Convenience stores in Japan: ATMs, payments and more
Japanese convenience stores (konbini) are open for long hours and can do more than sell snacks: cash withdrawals with a foreign card, many payment methods and tax-free shopping at some stores.
Withdraw yen with a foreign card
Seven Bank ATMs in 7-Eleven stores accept many cards issued overseas, such as Visa, Mastercard, PLUS and Cirrus. Some cards with these logos may still be refused.
- The screen has an English option. Choose your language after you insert the card.
- For cards issued overseas, the limit for each withdrawal is 100,000 yen. Magnetic stripe cards are capped at 30,000 yen.
- A fee may apply per transaction. Check the Seven Bank page for the current amounts.
- Not every store has an ATM, and ATMs can stop during system maintenance.
Ways to pay at the register
At 7-Eleven stores you can pay with several methods. Other chains are similar, but the list can differ, so look at the signs near the register.
- Cash (Japanese yen only). Fully self-service registers may not take cash.
- Credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, JCB and American Express, and contactless payment with Apple Pay or Google Pay.
- Transport IC cards such as Suica and PASMO.
- QR code payments such as Alipay+ and PayPay.
Tip: when you pay with a phone wallet, 7-Eleven says to select the "Credit" icon on the register.
Tax-free shopping and other services
- Some stores offer tax-free shopping. Show your passport at the register.
- Tax-free consumables (food, drinks) are sealed in a special bag. Keep it closed until you leave Japan, or you may be taxed.
- Some stores have a money exchange machine. It does not take coins and handles amounts under 100,000 yen.
- Many stores also offer free Wi-Fi, but each chain has its own sign-up steps.
Good to know
Services vary by store and by chain. If you need something special, ask the staff before you line up. At airport and station stores, hours and services can also differ.
FAQ
Can I use a foreign card at any convenience store ATM?
Not always. Seven Bank ATMs in 7-Eleven stores are made for overseas cards, but some cards are refused. Have a second card or some cash as a backup.
Can I pay with my credit card in a konbini?
Yes, at most major chains. Look for card logos near the register. Small amounts are often easier with a transport IC card.
Are konbini open 24 hours?
Many are, but not all. Stores in offices, stations or small towns can have shorter hours.
Sources
Related tips
- Withdrawing yen with a foreign card: Seven Bank ATMsSeven Bank ATMs, found in 7-Eleven stores, accept many foreign cards such as Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, American Express and JCB. The limit is 100,000 yen per withdrawal.
- Do you need cash in Japan? Cards, IC cards and yenCards of international brands are generally accepted across Japan, but not everywhere. Carry a card, a Suica or PASMO IC card and a little yen.
- Suica and IC cards: how visitors can pay for trains and shopsA Suica is a rechargeable IC card for trains, buses, vending machines and many shops. Visitors can get a Welcome Suica card or use Welcome Suica Mobile on a phone.
- Paying with your home QR wallet in Japan (PayPay and Alipay+)At shops that accept PayPay, you can often pay by scanning the shop's QR code with a supported wallet app from your own country. Check that your wallet is on the list before you travel.
- Tax-free shopping in Japan: what changes from November 1, 2026From November 1, 2026, tax-free shopping in Japan switches to a refund system: you pay tax at the shop and claim it back at customs when you leave. Here is what that means for your trip.
- Free Wi-Fi in Japan: how to find it and connectLook for the "Japan.Free Wi-Fi" symbol. Free Wi-Fi in Japan comes from several providers, and each one has its own way to connect, so set things up before you need them.
Last checked: 2026-11-02. Rules and prices can change, so please confirm with the official sources above.