Japanese money and currency exchange. Important tips for students and tourists entering Japan How many dollars to take to Japan

The Central Bank of the country speaks. One yen is divided into one hundred sen.

History of the yen and features of the currency

The yen is considered one of the youngest currencies. Its development began from the moment the first samples were minted at the end of the 19th century. In 1871, it became the main one in Japan, replacing the old one, which had been produced since the 16th century. The complete transition to the yen took place in 1878. This is a very important achievement, since until this point money from various materials, both from the central government and from individual principalities, was circulating simultaneously throughout the country.

Due to the serious economic crisis that occurred in 1927, caused by the large volume of printed Japanese yen, the country's central bank had to introduce a new banknote. Its denomination was 200 yen, and the main feature was a blank reverse side. In 1932, gold coins were finally withdrawn from circulation.

Since 1933, backing the yen with gold fades into the background and ceases to directly influence the exchange rate. After 6 years, it is reoriented to the American currency. At that moment, the yen exchange rate to the US dollar was 4. However, after the war, its predictable fall occurred by almost 3 times, then even stronger and more rapidly. The situation stabilized only with General MacArthur coming to power, but at that time 360 ​​yen was given for 1 dollar.

In 1973, the yen lost its dependence on the dollar and began to be considered a freely circulating currency. Then periodically there were fluctuations in the stock exchange, bankruptcy of various financial structures, and economic crises. Only in 2002 did the situation relatively stabilize, the yen began to strengthen, and the flow of investment into the country increased. At the same time, Japan itself is not too interested in the exchange rate between the yen and other currencies being high, since the state’s economy is export-oriented

origin of name

The name of the Japanese currency is pronounced “en” in the country itself. From the beginning of the 18th century, silver coins began to penetrate into China. At that time they were common in Spain. The Chinese gave them the name "Western Yuan". A couple of years later, Hong Kong began issuing its own currency (Hong Kong Yuan). It was this money that subsequently came to Japan, and the inhabitants of the country began to call it in their own way - “en”. So in 1830, Japan’s own currency appeared in the form of silver coins.

Modern coins and banknotes

There are currently 4 types of banknotes in use:

• 100,000 yen;
• 5000 yen;
• 2000 yen - they are not produced in such large quantities, so it is problematic to find such a banknote in everyday life;
• 1000 yen.

The Japanese use 6 types of coins in denomination: one, five, ten, fifty, one hundred and five hundred yen. An interesting fact is that on all (except 5 yen) the denomination is minted in Arabic numerals, so it will be difficult for a foreigner to make a mistake.

Appearance of the yen

Japanese yen depict a variety of figures from politics, literature and science. On the reverse side are drawn: Mount Fuji, a painting by the famous 17th century artist Ogata Korin, illustrations from stories, as well as a phoenix bird.

Some of the banknotes in circulation come in several variants. For example, the 1000 yen banknote may depict the first prime minister or one of the famous writers, Natsume Soseki. On the back is either the Bank of Japan or a traditional oriental landscape.

There are also some images on the coins. In addition, they are minted from various materials. Thus, the 1 yen coin is made of aluminum and has a tree sapling on its obverse. The 5 yen coin has a hole in the middle, is bronze, and has an ear of rice on it.

Since 2008, the country has also issued commemorative coins dedicated to Japanese prefectures.

What tourists need to know

Travelers arriving in Japan should be aware that the country is allowed to bring any currency into the country, even in large quantities. However, if the amount exceeds 1,000,000 yen, a declaration will be required.

In addition, you need to decide in advance where to change currency: in your own country or in Japan. This is necessary because only yen is accepted for payment in the land of the rising sun.

Currency exchange in Japan

A tourist can exchange money in Japan in different places: special points, banks or at the post office. The rate at the airport and at a branch of a credit institution, of course, is different. At the same time, certain inconveniences may arise due to the fact that banks operate on a special schedule that is not very familiar to Russian tourists: from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is also not always possible to find the exchange rate; it is customary to ask about it directly at the cash desk. And since it is preferable to communicate in Japanese, the likelihood of misunderstandings is high.

