cover most cities and chain stores.
Cash still matters in small towns, temples, rural restaurants and some vending machines. A mix keeps you flexible.
What does each payment method do best?
| Method | Works well for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Credit or debit card. | Hotels, big shops, many restaurants. | Foreign fees, small shops that refuse cards. |
| IC card. | Trains, buses, vending machines, convenience stores. | Needs top-up, not accepted everywhere. |
| Cash in yen. | Small restaurants, temples, rural areas. | Carrying too much, or running out. |
Read our guide on IC cards, physical or mobile and the IC card glossary for how they work.
When should you exchange ringgit to yen?
Rates move, so a single date is not a rule. Bank Negara’s selling rate was RM 2.603 per 100 yen on 19 October 2026 1. That means 10,000 yen was about RM 260 on that date 1.
Exchange a modest amount before you fly, then withdraw more as needed. Our guide on ringgit-yen rate timing explains how to think about it, and the budget guide shows how to total costs.
What about foreign fees on Malaysian cards?
Banks often add a currency conversion or foreign transaction fee, and it varies by card and issuer. Check with your bank before you go. If a terminal offers to charge in ringgit, choose yen. The terminal’s rate may be worse than your bank’s.
Tell your bank you will use the card abroad, and keep a second card in case one is blocked.
Where does cash still matter?
- Small family restaurants and market stalls.
- Temples, shrines and small attractions.
- Rural buses and small-town shops.
- Lockers and some vending machines.
Small towns may have few ATMs, so withdraw before you leave a city. Convenience-store ATMs are a common option for visitors.
What is a simple plan?
Load an IC card for transport, carry a card for hotels and bigger bills, and keep enough yen for the day in small notes and coins. Compare Tokyo passes in Tokyo Subway Ticket versus IC card. Tell us your route and we will mark where cash is likely.
If you are planning your money for a Japan trip, send us your route and group size. We will list where cash is likely to matter on your days.
Keep planning
Build a Japan trip budget in ringgit
You want a number in ringgit, and every website gives you a different one.
IC card in Japan
You want to tap through Japan's stations without decoding a ticket machine each time.
IC cards: physical or phone wallet
You want to tap through Japan's stations, and you are unsure which kind of card suits your phone.
Exchange rates when budgeting Japan in ringgit
You are watching the yen move and wondering whether to wait or exchange now.
Coin lockers or staffed luggage storage
You have a big suitcase, a few free hours before check-in and no idea where to leave it.
Questions travellers ask
Should I bring cash or rely on cards?
Bring both. Cards work in most cities, hotels and chain stores, but small restaurants, rural shops, temples and some buses still prefer cash. A mix of a card, an IC card and a modest amount of yen covers nearly everything.
Does my Malaysian card charge foreign fees?
Usually yes, in some form. Banks may add a currency conversion or foreign transaction fee, and it varies by card. Check with your bank before you travel, and choose the card that charges you least. Pay in yen, not ringgit, if a terminal offers a choice.
Where can I withdraw cash in Japan?
Convenience-store ATMs are widely used by visitors, and many accept overseas cards. Check with your bank that your card works abroad and whether it charges fees. Withdraw in sensible amounts rather than one big sum, and keep the receipt.
Sources
Figures are checked against these sources and dated so you can see how current they are.
- Bank Negara Malaysia exchange rates (JPY)accessed 2026-10-20
Ready to shape your Japan trip?
Tell us your dates, who is travelling and what you hope to see. We will reply with ideas and a tailored quote.