If you’re planning a trip to Japan, one of the most practical tips you’ll receive is: carry cash. Despite being a highly advanced country, Japan remains surprisingly reliant on cash, especially outside major cities. Many small restaurants, local souvenir shops, temples, shrines, and even some hotels still prefer cash payments. This is where 7-Eleven ATMs come in handy.
With thousands of locations scattered across the country, 7-Eleven ATMs are a foreign traveler’s best friend. They’re easy to find, available 24/7, and compatible with most international cards. But before you rely on them for your entire trip, it’s important to understand how much you can actually withdraw, what fees you might encounter, and what strategies can help you save money.
In this detailed guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the 7-11 Japan ATM withdrawal limit for foreigners, plus practical travel tips and real-world scenarios to help you prepare.
Why 7-Eleven ATMs Are So Convenient in Japan
Japan’s 7-Eleven stores aren’t just places to grab a quick snack or coffee–they’re part of everyday life. Located in train stations, residential neighborhoods, tourist areas, and rural towns, they’re almost impossible to miss.
Here’s why so many travelers rely on 7-Eleven ATMs:
- 24/7 Availability: Unlike many Japanese bank ATMs, which often close in the evenings or on weekends, 7-Eleven ATMs are accessible around the clock. Perfect for late-night arrivals or early-morning departures.
- Support for International Cards: The machines accept major foreign cards, including Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Maestro, American Express, UnionPay, and some debit cards.
- Multilingual Interface: You can choose English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, or other languages, making navigation simple even if you can’t read Japanese.
- Ubiquitous Presence: You’ll find a 7-Eleven on nearly every busy street. Even in rural areas, where foreign-friendly ATMs may be scarce, 7-Eleven is often the only reliable option.
For many travelers, this combination makes 7-Eleven ATMs the go-to method for accessing cash in Japan.
7-11 Japan ATM Withdrawal Limit for Foreigners
The withdrawal limit per transaction at 7-Eleven ATMs for foreign cards is typically:
- ￥100,000 per transaction (approximately USD 650) for most Visa, Mastercard, and other major debit/credit cards.
- For some cards, especially those with lower security settings or restrictions, the limit may be ￥100,000 to ￥50,000 per transaction.
- Daily limits also apply depending on your home bank’s policies. Even if the Japanese ATM allows ￥100,000, your bank may cap your daily withdrawals at a lower amount.
Key Point: This is a per transaction limit, not a daily set by 7-Eleven. If your bank allows, you can often make multiple transactions in one day to withdraw more than ￥100,000, thougn each transaction may incur additional fees.
Understanding Fees: What You Might Pay
When using a foreign card at a 7-Eleven ATM in Japan, there are usually three types of fees involved:
1. 7-Eleven ATM Usage Fee
Typically ranges from ￥110 to ￥220 per withdrawal, depending on the amount and the time of day.
Sometimes your home bank may absorb this fee, but that’s not guaranteed.
2. Foreign Transaction Fee/ Currency Conversion Fee
Charged by your home bank for converting yen to your home currency.
Usually between 1% and 3% of the transaction amount.
3. Your Bank’s International ATM Withdrawal Fee
Some banks charge a flat fee (e.g., USD $5) for any overseas withdrawal, regardless of the amount.
Example: If you withdraw ￥100,000 (about $650), you might pay:
- ￥220 ATM fee (around $1.50)
- 2% foreign transaction fee ($13)
- $5 international ATM fee Total extra cost: nearly $20 on a single withdrawal.
This is why many experienced travelers prefer fewer, larger withdrawals to minimize the number of times they get charged.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Withdrawing Cash at 7-Eleven
- Insert your card → The machine will automatically detect if it’s an international card.
- Choose your language → English and several others are available.
- Select “Withdrawal” and pick your account type (usually “Savings” or “Checking” for debit cards).
- Enter the amount → Keep in mind the ￥100,000 per transaction limit.
- Confirm the fees → The ATM will show you any applicable fees before proceeding.
- Enter your PIN → Japanese ATMs use a 4-digit PIN system. If your card uses a longer PIN, check with your bank before you travel.
- Collect your cash and receipt → And don’t forget your card!
The entire process takes less than two minutes, and the interface is very straightforward.
Security and Practical Tips
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, but you should still folllow basic precautions:
- Shield your PIN while entering it.
- Take your time – locals won’t rush you.
- Avoid withdrawing very large amounts in isolated locations late at night.
- Prefer ATMs inside convenience stores rather than stand-alone machines.
What to Do If You Hit a Limit or Your Card Doesn’t Work
Even the most prepared travelers can run into issues. If you fine yourself unable to withdraw cash, try the following:
- Try a different card if you have a backup. Some cards are more compatible than others.
- Return the next day if you’ve reached your daily bank limit. Most banks reset at midnight local time.
- Use credit cards for larger payments like hotels or transportation passes to save your cash for small purchases.
- Consider international money transfer services (e.g., Wise, Western Union) to send money to yourself for pickup in Japan.
- Check your bank’s app for security notifications-sometimes overseas transactions are automatically flagged.
In rare cases, foreign cards may not work due to chip or magnetic stripe incompatibility. If this happens, Japan Post ATMs (found at post offices) are a reliable alternative.
Real-World Example: A 10-Day Trip Budget
Let’s say you’re visiting Japan for 10 days, planning to spend around ￥12,000 per day on food, transport, and sightseeing. That’s roughly ￥120,000 total.
Option A:
- Withdraw ￥100,000 on your first day and ￥20,000 a few days later.
- Pay only two ATM fees.
Option B:
- Withdraw ￥20,000 every day for six days.
- Pay six ATM fees and potentially more in conversion charges.
Over the course of your trip, Option A can save you $10-20 in fees-enough for a bowl of ramen, a coffee, and a train ride!
Extra Tips Before You Travel
- Notify your bank of your travel plans so your card isn’t flagged for suspicious activity.
- Carry a mix of cash and cards for flexibility,
- Download your bank’s app for real-time alerts and easy limit adjustments.
- Check exchange rates before withdrawing to know exactly how much you’re spending.
- Pinpoint 7-Eleven ATMs near your accommodation on Google Maps ahead of time for convenience.
The 7-11 Japan ATM withdrawal limit for foreigners is usually ￥100,000 per transaction, but your home bank may set its own daily limits. 7-Eleven ATMs are a reliable, easy, and widely available way to access cash in Japan, making them an essential part of your travel toolkit.
By understanding the withdrawal limits, planning larger but less frequent transactions, and being mindful of fees, you can maximize your yen while minimizing unnecessary costs. With these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate Japan confidently-whether you’re exploring bustling Tokyo streets, wandering througn Kyoto’s temples, or enjoying quiet countryside towns.
