Welcome to Japan! If you’re looking to earn flexibly as an Uber Eats delivery partner, you’ve made a great choice. While most transactions are digital, you’ll soon encounter an option unique to certain markets: cash orders. This guide is designed specifically for foreign residents in Japan to help you understand, navigate, and master the art of handling cash deliveries safely and efficiently.
Before you begin, remember that as a foreign national, you must have a valid residence status that permits work and may need to visit an Uber Compliance Center for document verification. Basic Japanese communication skills are also required.
Understanding Cash Orders: The Basics
First, let’s break down what cash orders are and how they function within the Uber Eats ecosystem in Japan.
What Are Cash Orders and Why Do They Exist?
Cash orders allow customers to pay for their food with physical currency upon delivery. Uber introduced this option in Japan, starting in Osaka in 2018, to broaden its customer base. Japan is still a cash-centric society, and by offering this payment method, Uber Eats becomes accessible to individuals who don’t have or prefer not to use credit cards online. For delivery partners, this translates into a larger pool of potential orders.
However, this feature is not available everywhere or to everyone. Availability depends on the city, and the “Cash” option may be hidden for customers with a history of payment issues, as noted by Uber’s official help page.
How the Payment and Settlement Process Works
The process might seem confusing at first, but it’s quite systematic. Here’s the core concept:
- You accept a cash delivery request, which will be marked with a green cash icon in the app.
- You deliver the order and collect the full amount in cash from the customer. You may need to provide change.
- You keep the cash you collected. This is your immediate earning.
- The cash you collected includes the cost of the food, taxes, and Uber’s fees—which is more than your delivery fee.
- Later, Uber settles the difference. They will deduct the amount you owe them (the restaurant’s portion and their service fee) from your earnings from non-cash trips. If your non-cash earnings aren’t enough to cover this, Uber will charge a credit or debit card you have on file.
This settlement happens on a weekly cycle. You can track all your cash and non-cash transactions in the Driver App to see how much you owe Uber or how much will be deposited into your bank account. This system is detailed on Uber’s page for delivery partners.
The Pros and Cons of Accepting Cash
Many Japanese delivery partners debate whether enabling cash orders is worth it. The decision is yours, and you can toggle the option on or off in the app. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide.
The Upside: More Orders, More Potential Earnings
The primary advantage is simple: more orders. By accepting cash, you tap into a segment of the market that doesn’t use digital payments. Uber states this can potentially increase your earnings. In competitive or slower areas, this could mean the difference between waiting for a request and staying busy.
The Downside: Common Risks and Hassles
On the flip side, cash brings complications that many drivers prefer to avoid. Japanese driver forums and blogs frequently cite these issues:
- The hassle of change (お釣り – otsuri): You are responsible for carrying enough change, which can be burdensome.
- Increased interaction time: Handling cash, counting money, and making change takes longer than a simple drop-off.
- Risk of errors: Miscounting money or giving incorrect change is a real possibility, especially when you’re in a hurry.
- Safety and security concerns: Carrying cash can make you a target for scams or theft.
Many experienced drivers in Japan choose to disable cash orders to have a smoother, less stressful experience, even if it means slightly fewer pings, as discussed on platforms like Uber Eats driver-focused blogs.
A Practical Guide to Handling Cash Transactions
If you decide to accept cash orders, being prepared is half the battle. Here’s how to handle them like a pro.
Preparation is Key: Getting Your Change Ready
Never start your shift without adequate change. A common complaint among drivers is customers paying with a 10,000 JPY bill for a small order. To avoid getting stuck, experienced drivers recommend preparing at least 10,000 to 15,000 JPY in change.
A good starting mix includes:
- One 5,000 JPY bill
- Four 1,000 JPY bills
- One or two 500 JPY coins
- A handful of 100, 50, and 10 JPY coins
Using a coin case or organizer (コインケース), available at any 100-yen shop, is a game-changer. It helps you find the right coins quickly and reduces the chance of errors.
The Delivery Process: Step-by-Step
When you receive a cash order, the app will guide you. Here’s the flow:
- A green cash icon appears on the trip details screen.
- Upon arrival, greet the customer and confirm the order.
- Tap the “Collect Cash” button in the app, which will display the exact amount due.
- State the amount clearly to the customer (e.g., “合計で2,000円になります” – Gōkei de nisen-en ni narimasu).
- Collect the cash and provide change if necessary. Count the change back to the customer to ensure accuracy.
- Complete the delivery in the app.
Navigating Common Problems and Risks
Troubles can happen. Here’s how to handle the most common issues reported by drivers in Japan.
The “Not Enough Change” Dilemma
It happens. If a customer gives you a large bill and you don’t have enough change, politely explain the situation (“すみません、お釣りが足りません” – Sumimasen, otsuri ga tarimasen). You can ask if they have smaller bills. If not, you may have to cancel the delivery, but this should be a last resort. If the customer is understanding, you might be able to run to a nearby convenience store, but this is not ideal. The best solution is prevention: always carry sufficient change.
Beware of Look-Alike Coins: The 500 Won Trap
This is a classic and costly mistake. The South Korean 500 Won coinlooks remarkably similar in size and color to the Japanese 500 Yen coin. However, its value is less than one-tenth of the yen coin. Always take a second to check the coins you receive, especially 500 yen pieces. As one driver noted on a Japanese forum, receiving one by mistake is a frustrating experience.
Avoiding Scams and Fraud
While rare, scams can occur. A known scam involved a person at an apartment entrance asking the driver for change for a 10,000 JPY bill, claiming their spouse would pay inside. The driver hands over the change, goes to the apartment, and finds the resident didn’t order anything. By the time they return, the scammer is gone. The golden rule is: never hand over change or goods until you have the customer’s payment in your hand.
Dealing with App Interruptions
Imagine you’re counting change when a new delivery request pops up, blocking your screen. This is a common annoyance. To prevent this, use the “Stop New Requests” button. After you pick up an order and are heading to the customer, you can tap this button (it usually says “Go Offline,” but changes during a trip). This will prevent new requests from interrupting your current delivery, allowing you to focus on the cash transaction without stress.
Important Rules for Cash Orders in Japan
There are a few specific rules for cash orders in Japan that you should be aware of, as they affect the customer’s options:
- Order Limit: Cash orders are capped at a total of 10,000 JPY, including all fees.
- No “Leave at Door”: The “置き配” (okihai) or “Leave at door” option is disabled for cash orders for obvious reasons.
- Alcohol Exclusion: Orders containing alcoholic beverages cannot be paid for with cash.
These rules are in place to minimize risk for both customers and delivery partners.
Is Accepting Cash Right for You?
Ultimately, the choice is yours. If you are organized, prepared with change, and comfortable with the added interaction and potential risks, accepting cash can be a great way to maximize your delivery opportunities. If you prefer a simpler, faster, and lower-stress experience, you may want to keep the cash option turned off.
Try it out for a day or a week. See how it feels. You can always change your settings in the Driver App at any time.
Ready to Start Delivering?
Handling cash is just one part of the adventure of being an Uber Eats delivery partner in Japan. It’s a fantastic way to explore your city, earn money on your own schedule, and become part of a dynamic community.
If you’re feeling prepared and excited to begin your journey, you can sign up using the link below. Get on the road and start earning today!
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