.webp)
Exchange EUR to JPY
Our Rates
Our Branches
FAQs
Buying Japanese yen (JPY) before travelling to Japan
Japan is one of the few modern destinations where cash is still essential. In 2025, according to Japan’s Ministry of Economy, 58% of consumer spending was cashless, meaning that more than four in every ten yen were still spent using notes and coins. Ideally, you should travel with both: cash in yen for temples, small restaurants and rural areas, and a card for everything else. At Prosegur Change, you can reserve your yen online with no commission and collect them from one of our branches.
|
|
|
Currency |
Japanese yen (JPY, ¥) |
|
Commission on online reservations |
0 % |
|
Collection |
Free from 18 branches in Spain |
|
Payment |
At the branch, by card or in cash |
|
Leftover pounds |
BuyBack guarantee: €6.95 |
|
Cash-free option |
Where you will need cash in Japan
Major chains, shopping centres, convenience stores (konbini) and most hotels accept card payments without any problems. However, cash is still king in the places that often make trips to Japan so special: small neighbourhood restaurants, many of which have ticket vending machines at the entrance; temples and shrines, where you pay for admission, amulets and offerings; markets; and, more generally, villages and rural areas.
It is also worth getting used to using coins. They are widely used in Japan, as coins come in denominations of up to ¥500, so it is normal to end the day with a pocket full of change. This is why Japanese people often carry a separate coin purse.
Pay by card in yen with the Travel Money Card
For everything you can pay for by card, the Travel Money Card is the perfect companion to your cash yen. It is a free, 100% virtual Mastercard that you can add to Apple Pay or Google Pay. It allows you to load yen through the app at the current exchange rate, which is more favourable than the rate applied when buying cash. Once in Japan, you can pay with your phone in shops, konbini, department stores and chain restaurants without having your Spanish bank convert the currency for every purchase.
The combination works well: carry cash for temples, markets and small restaurants, and load the rest of your budget onto the card. If you run out of cash yen, you can top up your card in minutes through the app, without having to look for a currency exchange branch.
Get your JPY at the best exchange rate with our multi-currency card
EUR
This card is issued without any funds loaded. It can be topped up once activated.
Banknotes and coins: the new 2024 series
In July 2024, Japan introduced a new series of ¥1,000, ¥5,000 and ¥10,000 banknotes, featuring new portraits and security features. Older banknotes remain valid, so you will find both series in circulation. The ¥2,000 banknote exists but is rarely seen. Coins are available in denominations of ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100 and ¥500.
A new tax-free shopping system from 1 November 2026
If you plan to take advantage of tax-free shopping, be aware that the system is changing on 1 November 2026. Until now, shops have deducted the consumption tax (10%) directly at the till. Under the new system, you pay the full price and the shop refunds the tax after customs confirms, when you leave Japan, that you are taking the purchased goods out of the country. The minimum purchase remains ¥5,000 before tax at the same shop on the same day. Depending on the shop, your refund may be made by bank transfer, credited to your card or paid in cash at the airport, so ask how the refund will be processed when you make your purchase.
Tipping: it is best to avoid it
Tipping is not part of Japan’s service culture, and leaving a tip can even make people feel uncomfortable. Some hotels and restaurants already include a service charge of around 10% in the bill. If you want to show your appreciation for good service, simply saying thank you is enough.
.webp)
Before leaving Spain
You do not need a visa to visit Japan as a tourist and can stay for up to 90 days. Registration through Visit Japan Web is not compulsory, but it can speed up arrival procedures. Japan is also preparing an electronic travel authorisation, JESTA, which will become mandatory for Spanish travellers from 2028.
Since 1 July 2026, Japan’s departure tax has been ¥3,000 per person, but you do not need to carry this amount in cash: it is included in your flight ticket. Regarding money, Japan requires you to declare amounts exceeding ¥1 million, or the equivalent in another currency, at customs. When leaving Spain with €10,000 or more, remember to submit form S1 to the Spanish Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria).
If you want to use your phone to make payments, find your way around or translate without relying on Wi-Fi, you can order our international eSIM before you leave.
.webp)
How to reserve your yen
Check today’s yen exchange rate, choose the amount you need on our website, select the branch where you would like to collect your currency and choose a collection date. You can pay when you collect your order, by card or in cash. You can collect your yen in central Madrid or Barcelona, or at any other branch listed in our branch finder. If you are unsure how much you will spend, you can take out our buy-back guarantee.
Traveling soon?
Here's how to easily exchange your money:
1. Select currency
Choose your currency and the amount you need. Stock guaranteed on 65 currencies!
2. Select location & date
Choose from 18 branches for a free pick up. No need to prepay your order online
3. Collect & pay
Pay by card or in cash directly at the branch upon pick-up. You're now all set for your trip!
Frequently asked questions about the Japanese yen
Yes. More than four in every ten yen are still spent in cash, particularly at temples, small restaurants and in rural areas.
Yes, in shops, konbini, hotels and department stores. With the Travel Money Card, you can pay in yen using your phone.
Yes. Banknotes issued before the 2024 series remain legal tender.
You pay the price including tax, and the shop refunds the 10% tax after customs confirms your departure from Japan with the purchased goods.
No. Since July 2026, the ¥3,000 departure tax has been included in your flight ticket.