There are many banks in Japan offering business and personal banking services. These include a large number of American and other foreign banks with branches in Tokyo and other cities. Some of the banks provide telephone and internet banking facilities. Most banks will have some staff who can speak English.

To open a bank account you will need to provide your Alien Registration Card and your Hanko (or Inkan), a personal signature stamp (in Japanese characters) which all expatriates should obtain when they arrive in Japan.

Banks are usually open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays. There are ATMs available in the main towns and cities, but these do not always accept overseas-issued bank cards, and some only operate when the bank is open and on Saturday mornings. Post Office ATMs usually accept foreign debit or credit cards such as Cirrus, Plus, Maestro, Visa and MasterCard.

The Japanese mainly use cash or credit cards for most day to day transactions. Typically, people carry large amounts of cash with them, and the low crime rate in Japan means there is little risk in doing so. Cheques are hardly ever used. Utilities bills can be paid by standing order.

Currency and travellers cheques can be exchanged at authorised 'Foreign Exchange Banks', main post offices and some large hotels and stores in the main cities. US dollars are preferred to other currencies. Credit cards are generally accepted at large stores and hotels in the main cities, but not in smaller establishments.