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Buy Japanese yen before you fly to Japan
Buy Japanese yen online from US First Exchange and land in Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto with cash ready to spend. We are a Los Angeles currency exchange registered with FinCEN, part of the US Treasury, as a Money Services Business. Choose your amount in the order form on this page and see your full price before you pay.
Still planning your dates? Read the best time to visit Japan.
Why cash still matters in Japan
Japan uses more cash than most visitors expect. Cards work in big hotels, department stores and chain shops, but many small restaurants, ramen counters, izakayas, temples, shrines, markets and rural inns are cash only.
You will also use yen to top up transit cards such as Suica and Pasmo at station machines. Japan is a safe place to carry cash, and many travelers bring more than they would in Europe.
Japanese yen banknotes at a glance
Japanese banknotes are issued by the Bank of Japan. A new series of ¥1,000, ¥5,000 and ¥10,000 notes entered circulation in July 2024, and the previous series is still accepted in Japan. Coins cover everything up to ¥500. We source yen as orders come in, so the exact mix of notes depends on availability at the time of your order.
| Note | Typical use |
|---|---|
| ¥1,000 | Meals, snacks, transit card top-ups |
| ¥5,000 | Shopping, dinners |
| ¥10,000 | The most common large note; hotels and bigger purchases |
How to buy Japanese yen online
- Choose your amount. Select Japanese yen and enter how much you want. You can add other currencies to the same order.
- Pay securely. Pay by credit or debit card, e-check, check, cashier's check or money order.
- Verify your identity. Upload a valid US government-issued ID, as federal rules require.
- Receive your delivery. Choose FedEx 2Day or Overnight and track your package.
See how to get foreign currency delivered to your door or the full process on how it works.
Payment and delivery
Pay by credit or debit card, e-check, check, cashier's check or money order. We do not accept bank wire, ACH or PayPal payments.
| Payment method | Time to clear |
|---|---|
| Credit or debit card | Up to 72 business hours |
| Check, e-check, cashier's check or money order | Up to 7 business days from the day payment is received and processed |
Check payments take longer because of our due diligence checks. Once your payment clears, your order ships by FedEx with full-value insurance and tracking.
| Shipping option | Cost |
|---|---|
| FedEx 2Day | $24 |
| FedEx Overnight | $34 |
| Orders of $5,000 or more | Free |
An adult (18+) must sign for the package. We deliver to every U.S. state except Texas, Illinois, Washington and New Mexico; Alaska and Hawaii are treated as international deliveries.
Because we source yen to order, allow a little extra time and order well before your trip.
Why buy yen from US First Exchange
- Verified notes checked on De La Rue verification machines before they ship.
- Fully insured FedEx delivery, free on orders of $5,000 or more.
- Rate locked at checkout, so the price you see is the price you pay.
- Registered and compliant. We are registered with FinCEN, part of the US Treasury, as a Money Services Business and follow federal know-your-customer rules. Read our compliance statement.
- A real US business. Our office is at 550 South Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013. We serve customers by mail and phone; there is no walk-in counter.
- People who pick up the phone. Call 310-982-1743, 10am–5pm Pacific Time.
- Sell back leftovers. Home with yen to spare? Sell Japanese yen for US dollars.
Visiting more than one country? See every currency on our buy foreign currency page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need cash in Japan?
Yes. Cards are widely accepted in cities, but many small restaurants, temples, markets and rural businesses only take cash.
Are the old Japanese yen notes still valid?
Yes. The previous series of Bank of Japan notes is still legal tender in Japan alongside the notes issued in 2024.
How long does it take to get Japanese yen delivered?
Your order ships once your payment clears and your notes are sourced: card payments clear in up to 72 business hours, check payments in up to 7 business days. Order well before you travel.
How much is shipping?
FedEx 2Day costs $24 and FedEx Overnight costs $34. Shipping is free on orders of $5,000 or more.
Is there a minimum order?
There is no minimum order. Larger orders need extra identity verification, and government reporting rules may apply.
Can I buy Japanese yen with a credit card?
Yes. We accept Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards. Your card issuer may treat the purchase as a cash advance, so check with them first.
Do you accept wire transfers, ACH or PayPal?
No. We accept credit and debit cards, e-checks, checks, cashier's checks and money orders.
Do I need to be home to receive my order?
Yes. An adult aged 18 or over must sign for the package at the address on your order.
Can I return Japanese yen?
All sales are final and currency cannot be returned. You can sell it back to us later at our posted buyback rate.