Good to know
Good to Know
- Always carry some Japanese yen in cash—many traditional businesses, small shops, temples, and certain establishments only accept cash.
- Seven Bank ATMs at 7-Eleven are your most reliable option: 24-hour access, widespread locations, lowest withdrawal fees (¥110), and broad card acceptance.
- If you accidentally leave a tip at a restaurant or in a taxi, staff will likely chase you down to return it—this is standard practice, not rudeness.
- Contactless card payments (tap-to-pay) and IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) are increasingly accepted in Sapporo's major retail and transportation sectors.
- Smaller denominations of yen are practical—some independent shops may not have sufficient change for large notes.
- When paying by cash at a shop or restaurant, place money on the tray provided rather than handing it directly to staff; change will be returned via the same tray.
- Keep a small amount of coins for vending machines, temple donations (especially 5-yen coins, considered lucky), and small purchases.
- Mobile payment apps common in Japan (PayPay, Line Pay, etc.) can be tricky for tourists; a physical card or cash is more reliable.
Currency Exchange
- Important Notes
- Currency exchange machines typically do not exchange coins. Exchange counters may charge unfavorable rates; using ATMs is generally more cost-effective.
Offline Options
Hokkaido Bank or Hokuyo Bank (North Pacific Bank) in Front of Sapporo Station
- Hours
- Limited hours; typically 9:00–15:00 weekdays
New Chitose Airport
- Hours
- Extended hours for arriving travelers
Travelex Shops (4 Locations at New Chitose Airport, 2 in Sapporo City)
- Note
- Online pre-purchase available with pickup at shops
Banking
- Process
- Visit bank in person with documents, complete application form (usually in Japanese; some foreigner-friendly banks offer English forms), receive cash card by mail in 7-10 days. Online applications available at some digital banks.
- ATM Access
- 7-Eleven and convenience store ATMs operate 24/7 and accept foreign cards; withdrawal fees typically ¥110-¥220 per transaction plus home bank fees. Bank branch ATMs vary by location.
- Remittance Fees
- ¥2,000 to ¥5,000 depending on bank and destination. Japan Post Bank and Shinsei Bank offer relatively low rates.
- Residency Requirements
- Most banks require 6 months of residency; Japan Post Bank and some others accept applicants after 3 months. Tourists on 90-day visitor visas cannot open accounts.
- Note
- Staff at most branch banks speak only Japanese; bring a Japanese-speaking companion or use translation app. Foreigner-focused banks like Shinsei and SMBC Prestia may offer English assistance at branch.
Foreigner Friendly Banks
Japan Post Bank (Yucho)
- Highlights
- Flexible requirements (3+ months residency), extensive ATM network, multilingual application forms
- English Support
- Multilingual online application and information available; limited English at branches
Shinsei Bank
- Highlights
- English support available, digital banking in English, flexible options
- English Support
- Full English support
SMBC Prestia
- Highlights
- Premium English service, multi-currency features, no hanko seal required
- English Support
- Full English support; maintenance fees may apply
Account Opening Requirements
- Residence Card (Zairyū Kādo) showing legal status and registered address in Japan
- Passport
- Japanese phone number
- Proof of address (juminhyo or utility bill)
- Personal seal (hanko) or signature capability
ATM Access
- Language Support
- Most ATM screens in Japanese; some display English language options
- Withdrawal Limits
- Typical limit is ¥100,000 per transaction for international cards
Withdrawal Fees
- Seven Bank
- ¥110
Lowest fee option for foreign card withdrawals
- Average Range
- ¥200
Average ATM fees in Japan range from 200–500 JPY per transaction; varies by operator
- Japan Post Bank
- ¥220
Reliable Networks
Enet
- Hours
- 24 hours
- Location
- FamilyMart convenience stores
- International Cards Accepted
- Yes
Seven Bank
- Hours
- 24 hours, 7 days a week (except late-night maintenance)
- Location
- 7-Eleven convenience stores throughout Sapporo
- International Cards Accepted
- Yes
- Note
- Over 28,000 ATMs across Japan
Supported Cards
- Visa
- Plus
- Mastercard
- Maestro
- Cirrus
- UnionPay
- American Express
- JCB
- Discover
- Diners Club
Lawson Bank
- Hours
- 24 hours
- Location
- Lawson convenience stores
- International Cards Accepted
- Yes
Japan Post Bank
- Hours
- Limited hours; typically 9:00–15:00 weekdays (post offices until 16:00)
- Location
- Post offices in Sapporo and New Chitose Airport
- International Cards Accepted
- Yes
- Note
- Some smaller post offices have reduced weekend/holiday hours
Tipping Norms
- General Rule
- Tipping is not customary in Japan and is generally not expected or accepted.
- Cultural Context
- Japanese hospitality (omotenashi) prioritizes excellent service as a professional standard, not a transaction incentivized by tips. Service workers receive fair wages and are not dependent on gratuities.
Exceptions
- Geisha Private Dinner
- Tip of approximately ¥3,000 per person, presented in an envelope at the start of the meal.
- Ryokan Traditional Inns
- If a ryokan provides personal attendants (nakai-san), a tip in an envelope is customary: ¥1,000 per person at check-in.
- Private Guides Interpreters
- Not expected but may be appreciated if accosted to overseas practices. No set amount; tip discreetly in an envelope.
- Tour Guides Accustomed To Foreigners
- May appreciate tips, though not obligatory.
Common Situations
- Taxis
- Do not tip. Taxi drivers take pride in service and will politely refuse tips.
- Hotels
- Western-style hotels—no tip required for maids, bellhops, or restaurant staff.
- Bars Cafes
- Do not tip. Tipping is not part of Japanese culture.
- Restaurants
- Do not tip. Tipping is considered unnecessary and potentially insulting to staff.
Etiquette If Tipping
- Refusal
- If declined, accept graciously without insisting—refusal is normal and expected.
- Discretion
- Always be discreet and subtle.
Card Acceptance
- Overview
- Cards are widely accepted in major department stores, shopping malls, hotels, convenience stores, and large commercial establishments in Sapporo, though smaller independent businesses frequently accept cash only.
- Limitations
- Street boutiques and independent restaurants have limited card acceptance compared to the US and Europe. Many family-run businesses and local restaurants accept cash only.
- Contactless Tap
- Tap-to-pay (contactless) payments have become increasingly common at major convenience stores and retailers.
Major Brands
- Notes
- Visa and Mastercard are most commonly accepted.
Widely Accepted
- Visa
- Mastercard
- JCB
- American Express
Cash Required For
Cash Required For
- Smaller neighborhood shops and independent businesses
- Local markets and food stalls
- Temples and shrines (entrance fees, donations)
- Some taxis (not all accept cards)
- Certain traditional businesses and old-fashioned establishments
- Vending machines (coins only for many types)
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this money & payments research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
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More About Sapporo
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.