How to use the Wise card in Japan - 2024

If you’re going to Japan you’ll need to plan in advance to make sure you can conveniently, cheaply and securely spend in Japanese yen (JPY) while you’re there. For most travellers using a travel money card to pay when abroad is an easy way to cut costs - and as cash is still a popular payment method in Japan you’ll want convenient ways to make cheap or free ATM withdrawals while you’re there, too. The Wise travel card can help.

In this article, we'll look at how you can use the Wise multi-currency card when travelling to Japan, the fees involved, your card withdrawal limits, and some useful tips to save money when spending in Japanese yen.

Here’s what we’ll look at in this full guide on how to use the Wise card in Japan:

• Is it possible to use my Wise card in Japan?

• About Wise card

• How does a Wise card work?

• Fees and costs when using the Wise card in Japan

• How to withdraw money in Japan with Wise card

• How to get a Wise card: step by step

• How do I add money on the Wise card?

• Is it safe to use the Wise card in Japan?

• Use Google Pay or Apple Pay and spend with your phone

• Advantages of using the Wise card in Japan

• Conclusion: is it worth using your Wise card in Japan?

•  How to use a Wise card in Japan: FAQ

Is it possible to use my Wise card in Japan?

Yes. You can use your Wise multi-currency card to spend conveniently in Japan, with the mid-market rate and low conversion costs - and no foreign transaction fee to pay. You can add money to your Wise card in SGD and either convert to JPY in your account in advance, to lock in the exchange rate and set your travel budget - or just let the card do the conversion when you pay. In either case, you avoid the extra fees travellers often run into caused by DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion), so you may spend less overall.

Not sure about what DCC is or why it matters? You might have seen DCC in action if you’ve ever been asked at an overseas merchant or ATM if you’d rather pay in your home currency - SGD. This can sound helpful because SGD is familiar, and you’ll be able to instantly work out what you’ve paid for your purchase or withdrawal. However, if you agree to pay in SGD, you’ll actually spend more, because the merchant or ATM can set the exchange rate used, which is likely to include extra fees.

If you’re asked if you’d prefer to pay in your home currency, it’s safest to say no. Pay with your Wise travel card and you’ll get the mid-market rate with no hidden costs, and the lowest available fee - even if you don’t have a JPY balance in your account. Read on for more about how the Wise multi-currency card works, and how it can help cut the costs of spending in Japan.

About Wise card

The Wise travel card is a debit card linked to a Wise multi currency account you can open and operate with just your phone. Register with Wise Singapore to hold 40+ currencies, and order your Wise card in a few clicks - to spend any currency balance you hold with no fee.

If you’re in Japan and don’t have JPY in your Wise account, there’s no problem. The card can automatically convert for you, with the mid-market exchange rate and low fees from 0.43%. Plus, there’s no monthly maintenance fee, and no minimum balance.

How does the Wise card work?

The Wise card is an international debit card linked to a digital multi-currency account from Wise. You can add money to Wise with SGD and then either convert to JPY before your trip, to spend with no extra charge when you arrive in Japan - or leave your balance in Singapore dollars and let the card convert when you spend or make a withdrawal.

Fees and costs when using the Wise card in Japan

The Wise card has a one time order fee, but no ongoing costs to pay. And once your card expires, you’ll be able to order a replacement with no extra charge. It’s free to spend a currency you hold in your Wise account - but there are a few Wise card charges you should know about.

Here’s an overview of the key Wise card fees you’ll want to know about. We’ll look in more detail about how to use the Wise card at an ATM a little later, too.

Fees correct at time of writing - 1st February 2024

How to withdraw money in Japan with Wise card

You can use your Wise card for ATM withdrawals in Japan and elsewhere overseas. Bear in mind that you won’t be able to use your Wise travel card for local ATM withdrawals in Singapore, as the card is intended for international use. However, once you’re abroad, you can make some free ATM withdrawals monthly, with low fees after that.

One important note for using a Wise card in Japan: not all Japanese ATMs support international card withdrawals. You’ll need to look out for one which is marked as international, and which supports Visa or MasterCard - often found in post offices and 7 Eleven stores. Once you’ve found a handy international ATM, you can get your JPY cash as and when you need it.

Here’s how to make a ATM withdrawal with your Wise card in Japan:

1. Insert your card and select the option to make a withdrawal

2. Enter the amount you want to withdraw

3. Enter your PIN for security

4. Your money will be dispensed and your card will be returned

Wise ATM withdrawal limits

As with many financial service providers, Wise has a few limits on account and card spending which are set to help keep customers and their money safe.