Sometimes you can buy yen in hotels, but the exchange rate there cannot be considered favorable. In addition, hotels usually have limited funds, so it will not be possible to purchase large sums. Some people prefer to use the services of exchange offices. The main problem is that without knowledge of hieroglyphs, identifying them is quite difficult, and sometimes almost impossible. Also, you can exchange rubles for yen only at 2-3 points located in the capital of Japan - Tokyo.

Yen to dollar, ruble exchange rate

If we talk about the dynamics of the yen exchange rate against the ruble, we can say that it is positive for the Japanese currency. So, now (as of September 25, 2018) they give 1.6 yen for 1 ruble. Those who prefer to store money in dollars are interested in how much yen per dollar can be obtained at the moment. Now the exchange rate is such that 1 dollar is equal to 111 yen, and it is quite stable.

What money to take to Japan

Tourists are advised to carry Japanese currency, i.e. yen. You can buy them in Russia at Sberbank. If the currency is not available at the moment, it can be ordered and received after a few days (usually from 3 to 5). This is much more profitable than going through double conversion through dollars or euros.

As mentioned above, it is almost impossible to exchange rubles for yen directly in Japan. In addition, communication with bank employees is made difficult by the language barrier. It is also worth understanding that it is impossible to get money in Japan by exchanging it on the street.

Payment by cards has become widespread, but not all ATMs issue yen on cards issued in foreign countries. Hotels, for example, usually deal exclusively with Japanese currency.

Thus, the yen is one of the world's main reserve currencies. It is actively used in the land of the rising sun. For this reason, travelers planning a trip there should take care of currency exchange. This can be done either at the airport upon arrival or in your own country. Usually the second option is more profitable.

Many students who are going to study in Japan, as well as tourists, often ask me questions about the import of funds, medicines, customs restrictions, etc. In this short note, I have collected the basic requirements for importing money and goods into Japan. I hope you find this information useful!

Currency

You can import and export any currency into Japan. If the amount of cash does not exceed the equivalent of 1 million Japanese yen (this is an amount of about 500,000 rubles, or 9,000 dollars, or 8,000 euros at the current exchange rate as of May 2017), then it is not necessary to declare it. But if you import currency worth more than 1 million yen in equivalent, then you are required to report this to customs.

If you arrived with bank cards, then there are no restrictions on the amounts on your bank cards. There is no need to declare your funds on bank cards.

In Japan, Japanese yens are used. You can buy Japanese Yen in advance in your home country. Or go with dollars or euros, which I always recommend, and exchange dollars and euros right at the airport upon arrival, the rate here is normal, and sometimes it can even be better than in hotels, exchange offices or banks. In addition, hotels often have restrictions on currency exchange - for example, only $300 per day, no more. Under no circumstances bring Russian rubles to Japan; it is difficult to change them there, and the exchange rate is completely unfavorable.

Traveler's checks and credit cards

Traveler's checks and plastic bank cards with the international payment systems Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and, of course, with the Japanese JCB are accepted by all major banks, hotels and shops in major cities of Japan. Read about the Japanese payment system JCB.

Major payment cards are also accepted at ATMs throughout Japan, they are marked with the International ATM Service symbol and in many. For example, Diners Club and American Express cards are easily accepted at ATMs at Seven-Eleven convenience stores throughout Japan.

But in addition to bank cards, I recommend having some amount of cash in Japanese yen, since some places in Japan still like cash, and only yen. No one accepts rubles, dollars or euros in cash anywhere. So I recommend having local bills in your wallet.

In Japan, there are coins of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 yen, and bills of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000 yen. Sometimes people ask me if there might be problems accepting 10,000 yen bills. No, there are no problems with large bills. They are accepted everywhere without problems and change is always available. At least in my almost 13 years of living in Japan, I have never encountered the problem of refusal to accept any bills, and even more so, I was never told to look for some other bills or small change. Asking a buyer (client) to find change or small bills, according to my observations, is generally unacceptable in Japan.

