When preparing for an overseas trip or dealing with leftover foreign currency after returning home, have you ever thought, “It would be so convenient if I could exchange foreign currency at a nearby convenience store”? In fact, it is possible to exchange foreign currency at some convenience stores, albeit on a limited basis.
However, this is not done at the “ATM” but through a dedicated “automated currency exchange machine” installed inside the store.
This article clearly distinguishes between the fact that currency exchange is not possible at convenience store ATMs and the services offered by automated currency exchange machines available at some stores. We will provide accurate information useful for both preparing for overseas travel and exchanging currency after returning home.
- Foreign Currency Exchange at Convenience Stores: The Difference Between ATMs and Automated Exchange Machines
- Details of “Automated Currency Exchange Machines” Installed in Some Convenience Stores
- Preparing Foreign Currency Before an Overseas Trip: Main Exchange Methods Other Than Convenience Stores
- (Reference) Payment Methods for Overseas Travel: Comparing Cash Exchange and Card Usage
- Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A) about Convenience Stores and Foreign Currency Exchange
- Q1. Can I exchange my U.S. dollar bills for Japanese yen at a convenience store in Japan?
- Q2. Can I exchange Japanese yen for U.S. dollars at a convenience store?
- Q3. Can I exchange foreign currency at the cash register of a 7-Eleven or Lawson?
- Q4. Can I send money to an overseas bank account from a convenience store ATM?
- Q5. After all, what is the most cost-effective way to exchange currency before an overseas trip?
- Q6. At which stores can I find a convenience store’s automated currency exchange machine?
Foreign Currency Exchange at Convenience Stores: The Difference Between ATMs and Automated Exchange Machines
First, it is crucial to understand the most important point: the functions of a “convenience store ATM” and an “automated currency exchange machine inside a convenience store” are completely different.
As a Rule, Foreign Currency Exchange is Not Possible at Convenience Store ATMs
At the ATMs themselves installed in convenience stores, such as Seven Bank ATMs or Lawson Bank ATMs, you cannot perform cash-to-cash foreign currency exchange. It is impossible to insert Japanese yen cash to withdraw foreign currency, or to insert foreign currency cash to withdraw Japanese yen.
The Reason from the Perspective of ATM Mechanics and Cash Management
This is due to the way ATMs are designed. Convenience store ATMs are typically stocked only with Japanese yen banknotes. Managing and replenishing multiple currencies would significantly increase operational costs due to more complex machinery, counterfeit detection measures, and inventory management. Therefore, the reality is that ATMs are not equipped with a currency exchange function.
Exchanging Foreign Currency to Japanese Yen is Possible at “Automated Currency Exchange Machines” in Some Stores
On the other hand, separate from ATMs, some convenience stores may have an “automated currency exchange machine” installed. This is a dedicated machine primarily for foreign tourists visiting Japan and Japanese residents returning from abroad to exchange their foreign currency banknotes into Japanese yen.
An important point to note is that these exchange machines are one-way only, from “foreign currency to Japanese yen,” and do not support exchanging “Japanese yen to foreign currency.” Therefore, remember that they cannot be used to obtain foreign currency before departing for an overseas trip.
Details of “Automated Currency Exchange Machines” Installed in Some Convenience Stores
Here we explain the specific services of the automated currency exchange machines installed in a very limited number of stores.
Service Overview: A Dedicated Machine for Exchanging “Foreign Banknotes” into “Japanese Yen”
This machine works by allowing you to insert foreign banknotes, and it dispenses the equivalent amount in Japanese yen cash, calculated based on the current exchange rate. No identification, such as a passport, is required, and you can operate it easily by following the on-screen instructions.
Main Convenience Stores with Installation and Service Examples
The installation of automated currency exchange machines has been confirmed at some stores of the following convenience store chains:
- FamilyMart: Automated Currency Exchange Machine
Allows you to exchange foreign currency for Japanese yen in-store. *Available at limited stores.
Source: Automated Currency Exchange Machine｜Services｜FamilyMart - Lawson: Lawson Currency Exchange Machine
Similarly, offers a service to exchange foreign currency into Japanese yen at some stores.
Source: Lawson Currency Exchange Machine – CURRENCY EXCHANGE - 7-Eleven: SMART EXCHANGE Currency Exchange Machine
A service to exchange foreign banknotes into Japanese yen. *Only from foreign currency to Japanese yen.
