🙏 Etiquette & Places
Paying in Japan: cash, IC cards and the money tray
Why cash still matters, where cards work, and never handing money over by hand.
Avoid these
Tipping
There’s no tipping in Japan — not in restaurants, taxis or hotels. It can even cause confusion.
Handing cash over
Place money on the tray at the counter rather than into the cashier’s hand.
Haggling
Prices are fixed. Haggling at shops or restaurants is a no.
Do exactly this
Use the tray
Cash or card goes on the little tray; take your change from it too.
Carry some cash
Cards & IC are common, but small shops and shrines are still cash-only.
Ask for the bill
In restaurants you usually pay at the register — use the phrase below.
The phrase locals love
お会計
o-kaikei!
“The check, please.” Catch the staff’s eye and say “o-kaikei onegai shimasu” (or make a small ✕ with your fingers), then pay at the register.
📍 when you’re ready to leave