Sometimes withdrawing yen cash may not be easy; some ATMs do not accept bank cards from other countries. But lately this problem has become less and less common; basically all ATMs and most ATMs accept any cards with an international payment system. In any case, look first for ATMs labeled International ATM Service.

An important point about the limit on the amount that can be withdrawn from an ATM. My students and I were faced with a limit on the amount per day that can be withdrawn from an ATM in Japan. For example, for one of my students from Mexico, the ATM did not want to dispense more than 30,000 yen from her Mexican bank card in one day. As we understood after her communication with the bank, it was her Mexican bank that set such a restriction. Therefore, when applying for your bank cards with an international payment system, I recommend that you immediately clarify this point in advance with the employees of your bank.

Customs restrictions

I already wrote in another note that when entering Japan, when going through customs, you must fill out a declaration, which is issued to all passengers while still on board the plane or ship. This declaration is quite simple and anyone can fill it out.

At the airport itself, like in most countries in the world, there are green and red corridors. When going through customs in Japan, it is enough to show a completed customs declaration, your passport, if you have received a long-term visa, then also a resident card, as well as an oral declaration for imported items.

But if you are bringing unaccompanied baggage and/or you have excess duty-free restrictions, then you must complete a customs declaration in writing.

You can import without customs duty:

500 g of tobacco or 400 cigarettes or 100 cigars

3 bottles (750 ml each) of alcoholic drinks

2 ounces (just under 60 g) perfume

Gifts and souvenirs worth no more than 200 thousand yen (about $2,000)

And don’t forget about the age of majority in Japan - it’s 20 years old! Therefore, persons under 20 years of age are NOT allowed to import alcohol and tobacco.

More information about customs rules can be found on the Japanese Customs website (English): www.customs.go.jp/english/summary/passenger.html

Medicines

It is allowed to import medicines without a narcotic component into Japan in any quantity. Officially, there are quantitative restrictions on the import of medicines and cosmetics. For example, for medicines - the amount for use within 2 months. If you are bringing medications in larger quantities, you must have a doctor's prescription for these medications with you.

But in practice, my personal experience over 13 years has shown that no one really checks this. I myself, without any problems, imported medicines and vitamins in quantities for a period of more than 2 months, for example, for 3 and 6 months, no one ever asked me or forced me to show anything. Yes, for those medications that were prescribed to me, I had with me both a prescription and a doctor’s report, however, there were many medications that I bought myself without a prescription, such as vitamins, dietary supplements or for my personal first aid kit, and there were no prescriptions for them was. During all my flights between Russia and Japan, I have never had any problems at customs at the Japanese airport.

More information can be found on the website of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/topics/import/index.html

Vaccinations and quarantine

Foreigners are not required to have vaccination certificates to enter Japan.

Importing animals and plants into Japan is a rather complicated and lengthy procedure, so I recommend that you check all the details and requirements in advance on the quarantine service website: http://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/english/index.html

I myself have no experience of importing plants and animals to Japan, so, unfortunately, I cannot give more detailed information and advice on this issue.

But I would like to immediately draw your attention to one important point. In Japan, keeping animals, even small ones, is prohibited in many apartment buildings. The realtor usually informs about this immediately, or it is indicated on the real estate agency’s website. It will also be specified in the lease agreement. Therefore, having a pet will make your life in Japan more difficult in a certain sense, since it will become more difficult for you to find a suitable apartment or room in the country.

It is also not allowed to keep animals in student dormitories, so if you plan to bring your pet to Japan, you will not be able to live in the school dormitory with it, you will have to look for separate housing, and one where this is allowed.

There are certainly apartments where pets are allowed in Japan, but you will need to specifically look for them. There is also no ban on keeping animals in your own private homes.

Electricity

In my previous notes with advice for travelers to Japan and reminders, I already wrote about the import of electrical appliances to Japan, but I think it wouldn’t hurt to repeat it.

