Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Emergency
Top Tip
Most emergency operators don't speak English, but they will imme-
diately refer you to someone who does.
›
Ambulance
( Kyūkyūsha;
119)
›
Fire
( Shōbōsho;
119)
›
Police
( Keishichō; emergency 110, general 3501-0110;
www.keishicho.metro.tokyo.jp
)
24-hour staffed
kōban
(police boxes) are located near most major train stations.
›
Medical Information & Emergency Interpretation
( emergency translation
5285-8185, medical information 5285-8181;
www.himawari.metro.tokyo.jp/qq/qq13enmnlt.asp
;
9am-8pm)
in English, Chinese, Korean, Thai and Spanish.
Money
›
The unit of currency is the Japanese yen (¥).
›
Tokyo is still largely a cash society, though major hotels, restaurants and stores
usually take credit cards. Still, it's a good idea to have cash as back-up.
ATMs
›
Post offices and 7-Eleven convenience stores have ATMs with English instruc-
tions that work with overseas cards; 7-Elevens are open 24hr.
cards from every country; ATMs are open 24hr and you can find them in Shinjuku,
Shibuya, Ginza and Roppongi.
Changing Money
›
Most banks and some major hotels and department stores can change cash or
travellers cheques. US dollars and euros are the easiest to change, and fetch the
best rates.
