How to get your Japanese yen
Discover the most convenient way to receive your travel money through our range of delivery, collection, and online options.
Home Delivery
Enjoy effortless currency exchange with Home Delivery. Place your order online and have your Japanese yen delivered directly to your doorstep, with Royal Mail Special Delivery. Free for orders totalling £500 or more.
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Store Click & Collect
Streamline your currency exchange with our free Click & Collect service. Simply place your order online and pick up your Japanese yen from one of our stores. Enjoy a smooth beginning to your travels with our online rates.
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Buy Japanese yen with a Travel Money Card
Another great option for spending in Japanese yen is our Travelex Money Card.
- Safe and secure - card not linked to your bank account
- Choice of 22 currencies, including Japanese yen
- Seamless spending with Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Manage your Japanese yen effortlessly via the Travelex Money App
- In case your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, our 24/7 global assistance team is here for you
What to spend your yen on
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Sushi meal for 2 people with sake
400 JPY
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Entry to Tokyo Disney
6400 JPY
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Tourist t-shirt
350 JPY
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Postcard and a stamp
70 JPY
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Samurai sword
30,000 JPY
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budget
RecalculateKey information about Japanese yen
No other currency in Asia is more heavily traded than the Japanese yen and it’s the third most traded currency in the world.
The first minted coins in Japan appeared in 708, but by the 19th century Japan was using Spanish dollars. The yen (or “round object”) has been used as the central form of currency since the 1870s.
The currency code of the Japanese yen is JPY and the symbol is ¥.
Japanese yen denominations
The most commonly used bills for Japanese yen are:
- ¥1,000
- ¥5,000
- ¥10,000
There is also a ¥2,000 note but this is very rare.
The most commonly used coins are:
- ¥10
- ¥50
- ¥100
- ¥500
You will also sometimes receive ¥1 and ¥5 as change.
Common questions about the Japanese yen
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When’s the best time to buy Japanese yen?
Getting the best rates for Japanese yen can be tricky. Japan's yen can fluctuate with global market sentiment and domestic economic policy. Stay updated with our rate tracker to time your currency purchase for your trip to the land of the rising sun.
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Where can I buy Japanese yen?
Before you jet off to Japan, you can buy Japanese yen in cash from us, either online or in one of our stores. Or, you can even pick up some yen in one of our stores in Japan while you’re there!
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Where can I spend my Japanese yen?
You can only spend Japanese yen in Japan – you can’t spend it anywhere else.
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Can I buy Japanese yen with a credit or debit card?
You can purchase your Japanese yen from us via credit or debit card. Buying Japanese yen from us means no handling fees on your credit card. It's recommended to confirm with your card provider regarding any additional charges they might apply.
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Can I sell my unused Japanese yen?
Yes! With our Buy Back Promise we can buy back your unused Japanese yen notes at any one of our UK retail stores at the original transaction exchange rate up to a maximum value of £250, for just a fee of £4.99. T&Cs apply.
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Can I use my bank card in Japan?
Japan widely accepts cards, but using them might incur additional fees from your bank for JPY transactions. See how the Travelex Money Card can help you spend abroad.
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Can I spend Japanese yen as cash when abroad?
Yes, cash is still frequently used in Japan. For purchases in Japan, we recommend a balance of cash for minor expenses and the Travelex Money Card for more considerable purchases.