Firstly, the mains voltage in Japan is 100 volts. Secondly, Japan mainly has Asian-American flat sockets. Although in some large hotels in Tokyo and other large cities where foreigners often stay, there are European type sockets. But still, basically all houses and most hotels have Japanese flat sockets.

Therefore, to use your electrical appliances, you will need either an adapter transformer or just an adapter (depending on the electrical appliance). You can ask for an adapter at the hotel, but it is better to take the precaution of bringing your own to Japan.

Well, if you are a student and plan to live in a dormitory or in a separate apartment, then definitely either immediately bring your adapter, or you can buy it in Japan, in stores such as Yodobashi Camera, and even I have seen recently in some such adapters. For example, below is my photo from Daiso.

Tips

If someone visits the USA, other Asian or European countries very often, they are accustomed to leaving tips in hotels and restaurants.

But it’s not for nothing that they say that Japan is another planet! This is true. In Japan, it is not customary to leave a tip, literally at all. Therefore, it initially greatly affects foreign visitors, tourists and students.

Although the answer is on the surface - usually the cost of service in the amount of 10-15% is already included in the bills of restaurants and hotels. Therefore, you should not try to hand a 100-yen coin or a dollar or euro to the hotel employee who brought your suitcase - they will politely refuse.

But in ryokans there is a tradition similar to tipping - 心付 (kokorozuke) - a unique type of tipping. These small amounts are usually given in special envelopes by regular Japanese clients, even before check-in.

If you have any questions or clarifications, please email

Japanese yen (JPY) – national Japanese currency.

There are banknotes in denominations of 10,000, 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000 yen, as well as coins of 500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1 yen.

What money to take to Japan

If you decide to exchange currency in Japan, then you should take cash U.S. dollars, because dollar to yen exchange rate most advantageous compared to euro exchange rate. On our website you will find the most favorable dollar rates in Moscow and other cities of Russia and neighboring countries.

You can avoid double exchange fees (rubles-dollars-yen) by purchasing yen in Russia. On our website you will find out the exchange rate of the yen to the ruble, as well as where in Moscow you can profitably buy Japanese yens.

You can also order currency from Sberbank, or contact Mizuho Corporate Bank - there are always yens there, since the bank is Japanese. To know how to check the authenticity of yen, check out our article: "Japanese yen banknotes".

Japanese yen exchange rate

You can view the official rates of the Central Bank of Japan for today on the website www.boj.or.jp.

Courses yen to ruble, established by the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, you can view on the website of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation.

Currency exchange in Japan

Currency in Japan can be exchanged at exchange offices, in banks, but preferably at large post offices. Also, the Japanese yen exchange rate is most favorable at the Tokyo airport exchange offices.

In banks, as a rule, the exchange procedure takes a long time and is complicated by bureaucratic formalities. Hotels have a limit: no more than $300-500 per person daily.

Please note local currency exchange specifics:

• In Japan, bank plastic cards issued by Russian banks are accepted for payment in many tourist places, hotels, large stores and, of course, banks. In the outback, paying with credit cards is not encouraged and cash is more often preferred. Sometimes there is a fee for using a credit card. You can only get money from a credit card at rare city ATMs.
• Most Japanese banks are open from 9.00 to 15.00-17.00 on weekdays, from 9.00 to 12.00 on the first and last Saturday of the month. Sunday is a day off. Cash dispensing machines are separate from the main banking premises and remain open to the public during non-banking hours, although not always 24 hours a day.
• In Japan, stores always give change for bills of any denomination. However, the machines only accept 1000 yen bills and do not accept 5 yen or 1 yen coins, so it is best to always carry a few 1000 yen bills and 100 yen coins.
• To avoid becoming a victim of scammers, take a look at what Japanese yen look like:

Share Share Share Share

Types and denominations of Japanese money.

