Debit versus credit abroad, issuer FX fees compared, weekend charges, ATM costs, and a two-card backup strategy — with the published percentages for Sony Bank WALLET, PRESTIA Global Pass, Wise, Revolut, and typical Japanese credit cards.
Use a low-markup debit product (Sony Bank WALLET 1.79% on unsupported currencies, PRESTIA Global Pass, Wise, or Revolut within allowances) for spending and ATMs, carry a credit card on a different network as backup and for protection, and always choose the local currency to avoid DCC.
For a ¥100,000-equivalent purchase, the published or modeled costs illustrate the spread: Sony Bank WALLET is 1.79% (¥1,790) when there is no matching foreign-currency balance; an example SMBC card is 3.63% (¥3,630); the EPOS card is 3.85% (¥3,850); Revolut Standard is a listed 0% exchange fee for regular customers during market hours within allowances, rising by 1% outside market hours; and merchant DCC at an illustrative 6% would be ¥6,000. Spending a matching balance on Sony Bank WALLET or PRESTIA Global Pass means the conversion cost was already incurred when you funded it.
At ATMs, add the issuer fee, a percentage FX fee, the ATM-owner surcharge, and any DCC. PRESTIA’s Global Pass lists no bank-side transaction fee (owner and exchange charges may still apply); Wise and Revolut depend on your allowance; Sony Bank WALLET adds ¥220 on an unsupported or yen-funded withdrawal on top of the 1.79%.
Carry at least two cards on different networks, store one separately, and know each PIN. Use a low-markup debit product for spending and ATMs, and keep a credit card for its purchase protections, hotel and rental deposits, and as a backup — credit is generally more expensive for pure FX but valuable for disputes and holds. Avoid credit-card cash advances abroad, which add interest from the transaction date plus ATM and FX charges.
Whatever card you use, always choose the local currency and decline DCC at the point of sale and the ATM — declining does not remove your issuer’s FX fee but removes the extra merchant/ATM markup on top of it.
Online bank · Sony Bank
An online bank popular with residents who want strong foreign-currency features, a well-regarded app, and comparatively English-friendly service.
Fees: No monthly account fee; ATM/transfer fees depend on tier — verify current schedule.
Bank (English support) · SMBC Trust Bank PRESTIA
The bank most often recommended for English-language service, multi-currency accounts, and international needs, aimed at globally minded residents.
Fees: Account and transfer fees vary; balance-based fee waivers apply — verify current schedule.
International transfers · Wise
A licensed money-transfer service that uses the mid-market exchange rate with a transparent, upfront fee — often cheaper than bank wires for personal transfers.
Fees: Transparent per-transfer fee plus mid-market rate — compare the recipient amount.
Multi-currency account · Revolut
A multi-currency app account with a card and fee allowances for currency exchange, useful for people who spend or hold multiple currencies.
Fees: Plan-based; free FX up to allowances, then a fee — verify current terms.