Wise and Revolut give you mid-market rates with transparent ~0.5% fees. Roughly ¥6,000 saved on a $1,500 trip. Order before you fly and you'll skip the counter queues entirely.
Also: get online the moment you land
Japan eSIMs from ~$10/week. Install before departure, connect 1 minute after landing.
Get an Airalo eSIM ↗Compare USD rates around Haneda Airport (Tokyo)
This is the same mid-market rate Google or the Bank of Japan show. Real shops typically apply a 1–3% spread on top.
Cash exchange isn't always the best move on arrival. Three smarter picks for the moment you exit the gate at Haneda Airport.
Daily pocket WiFi rental for short-stay tourists. Physical router that the whole family or group can share.
Rent a Pocket WiFi (WiFi Rental .com) ↗Mid-market rate −0.5%, no hidden markup. Saves ~¥6,000 on a $1,500 trip.
Get a Wise card ↗Pre-book JR passes, theme-park tickets, and tours. Skip the ticket-counter queues on arrival.
Book on Klook ↗🏨 Need a hotel near Haneda Airport? Compare prices on Agoda — free cancellation on most rooms.