The currency in Japan is the Japanese yen. There are currently 4 types of banknotes in use: 100,000 yen, 5,000 yen, 2,000 yen and 1,000 yen. However, 2000 yen banknotes are issued in small numbers and are very rare. There are 6 types of coins used in Japan - 500 yen, 100 yen, 50 yen, 10 yen and 1 yen. All but the 5-yen coins have denominations in Arabic numerals, making it difficult to make a mistake.

On the left are Japanese coins, on the right are Japanese bills.

Currency exchange.

Currency in Japan can be exchanged at currency exchange offices or at banks or post offices. There is practically no difference in the exchange rate, so it is best and most convenient to exchange money at the airport exchange office immediately upon arrival. Where it is more profitable to exchange currency for yen, in your own country or in Japan, depends on the country and on the type of currency, so before traveling it is better to check the yen exchange rate in your country.

Notes

You can import any currency in any quantity into Japan without restrictions. However, when importing money worth more than 1 million yen, you need to fill out a customs declaration.

In Japan, only yen is accepted as payment, this is important to remember.

In Japan, stores always give change for bills of any denomination. However, the machines only accept 1000 yen bills and do not accept 5 yen or 1 yen coins, so it is best to always carry a few 1000 yen bills and 100 yen coins.

Today, the Japanese currency is actively used to support the dollar. Does this mean she is vulnerable? What currency should I take for a long trip to Japan?

Japanese currency: convergence course

The currency of Japan, its exchange rate today is a relatively predictable variable in exchange trading. At the same moment, the Yen came under the complete control of the dollar and was completely dependent on export transactions with Europe.

The soft credit policy of the Central Bank of Japan makes it possible to neutralize currency risks for most businessmen and traders. The Japanese economy, despite prolonged deflation, was able to overcome the crisis.

What strengthens the national course of the Land of the Rising Sun? Naturally – investments. If you are looking for a scientific area for investment activity, then there is nothing more effective than entrusting your capital to the Japanese.

Growing innovations and nanotechnologies are sure to bring profits that won’t have to wait long. However, keep in mind that this investment method is quite expensive.

Is the Japanese currency comparable to the ruble?

There is a downward trend in the cross rate of the Yen against the ruble. However, it is significant only for traders trading on intraday turnover.

The Japanese currency against the ruble is stable and has a narrow range of amplitude fluctuations, which makes it possible to predict the behavior of both monetary units in the long term.

What is the secret of the Japanese miracle? The answer lies on the surface:

1. Low % unemployment.
2. High demand for deposits among residents.
3. The vector of state policy is to increase the well-being of citizens.

But keep in mind, the Japanese mentality is a 100% guarantee of the success of the country’s economic growth. Government support for domestic consumers leads to mutual support among Japanese residents for the elected government, which avoids exhaustive militarization of the economy.

Japanese currency against the dollar: reality and fiction

The dynamics of the specified JPY/USD pair reflects purely economic processes.

The peak of the exchange rate with a linear sideways trend of 125.61 occurred in the summer. To date, there has been a decrease of 1.51 points, which is due to a number of factors:

1. Differences in the monetary policies of both countries.
2. Lack of significant influence of the Euro on the Yen.

You can make your own forecast. When predicting the trajectory of the JPY, keep in mind that the Japanese currency will decline against the dollar due to factors:

1. Programs for increasing the Asian money supply.
2. Reductions in US export operations due to the tripling of the dollar.

What currency should I take to Japan during the holidays?

You can take dollars or yen, but keep in mind that the exchange office hours in most Japanese settlements are from 9:00 to 15:00.

When going in transit to Taiwan, it is better to prepare the currency in advance. Don't carry rubles with you.

It will be inconvenient for you to calculate the cost of Japanese goods in rubles, which are not accepted everywhere, since local banknotes have a large number of zeros.

There are two excellent ways to import currency:

1. By bank card.
2. Translation.

The first option is the safest and most convenient. And what currency to take to Japan is a secondary question.

