Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
52
machine). Because most ATMs in Japan
accept only cards issued by Japanese banks,
your best bet for obtaining cash is a
7-Eleven
convenience store, most of
which are open 24 hours and have ATMs
that accept foreign bank cards operating
on the
Cirrus
(www.mastercard.com) and
PLUS
(www.visa.com) systems, as well as
American Express. Another good bet is a
post office, though ATM machines located
at every post office in Japan may be operable
only during limited hours (depending on
the post office, that may be until 6 or 7pm
weekdays and until 5pm on weekends).
Other places with ATMs that might
accept foreign-issued cards include most
Citibanks (which usually accept cards on
the PLUS and Cirrus systems, as well as
Visa and MasterCard and sometimes
American Express, but note that not all
foreign cards may be accepted), large
department stores, and Narita Airport.
Note that there is no public American
Express office in Japan.
Be sure you know your four-digit per-
sonal identification number (PIN) and
your daily withdrawal limit before leaving
home.
Note:
Many banks impose a fee
every time you use a card at another bank's
ATM, and that fee can be higher for inter-
national transactions than for domestic
ones. In addition, the bank from which
you withdraw cash may charge its own fee.
Because Tokyo is expensive and because
there is a limit to how much money you
can withdraw with each transaction, you'll
find these bank fees especially annoying
here. For international withdrawal fees,
ask your bank.
CREDIT CARDS
Credit cards are a safe way to carry money,
provide a convenient record of all your
expenses, and generally offer relatively
good exchange rates. You can withdraw
cash advances from your credit cards at
banks or ATMs, provided you know your
4-digit PIN. Keep in mind that you'll pay
interest from the moment of your with-
drawal, even if you pay your monthly bills
on time. Also, note that many banks now
assess a 1% to 3% “transaction fee” on
all
charges you incur abroad (whether you're
using the local currency or your native
currency).
The most readily accepted cards in
Japan are
American Express,
Diners
Club,
MasterCard
(also called Eurocard),
Visa,
and the Japanese credit card
JCB
(Japan Credit Bank). Shops and restau-
rants accepting credit and charge cards will
usually post which cards they accept at the
door or near the cash register (you can
even use credit cards to pay for taxis).
However, smaller establishments may be
reluctant to accept cards for minor pur-
chases and inexpensive meals, so inquire
beforehand. In addition, note that the vast
majority of Tokyo's least expensive busi-
nesses, including noodle shops, fast-food
joints, ma-and-pa establishments, and the
cheapest accommodations, often do not
accept credit cards.
TRAVELER'S CHECKS
Although traveler's checks are something
of an anachronism now that ATMs have
come onto the scene, traveler's checks are
still useful in Japan. Traveler's checks gen-
erally fetch a better exchange rate than
cash and also offer protection in case of
theft;
you'll need your passport to exchange
traveler's checks.
Note, however, that in
some very remote areas, even banks won't
cash them. Before taking off for small
towns, be sure you have enough cash.
You can get traveler's checks at most
banks. They are offered in denominations
of $20, $50, $100, $500, and sometimes
$1,000. Generally, you'll pay a service
charge ranging from 1% to 4%.
Be sure to keep a record of the traveler's
checks' serial numbers separate from your
checks in the event that they are stolen or
lost. You'll get a refund faster if you know
the numbers.
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