Traveling with an Amex - will I be able to use it widely in Japan or should I carry a backup Visa/Mastercard?
Traveling with an Amex - will I be able to use it widely in Japan or should I carry a backup Visa/Mastercard?
Amex worked fine at Tokyo Narita Airport for shopping and booking train tickets at the JR counter. After that, it was really hit or miss. Couldn’t use it at FamilyMart, couldn’t use it at a ryokan in Hakone. I ended up using my BNP Visa for almost everything. Japan’s still very Visa/Mastercard-centric, especially when it comes to transport and food. Carry a backup for sure or expect to rely on cash more than usual.
Traveling with an Amex - will I be able to use it widely in Japan or should I carry a backup Visa/Mastercard?
I had an Amex issued by HDFC and thought it would be enough, but I quickly found out most places didn’t accept it even in Tokyo. Tried using it at a ramen place in Ueno and they just shook their heads. Thankfully I had my Axis Bank Mastercard which worked fine almost everywhere. Even 7-Eleven accepted Visa and Mastercard but not my Amex. I wouldn’t recommend relying only on Amex in Japan.
Used my Amex Platinum in Osaka and Kyoto and it worked maybe 30 percent of the time. Big hotels and major chains like Uniqlo or Bic Camera accepted it, but it got declined at several cafes, convenience stores, and even at a metro ticket machine. Japan is still quite behind with Amex acceptance, especially outside major cities. I’d say always carry a Visa or Mastercard as backup. I used my Monzo Visa way more than I expected.
I brought my Amex Gold with me to Japan thinking it would be accepted like in the US, but nope, major letdown. Hotels and some department stores in Tokyo accepted it, like Takashimaya and a few in Shibuya. But small restaurants, local shops, even some train counters refused it. I had to rely on my Chase Visa debit for most purchases. Definitely bring a Visa or Mastercard if you want smooth travel.
Mizuho Bank in Japan worked perfectly with both my Visa and Mastercard. Reliable ATM.
Used my Visa card from the US at Resona Bank in Japan-no issues, transaction was smooth.