Bank card for Japan from France: which one to choose?
Having a bank card that works in Japan makes things much easier when it comes to withdrawals and payments. With so many card providers available, it’s natural to wonder: what’s the best bank card to use in Japan from France? What fees can you expect, and how can they be reduced or avoided? Here’s everything you need to know.
Alternatively, you could get a Wise card and save on your withdrawals and payments in Japan: pay directly in yen as if you were local, and withdraw up to €200 (or the equivalent in foreign currency) per month with no fees, up to 2 withdrawals.
Which bank card should you choose for travelling to Japan from France?
As tourism is one of Japan’s key industries, the millions of visitors who arrive each year rarely encounter problems when making withdrawals or payments.
In Japan, almost all bank cards—regardless of their provider or network—can be used for payments.
Whether you have a Visa, Mastercard, or JCB (Japan Credit Bureau) card, you’ll be able to use it in most shops, department stores, and hotels across Japan.
Tourists visiting Japan for the first time are often surprised by how advanced and widespread card payment systems and technologies are in the country.
Choosing the right bank card for Japan: key criteria to consider
Since most bank cards work in Japan, the real question is: how do you choose the most suitable one for your trip? A few factors stand out as especially important to consider:
Fees charged by the card provider
Bank cards are generally issued by banks, including online banks, which operate for profit. In other words, these institutions earn money through their products, including cards.
So before choosing your card, take a look at your provider’s fee schedule—especially for transactions made abroad.
By comparing different providers, you’ll quickly find that some cards are better suited for travel than others.
Payment and withdrawal limits
Before flying to Japan, check the payment and withdrawal limits on your bank card.
Some cards have relatively low limits, which could leave you stuck in an awkward situation—like being unable to pay or withdraw cash even though you have enough funds.
To avoid this, you can either ask your bank to increase your limits or get a card that already offers higher ones.
The exchange rate
When you make a payment with your bank card in Japan, your provider converts the transaction amount into Japanese yen using an exchange rate. This rate is one of the key factors to keep in mind.
As mentioned in many of our guides, most traditional banks apply a marked-up exchange rate when converting currencies, often with extra commissions or hidden fees.
For travel—whether to Japan or anywhere else—it’s best to choose a card that uses the mid-market exchange rate for currency conversions.
That’s the case with the Wise card, which converts EUR to JPY at the mid-market rate and lets you pay like a local in Japan.
The Suica Card: a convenient payment solution in Japan
While most international bank cards work in Japan, there’s an even more practical local option: the Suica Card.
Launched by JR East (East Japan Railway Company) in the early 2000s, the Suica Card was originally designed for paying metro, train, and bus fares in many Japanese cities.
Over time, it has evolved beyond transport to become a versatile payment method. Today, you can use the Suica Card in most restaurants, shops, department stores, and even some hotels.
In 2016, JR East partnered with Apple, allowing iPhone and Apple Watch users to add a Suica Card directly to their devices.
FAQ – Everything you need to know about bank cards in Japan
Here’s a short FAQ to wrap up and help you prepare your trip.
Does a Visa card work in Japan?
Yes, Visa network cards work in Japan without issue.
What are the fees for bank cards in Japan?
The fees you’ll pay when withdrawing or making payments in Japan depend on your card provider’s pricing policy. That’s why it’s best to choose a card optimized for travel before leaving France.
Can I top up my Suica Card with my bank card?
Yes, you can top up your Suica Card with your bank card, as long as both are linked to your iOS device.
With a Wise card, save on all your withdrawals and payments in Japan
If you’re planning a trip to Japan soon, consider getting a Wise card before you go. It can make your travels smoother and cheaper.
The Wise card is designed for international use, including in Japan, and offers several key advantages:
- The Wise card is linked to a multi-currency account, allowing you to hold and convert 40+ currencies.
- All conversions, including EUR to JPY, are made at the mid-market exchange rate.
- No hidden fees: all applicable fees are clearly shown upfront by Wise.
- You can top up your Suica Card with your Wise card and benefit from the same fair mid-market exchange rate.
- Withdraw up to €200 (or the equivalent in JPY) per month with no fees, for up to 2 withdrawals.
This article is a translation of the original article published in French and was translated within 365 days of publication. While the content has been translated for accessibility, the data and sources referenced have not been updated since the original publication date.
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This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
