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Receiving Your JR Pass: Physical Exchange Orders & What to Expect

Some JR Passes require a physical Exchange Order to be mailed to you after your booking. This article explains what an Exchange Order is, when to expect it, and how to select the correct activity date.

Updated over 2 weeks ago

What is a JR Pass Exchange Order?

For certain JR Pass types, you will receive a physical Exchange Order in addition to the confirmation voucher emailed to you after your booking.

  • Please note that the confirmation voucher sent to your booking email is not the train ticket. You should expect a separate physical Exchange Order to be sent to your mailing address provided at the time of booking

  • You are required to bring this physical Exchange Order to redeem your actual JR Pass

Example of a Physical Exchange Order

Do all JR Passes need a physical Exchange Order?

No. JR Pass requirements differ depending on the pass type.

There are two possible scenarios:

  1. Passes that require a physical Exchange Order

    1. You will receive the Exchange Order by mail.

    2. Delivery time is stated on the product page and/or option name (e.g., “Ships within 5 days”)

    3. You must bring the physical document to Japan to redeem the actual JR Pass
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  2. Passes that do NOT require a physical Exchange Order

    1. Some JR Passes allow you to redeem your pass using the confirmation voucher emailed to you

    2. You will not receive anything by physical mail

To know which applies to your booking, please refer to the details on the product page before completing the purchase.

When will I receive my physical Exchange Order?

Delivery timing depends on:

  1. The JR Pass type

  2. The delivery lead time stated on the product page

  3. The activity date you selected

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