Japan guide

If something goes wrong

Lost card & no cash

Japan still runs on cash in many places, so losing a card or running out of money can stop you in your tracks. Here's what to do.

6 steps · 2 common mistakes· Show in Japanese (3)

Lost or stolen card

Step by step

  1. Call your card issuer straight away to block it (the number is on their app or website).

  2. Report it at a kōban, especially if it was stolen, and keep the report number.

  3. Use another card or cash until you have a replacement.

Common mistakes

  • Waiting to see if the card turns up before blocking it.

Need cash now

A traveller inserts a card into an ATM; banknotes come out of the slot.

Step by step

  1. Find a Seven Bank ATM (inside most 7-Eleven stores) or a Japan Post Bank ATM — both take overseas cards.

  2. Choose English on the screen and follow the steps.

  3. Any fee is shown on the screen before you confirm.

Common mistakes

  • Expecting every ATM to take your card — many regular bank ATMs don't accept overseas cards.

Find one near you

Opens your map app and searches around where you are. The Japanese is there to show someone if you need directions.

Sources

Sources (checked 2026-11-04). Facts, numbers and prices on this page come from these official pages.

  1. Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)Staying Safe in Japan(opens in a new tab)JNTO: staying safe and what to do in an emergency
  2. Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)Japan Currency Exchange(opens in a new tab)JNTO: money and currency exchange in Japan
  3. Tokyo Metropolitan Police DepartmentWhat should I do if I lost my property?(opens in a new tab)Tokyo Metropolitan Police: what to do if you lose something
  4. Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)Japan Visitor Hotline(opens in a new tab)JNTO: the 24-hour Japan Visitor Hotline for travellers
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