Japan Convenience Store Tips: 5 Things to Know Before You Go
At a Japanese convenience store, ask staff to heat your bento, expect to pay for plastic bags, and put cash on the small tray at the register. Buy your coffee cup at the register before you pour, and if you need yen, 7-Eleven ATMs accept many foreign cards.
The 26-second video, with Hako. Open on YouTube
The 5 things to know
Ask for your bento to be heated
Say 'atatamete kudasai' (please heat it up) and staff will warm it for you. Not every item can be heated, so check the label.
Plastic bags aren't free
If you want a bag, just ask 'fukuro kudasai' (a bag, please). Since 2020 shops charge for them, usually a few yen each at konbini.
Put cash on the tray
Paying with cash? Place your money on the little tray at the register rather than handing it over.
Buy the cup before you pour
At chains like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart, buy your coffee cup at the register first, then pour it yourself.
Get yen at 7-Eleven ATMs
Need yen? Seven-Eleven ATMs take many foreign cards, so you can withdraw cash there.
Quick answers
Can I pay for konbini purchases with cash?
Yes. Put your cash on the small tray at the register, which is the polite way to pay. It is a custom rather than a legal rule.
Can I withdraw yen from a konbini ATM with a foreign card?
Seven Bank ATMs in 7-Eleven stores accept Visa, Mastercard and other major foreign cards. Withdrawal limits and fees depend on your card and home bank, so check the screen before you confirm.
Do I have to pay for a plastic bag at a konbini?
Yes. Konbini charge for plastic bags, typically a few yen each, so say 'irimasen' if you have your own bag.
Read the video transcript
First time in a Japanese convenience store? Here's how it works.
Want your bento hot? Just ask: atatamete kudasai.
Plastic bags aren't free. If you want one, just ask.
Paying with cash? Put it on the little tray.
Coffee? Buy the cup at the register, then pour it yourself.
Need yen? Seven-Eleven ATMs take many foreign cards.
Easy, right?
Sources & how we checked
The tips on this page were checked against these official pages:
- faq.sej.co.jp7-Eleven FAQ: products heated in store
- sevenbank.co.jpSeven Bank - Overseas cards: service information
- env.go.jpMinistry of the Environment - Plastic shopping bag charge results (PDF)
- Updated
- Video
- 26 seconds, made by Ready in Japan
- Good to know
- Rules can vary by place. Follow local signs and staff.
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