Not all ATM machines are well-connected to international networks popular in the U.S. ATMs found at post offices, 7-Eleven convenience stores and Citibank branches in Japan allow you to withdraw cash by credit and debit cards issued outside of Japan. International ATMs can also be found at international airports, major department stores and some Shinsei bank locations.

In order to use international ATMs, ensure the following in the United States before leaving for Japan:

• Make sure that your credit or debit card can be used abroad.
• Notify your bank that you are going to use your card overseas, since many banks will block a card which is suddenly used abroad.
• Inquire what fees and daily and/or monthly limits are associated with international withdrawals.

Please see the links below for locations and operating hours:

Citibank (For Citibank locations)
Citibank ATMs are open 24 hours, but are often only found in larger cities in Japan.

Post Offices (For looking up their operating hours)
There are 25,000 Post Office ATMs in Japan. Post offices which provide this service display stickers indicating which cards are accepted. Cards from the VISA, VISAELECTRON, PLUS, MasterCard, Maestro, Cirrus, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, and China Unionpay can be used.

Seven Bank (For locating ATMs in 7-Eleven convenience stores)
There are over 12,000 Seven Bank ATMs at 7-Eleven convenience stores throughout Japan. Service is available 24 hours a day in English, Korean, Chinese and Portuguese. Cash cards from the PLUS and Cirrus networks can be used. Accepted credit cards are VISA, MasterCard, American Express, JCB and China UnionPay.

Major credit cards are generally accepted in urban areas and large commercial establishments, but often cannot be used in rural areas and small shops. Taxis with stickers on their windows of major credit card companies accept credit cards. Credit cards can be used in Japan to purchase commercial air transportation and limousine bus tickets to the airport.

Banks can convert most foreign currencies into yen. Most banks require a passport or other photo ID to exchange traveler’s checks. Personal checks are generally not accepted by businesses in Japan. There are no facilities for cashing checks at the Embassy or our Consulates.

Western Union has resumed service in Japan, offering cash-to-cash transfers across 200 countries and territories to and from Japan. Western Union service is now available at the following Travelex offices in the Tokyo and Osaka areas.

Chiba	Narita Airport Terminal 1, Narita Airport Terminal 2
Tokyo	Shinjuku East Exit, South Gate Shinjuku, Hibiya, Aqua City Odaiba, Keisei Ueno, Keisei Nippori, Otemachi, Gransta (Marunouchi), Yaesu, T-CAT, LaLaport Tokyo Bay
Yokohama	YCAT, Tokyu Yokohoma
Kyoto	Tis Kyoto, Kyoto Shijo
Osaka	Tis Osaka, Nankai Namba
Hyogo	Tis Sannomiya

More information can be found in English here and in Japanese here.

Similar to Western Union, MoneyGram transfers funds electronically through its network of over 50,000 international agents. MoneyGram’s fee is based on the origination and destination cities, amount of money sent and the desired speed of transaction completion. MoneyGram is only located in Tokyo at the Brazilian bank Banco Itau S A .

How to send money through MoneyGram in the United States
Money can be sent online through MoneyGram’s eMoney Transfer services. In order to do this a first-time user must set up a new profile and follow the step by step instructions. Money can also be sent from an agent location in the United States. The sender must first find an agent location near him or her through the MoneyGram finder, and then follow the 5 step instructions to send funds to Tokyo. When the money is sent, the sender will receive a reference number.

How to receive money through MoneyGram in Tokyo
Step 1: Ask the person who is sending you money to give you your reference number- this will help speed up your collection. It is also a good idea to know the senders name, address and phone number. Also provide the sender with your own address and phone number in Japan.

Step 2: Visit the Banco Itau S.A. near Tokyo station (MoneyGram agent in Japan). Bring your passport or other photo ID and your reference number with you.

Step 3: Complete the ‘receive’ form and show your identification- you will then be given your money, in the local currency. If asked the reason for the money transfer clearly state it is for personal expenses only.

Please see MoneyGram’s website for more information on sending and receiving money.

MoneyGram Information

Tel: 03-5293-4310 (English is available)
Address: 1-6-1 Marunouchi Tokyo 100-0005
Hours: Mon-Sat: 9 a.m. -3 p.m. Sun: Closed
Maximum amount allowed: $10,000 (U.S. → Japan)
Services Available: Send Money, Receive Money (ONLY for personal expenses)
Agent location in Tokyo: Banco Itau S.A. (Brazilian bank)
Website: http://www.moneygram.com
Nearest station: Tokyo Station (JR Line)

When a U.S. citizen encounters an emergency financial situation abroad, the Department of State’s Office of Overseas Citizens Services (OCS) can establish a trust account in the citizen's name to forward funds overseas. Upon receipt of funds, OCS will transfer the money to the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo or one of our Consulates in Japan for disbursement to the recipient. The recipient must contact the Embassy or Consulate directly to arrange receipt. The fee for establishing a trust account is $30. The recipient’s name and overseas location (city, country) must be provided with the fund transfer, or the transfer will be delayed. The Embassy or Consulate normally disburses funds in the foreign country’s currency and not in U.S. dollars. Trust fund transfers are a one time service, except in specific, pre-approved circumstances. Funds sent during non-business hours may not be processed until the next business day. Questions can be directed to OCS at 1-888-407-4747. Please follow this link for more information and instructions on the OCS Trust .

What if no one can send me money?
In certain cases, the U.S. Embassy may be able to help a destitute American return home. However, applicants must meet strict criteria in order to qualify for a repatriation loan, and must surrender their U.S. passport until they repay the full amount of their loan. Assistance will not be provided to pay existing debts.

Calling Collect from Japan to the U.S.:

• First dial the toll-free, KDDI 24 hour International telephone support number, 0120-977-097.
• Press star and then 5 for English assistance.
• Give the operator the U.S. number you want to call and let them know you want to call collect. She will call the person at that number and ask if he or she will accept your call.
• If they do, you will be connected. Charges for collect calls from Japan to the U.S are set by each U.S. telephone company.

* For more information on KDDI Operator-Assisted Calls please refer to the KDDI website.