Wise cards come with default set limits which you can change if you would like to. Daily and monthly limits apply - daily limits refresh each day at midnight, while monthly limits restart on the first day of each calendar month. Your default card limit is set so that the monthly limit is also your daily limit:

You can adjust your limits to suit your preferences easily. You could choose to set a lower daily limit, for example - to do this head to the Wise app:

1. Open the app and go to the Card tab - tap Limits

2. Choose the limit you’d like to change -  ATM withdrawals - and tap on Change your spending limits

3. Enter your chosen limits and tap Save

Wise card ATM withdrawal fees

With your Wise card you can make some free ATM withdrawals every month before any Wise charge is applied - however, it’s worth remembering that the ATM operator may charge a fee which is usually shown on screen before you confirm your withdrawal.

You may also pay more than you need to if you choose to pay for your withdrawal in Singapore dollars instead of the local currency where you are. That’s because of DCC - the tricky cost that we looked at earlier. Learn more about DCC and how to avoid it at the Wise help center.

Here’s what you need to know about Wise Singapore card ATM fees:

Fees correct at time of writing - 1st February 2024

How to get a Wise card: step by step

Open a Wise account online or with your phone, by entering your personal and contact information and then getting verified with Singpass or your ID and address documents. Once you have an active Wise account you can order a Wise travel card in a few easy steps.

On the app

Here’s how to request a card through the Wise app:

1. Log into your Wise account on the Wise app

2. Tap the Cards tab

3. Tap the Order card option

4. Follow the prompts to confirm your address and pay the card order fee

On the site

Here’s how to request a card through the Wise desktop site:

1. Visit the Wise desktop site and log into your Wise account

2. Click the Cards tab

3. Click the Order card option

4. Follow the prompts to confirm your address and pay the card order fee

 How do I activate my Wise card outside Singapore?

To activate your Wise card for contactless payments, use your card to make a Chip and PIN purchase, or in an ATM. Bear in mind that you can’t make a cash withdrawal in Singapore. However, you can still get your card up and running by using your card to make an ATM balance enquiry.

How do I add money on the Wise card?

To use your Wise card you’ll need to add a balance. You can add money to Wise in the Wise app or by logging in online, and using your bank account, card or a wallet like Apple Pay.

Here’s how to add money to your Wise card:

1. Log into your Wise account in the Wise app or on the desktop site

2. Go to Home and select the currency you want to top up

3. Enter the amount you want to top up and select your preferred payment method

4. Follow the prompts to complete the top up

5. Your balance will be available for use once the payment has cleared

Is it safe to use the Wise card in Japan?

You can use your Wise card safely in Japan, with the normal safety precautions you’d use with any other card, at home or abroad. Wise is fully regulated and licensed in Singapore by MAS, and also by overseas regulatory authorities.

Wise cards also come with handy safety features built into the app, such as instant transaction notifications to your phone, ways to view your balance at a glance in the app, and simple instant ways to cancel the card and order a new one if you’re ever concerned your Wise card has been compromised, lost or stolen.

Use Google Pay or Apple Pay and spend with your phone

The Wise card also comes with a digital card, which is available instantly and with no extra fee, once you order your physical Wise card. Just add your Wise digital card to your preferred wallet - like Apple Pay or Google Pay - and tap to pay on the move, or use your card securely when shopping online.

Advantages of using the Wise card in Japan

Use the Wise card in japan to convert instantly from SGD to JPY, with the mid-market exchange rate and low, transparent fees. Here are a few of the advantages of using a Wise card in Japan:

• Get mid-market exchange rates when converting from Singapore dollars to yen

• Spend and make cash withdrawals conveniently with low or no fees

• No foreign transaction fee - currency conversion can cost as little as 0.43%

• Secure option as you’ll have no need to carry too much cash at any one time

• No need to waste time at a money changer, just convert in Wise and make cash withdrawals when you need to

Conclusion: is it worth using your Wise card in Japan?

Use your Wise multi-currency card to spend and make ATM withdrawals in japan, with the mid-market rate and low fees from 0.43%. You can add money in dollars and convert to JPY in advance, or just leave your balance and let the card do the  conversion for you if you’d prefer. There are no ongoing charges and there’s no foreign transaction fee to pay - which can mean you cut the costs of spending in Japan when you use Wise.