Source: Automated Currency Exchange Machine | SMART EXCHANGE
For all these services, installation is limited to a very small number of stores, such as those near tourist spots or airports. If you plan to use one, it is essential to search for store locations in advance on the official website of each convenience store or the service provider.
Preparing Foreign Currency Before an Overseas Trip: Main Exchange Methods Other Than Convenience Stores
Since automated currency exchange machines at convenience stores do not support exchanging “Japanese yen to foreign currency,” you will need to use other methods as before to prepare for your overseas trip.
Method 1: Exchange at Bank Counters or Specialized Currency Exchange Shops
This is the method of exchanging currency at the counter of a major city bank or a specialized shop like Travelex.
- Pros: Face-to-face service provides a sense of security, and it can handle large-amount exchanges.
- Cons: Business hours are limited to weekdays, and fees can be relatively high in some cases.
Method 2: Use Banks or Exchange Counters at the Airport
This method involves exchanging currency at a counter inside the airport on the day of departure.
- Pros: The biggest advantage is the convenience of being able to exchange currency right before departure.
- Cons: Exchange rates tend to be less favorable compared to banks or shops in the city.
Method 3: Foreign Currency Exchange at Discount Ticket Shops
Some discount ticket shops (Kinken shops) also handle foreign currency exchange.
- Pros: You may be able to get a better rate than at banks or airports.
- Cons: The availability of currency can be unstable, and you need to choose a reliable shop.
Method 4: Use an Online Foreign Currency Delivery Service
This is a service where you apply online and receive the foreign currency at your home or at the airport.
- Pros: It saves you the trouble of going to a store, and the rates can be favorable.
- Cons: It takes a few days to receive the currency, and there may be separate shipping fees.
(Reference) Payment Methods for Overseas Travel: Comparing Cash Exchange and Card Usage
Instead of exchanging a large amount of cash, using credit cards is also a common practice.
Pros and Cons of Using a Credit Card for Cash Advances at Local ATMs
This method involves withdrawing local currency from an overseas ATM using your credit card.
- Pros: You can get the amount of local currency you need, and the exchange rate is often good.
- Cons: Interest accrues, so it is recommended to pay it off early after returning home.
The Convenience of Using Credit/Debit Cards for Shopping Abroad
Using card payments for in-store purchases is convenient and safe. It reduces the risk of carrying cash and makes it easier to manage expenses. Although a foreign transaction fee applies, it is often more economical than cash exchange fees.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A) about Convenience Stores and Foreign Currency Exchange
Q1. Can I exchange my U.S. dollar bills for Japanese yen at a convenience store in Japan?
A1. Yes, it is possible at an “automated currency exchange machine” installed in some stores. However, the number of stores with these machines is very limited. You cannot exchange currency at a convenience store ATM or at the cash register.
Q2. Can I exchange Japanese yen for U.S. dollars at a convenience store?
A2. No, you cannot. Neither convenience store ATMs nor the automated currency exchange machines installed in some stores offer a service to exchange Japanese yen into foreign currency. They cannot be used to prepare for an overseas trip.
Q3. Can I exchange foreign currency at the cash register of a 7-Eleven or Lawson?
A3. No, you cannot. Currency exchange is not part of the checkout duties at a convenience store and is not offered as a service.
Q4. Can I send money to an overseas bank account from a convenience store ATM?
A4. At some convenience store ATMs (such as Seven Bank ATMs), it is possible to send money abroad through affiliated international money transfer service providers. However, this is an “international money transfer” service, which is different from “foreign currency exchange.”
Q5. After all, what is the most cost-effective way to exchange currency before an overseas trip?
A5. There is no single definitive answer, but it is important to compare exchange rates, fees, and convenience comprehensively. In terms of rates, online foreign currency delivery services and some discount ticket shops tend to be more favorable.
Q6. At which stores can I find a convenience store’s automated currency exchange machine?
A6. The number of stores with these machines is very limited, and they are mainly concentrated in urban areas and tourist spots with many foreign visitors. If you wish to use one, be sure to check the locations in advance on the official website of each convenience store or the currency exchange machine service provider.
Last updated: August 28, 2025