Should you buy Yen in Australia or Japan?

Last Updated on July 12, 2024 by Vlad

With the Aussie dollar today trading at $1 for 106.7 yen, there has not been a better time for Aussies to visit Japan in the last 17 years! (purely speaking in terms of bang for your travel buck)

AUD vs JPY historical chart

With cash still being the king in Japan, you are probably wondering if its better to get yen in Australia or Japan?

Based on my 20 years of visiting Japan and exchanging currencies, it is cheaper to buy yen in Australia than in Japan. If you shop correctly you’ll be getting 2% to 5% more yen for your dollars than you would if you were to exchange money in Japan. The keyword here is to shop correctly – meaning to exchange your money at the right place. Exchange rates vary from place to place, and your typical suburban shopping centre currency exchange kiosk will not give you a good deal and will be on path to rates offered in Japan.

If you are based in Melbourne check out my post on where to buy yen in Melbourne.

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