History of the Japanese yen

The history of the Japanese yen began in 1869, with the minting of the first coin. It appeared in free circulation in 1871, after the monetary reform, replacing clan paper bills. The process was completed only after 8 years. Fractional units were also used, but were withdrawn from use in 1954. In 1927, Japan was hit by a crisis and banks issued additional banknotes. It is noteworthy that at that moment single-sided 200 yen bills appeared. In 1949, the yen lost significantly to the dollar (1:360), but then the situation stabilized. Now the Japanese currency is considered one of the most reliable.

Currency exchange in Japan

If you are going to visit the land of the rising sun, it is better to buy yen in advance. They are freely convertible in Russia and can be exchanged at a local bank. Currency exchange in Japan will be more expensive due to the higher exchange rate and the lack of the yen-ruble pair, which means you will have to pay a double commission for two transactions.

If the need for exchange arises, it can be made at the airport or a Japanese bank. Take into account the banks' opening hours. If you need currency urgently, but you cannot get to the nearest bank, it can be exchanged at the hotel without any problems. The course will not be the most profitable, and the quantity is limited.

Dynamics of the Japanese yen exchange rate

The good dynamics of the Japanese yen exchange rate is due to three reasons. The first is economic stability and large volumes of exports in the state. The second is the status of a world reserve currency (although the volume of international savings has decreased slightly compared to 1999-2000). Finally, the third is a free course. The value of the local currency is determined solely by the current economic situation and is not fixed by the bank or government.

In recent years, the dynamics have not been the best, but the yen maintains its status and remains in demand among players and investors.

Gold standard of the Japanese yen

Since its inception, the yen has been on the gold standard. One unit was equal to 1.5 gold. In a short time it has undergone significant changes. The gold standard of the Japanese yen was introduced and canceled more than once, focusing on the current situation and economic indicators. By the end of the 30s, the standard was completely abolished. However, some analogue of this standard remains.

The yen gained international recognition in 1953. At this time, the cost of one yen was 2.5 milligrams, but subsequently it increased significantly. It is now one of the most reliable gold-backed currencies.

Deflation of the Japanese yen

A strong currency has its drawbacks, as can be seen from the example of Japan. Deflation of the Japanese yen is associated with overproduction and forces the government to take various measures to control exchange rates. At some points, there were attempts to reduce the value of the local currency artificially (quantitative easing). It may be used repeatedly.

Excessive strengthening (growth) of the currency leads to a decrease in export volumes, increased labor costs, as well as other negative phenomena. For this reason, Japan is carrying out economic reforms and trying to accelerate inflation.

Japanese yen banknotes

In Japan, coins are used in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500 yen, and there are also commemorative silver items in denominations of 1000 yen. Japanese yen banknotes range in denomination from 1,000 to 10,000. Most of them were issued in 2004. Occasionally, 2000 banknotes are found.

The 2000 yen banknote of the first series is green. On one side is a picture of a gate in the city of Naha, on the other is an illustration of The Tale of Genji. She hardly ever appears. In Japan, blue, purple, and brown banknotes with images of national heroes and landmarks are common.

Yen as a reserve currency

For decades, the Japanese currency has been considered a reserve currency and is extremely popular among investors and players. It is considered second in importance. However, in recent years, the yen as a reserve currency has not pleased investors: the volume of funds around the world has decreased by more than 5% since the beginning of the new millennium.

The reasons for this are problems in the country’s economy, which led to excessive strengthening of the currency and deflation. The authorities are taking all measures to reduce the exchange rate and make it less stable, but this does not help much. Despite the problems, it still competes with the British pound sterling and the Swiss franc.

Origin of the name yen

The origin of the name yen is curious. It is connected with the history of trade in Asia. During the Qing Dynasty, China used yuan - silver bars. In the 18th century, silver coins were brought to China from Mexico and Spain, which became known as Western yuan. Then the British started producing silver coins, which they called Hong Kong yuan - after the place of issue. They eventually ended up in Japan, where they received the name in Japanese - “en”. Subsequently, the “en” gradually transformed into the yen. Already in 1830, they began to issue their own coins here. The official name “yen” appeared a little later.