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Much to my surprise, I was able to pay for a taxi ride to Narita Airport using a Visa card.

While I'd always want to pay cash, is using a credit card always an option for paying for taxi rides in Japan (or did I just get really lucky)? even in the smaller cities?

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  • For one second I read taxes...
    – Bakuriu
    Jun 4, 2015 at 7:56

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No, it's not "always" an option. Most taxis do take credit cards, and specifically in Tokyo virtually all do; but some don't, so you can't rely on this. Minimum fares of up to ¥5000 may also apply.

One interesting alternative is transport smart cards: most visitors to Japan will have a Pasmo/Suica/etc, which are also increasingly accepted by taxis (look for a little decal on the window as you get in). They're very fast to use too (tap!) and have no surcharges, minimum fares or other hassle.

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  • Also look for the decals regarding the credit cards! Btw. Tokyo is increasingly accepting foreign cards specially as a preparation for the Olympics. So you can expect the availability of CC-enabled taxis to increase.
    – uncovery
    Jun 4, 2015 at 3:35
  • I definitely recommend getting a Pasmo card (or similar) if you are using public transport a lot. Much easier than buying a ticket every time!
    – emmalgale
    Jun 4, 2015 at 11:10
  • Perhaps the IC cards are well accepted in Kanto, but down in Kansai it's definitely not the case. Cash is still king for taxis.
    – jmac
    Jun 10, 2015 at 0:51
  • @emmalgale And the fare is also slightly cheaper per trip
    – GoodDeeds
    Jul 21, 2018 at 6:22
  • Last time I took a taxi in Matsuyama and they accept only cash, period. And, the taxis weren't even equipped with GPS navigation systems, I had to provide directions to the driver in a city I just arrived in...
    – xuq01
    Apr 27, 2019 at 2:11
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No, not all taxis will take credit cards, similar to other countries. Once you leave the major metropolitan areas (i.e. Tokyo or Kyoto), some will be cash only. A friendly reminder, is be wary about using a credit card when visiting another country as the card company may add extra fees for transactions in different currencies.

Another thing I've noticed is that in major metropolitan areas taxis that primarily run to airports do take credit cards.

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    Do you have a reference for your claim about the fees? I have used many cards in many countries, and not a single time there was a fee for a purchase. Every card I've seen has fees for cash advances, but not for purchases.
    – Martin Argerami
    Jun 4, 2015 at 13:25
  • US Bank has fees for international charges.
    – CBredlow
    Jun 4, 2015 at 19:23

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