EasyTicket Are you starting to plan your Japan trip as the summer holiday season approaches? After flights and accommodation, the next confusing part is how to exchange yen and use overseas ATMs. EasyTicket has put the fees and ATM benefits of the 3 most-used Japan travel cards (Travelog, Travel Wallet, and SOL Travel) into one easy-to-scan table.
To cut to the chase, the safest approach is to combine two cards rather than rely on just one. We explain why in detail below.
3 Japan travel cards at a glance
All three are reloadable foreign-currency cards, broadly speaking. You buy yen in advance in the app, then use the balance for purchases and ATM withdrawals in Japan. The difference is where fees apply and how much they cost.
| Item | Travelog (Hana) | Travel Wallet | SOL Travel (Shinhan) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yen exchange fee | 0% (4 currencies always free) | 0% (USD·EUR·JPY) | 0% (major currencies) |
| Foreign transaction fee | Waived | Waived | Waived |
| Free ATM withdrawals in Japan | Seven Bank·AEON Bank | AEON Bank | Seven Bank·AEON Bank |
| Annual fee | None | None | None |
| Requirements | Hana Bank account required | No specific bank required | Shinhan Bank account required |
All of these cards also give you a 100% preferential rate on the exchange-rate spread applied when you exchange currency (the bank’s FX margin). That’s why they’re much better value than exchanging cash at a regular bank branch.
Yen exchange fees: which card is the best deal?
Travelog: the broadest range of currencies is always fee-free
Travelog offers fee-free exchange year-round for USD·EUR·JPY·GBP, and waives fees on other currencies during promotional periods. For yen, its 100% preferential exchange rate means you’ll rarely do worse than at a commercial bank.
Travel Wallet: the low application barrier is its strength
You can apply for Travel Wallet without an account at a specific bank. Its 0% yen exchange fee makes it competitive enough for straightforward purchases. The ATM withdrawal limit discussed below is the main variable.
SOL Travel: convenience-store cashback in Japan is a nice perk
In addition to waiving exchange fees, Shinhan Card’s SOL Travel offers 5% cashback at FamilyMart, Lawson, and 7-Eleven in Japan through December 31, 2026, with a combined monthly cap of 5,000 won (source: Shinhan Card). It’s a handy perk if you make frequent convenience-store stops.
Japanese ATMs have a few unexpected catches
Even when cards advertise the same “free withdrawals,” each card issuer partners with different ATMs. The two ATM networks you’re most likely to see in Japan are Seven Bank (7-Eleven) and AEON Bank (Ministop·AEON Mall).
Free ATM pairings by card
- ✅ Travelog: no machine fee at either Seven Bank or AEON Bank
- ✅ SOL Travel: free at both Seven Bank and AEON Bank
- ⚠️ Travel Wallet: free only at AEON Bank; Seven Bank charges a machine fee (110 yen during the day / 220 yen at night and on weekends)
Travel Wallet charges a 2% fee on withdrawals over $500 per month (about 700,000 won). If you expect a long stay or large withdrawals, use it alongside Travelog or SOL Travel.
Recommendations by situation: which card is right for you?
💰 Short 4-night, 5-day Tokyo·Osaka trips
→ One Travelog card is enough. It covers both purchases and ATMs, with the most reliable exchange-rate benefits.
🎯 If you’re short on time to get a card
→ Travel Wallet. Apply in the app without visiting a bank, and delivery by mail is relatively quick. Use it mainly for purchases, and stick to AEON Bank for ATM withdrawals.
🍙 For travelers who make frequent convenience-store stops
→ SOL Travel. It brings together the three key perks: currency exchange, ATM access, and convenience-store cashback.
📌 The safest combination
Take two cards: Travelog + Travel Wallet (or SOL Travel). Use one for purchases and the other as an ATM backup, so you’re covered if a card is lost or you hit a withdrawal limit.
Pre-trip checklist ✅
- Finish card issuance and delivery one week before departure (Travelog and SOL Travel take 3~5 business days)
- Load yen in the app in advance (try a weekday morning when the exchange rate is favorable)
- Confirm your 4-digit PIN is registered for purchases and ATM withdrawals
- Enable contactless (tap-to-pay) payments — compatible with Japanese IC-card terminals
- Screenshot your card issuer’s customer-service number in case of loss
- Use ATMs during convenience-store business hours when possible (daytime) to avoid nighttime fees
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q. With the yen weak right now, is it okay to preload yen?
A. We don’t recommend betting on exchange-rate movements. Splitting your top-ups right before the trip is the safest approach. Both Travelog and Travel Wallet let you top up in 1-yen increments in the app.
Q. Are there shops in Japan that don’t accept cards?
A. Some small restaurants and shops still take cash only. We recommend carrying around 5,000~10,000 yen in cash per day.
Q. What should I do with any yen balance I don’t use?
A. You can reconvert it (yen to won) in the app. Some cards apply a spread of around 1% when you reconvert, so the answer is to top up only what you’ll use.
Q. Can I also pay in Japan with a credit card?
A. You can, but a foreign transaction fee (about 1.0~1.2%) + card-network fee (1%) applies. It’s a worse deal than using a reloadable travel card.
![[Instant Confirmation] 2026 NEW Osaka Amazing Pass (Unlimited bus and train rides + free admission to major attractions, a digital pass with no exchange required! - Osaka Amazing Pass)](https://dry7pvlp22cox.cloudfront.net/mrt-images-prod/2026/05/20/wYqd/GYUuWmoK0B.jpg?width=320&quality=70)
Final thoughts: two cards beat one
All three cards are strong choices for a Japan trip. But their ATM partner networks differ, so relying on just one can leave you stuck in front of an ATM late at night. Use Travelog as your main card and Travel Wallet or SOL Travel as your backup—that’s the safest way to manage your Japan travel cards. Don’t let exchange fees eat into your summer trip to Japan.
If you want to book your flights more cheaply too, check out Tips for booking cheaper international flights as well.