Best place to replenish my Japanese currency?
 

I'm inTokyo now (after a week in Kyoto), and I'm rapidly running out of cash. It appears that not every expense can be covered by credit card, so it's time for a refill. I'm planning to use my debit card in a local ATM, and get cash in Japenese Yen. is this the best way to get locas cash here. (It has been in other countries I've been to), and is there asignificant difference in ATM fees (the hotel suggested using the ATM at 7-11)?

I've always found getting cash from an ATM is the cheapest option but it no doubt depends on your credit card provider and what fees they charge for cash withdrawals overseas.

Thanks,Kavey. i'll be using a debit card, and there is no additional feeadded to the currency conversion charge. What I was enquiring about was the fee that the ATM owner charges for using their ATM.

I don't think 7-11 ATMs charge fees for cash withdrawal, nor do Post Office ATMs, as far as I'm aware.

Read this page for more complete information: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2208.html

Yup, any 7-11 or post office ATM is a good place to replenish your supply of yen.

What is the maximum amount in US $ that you can take out from the ATMs there?

I've found that my bank withdrawal limits are lower than what the ATM can give out.....only US$600 for one of my accounts. From another account I have taken out 100,000 JPY or about US$835 at the time....

Maximum amounts depend on the ATM and, as Mara indicates, on YOUR bank -- it's the lower of the two values.

and note that the "per day" calculation also depends on YOUR bank. One of mine defines days by midnight eastern, no matter where in the world I am. Another starts all days at 4 p.m. eastern. Etc.

I will need to get currency whenI arrive at Narita, what's the best solution there?

A Seven-11 or post office. Have we not already directed you to japan-guide? You can get answers to almost all your questions there, without waiting for a response.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2208.html

A google search would also have taken you to the map of Narita, complete with info about ATMs (including locations and hours):
http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/guide/map/

My question was at Narita what is the best solution for getting currency.

> at Narita what is the best solution for getting currency.

After you exit customs, there are both ATMs and currency exchange booths in both Terminals.

MrsBillT wrote, "My question was at Narita what is the best solution for getting currency."

And my answer was a Seven-11 or post office, and I gave you a map of Narita that shows their locations and hours. What more are you seeking?

Thanks Don!

@ MrsBillT -- What gracious responses to those of us who made the effort to answer your questions, here and on your other threads, using our own free time and with no benefit other than a polite thank-you now and again, and who went beyond your questions to ensure that you know of tools you can use to answer other questions that you might have. Enjoy your journey, and good luck!

There is no right answer as to how much cash you can get from an ATM, or how much it will cost.

Here are some of the variables:

1) What your bank allows per day
2) What the ATM owner allows to be withdrawn each day.
3) What fee - if any- your bank charges for ATM withdrawals
4) What - if any- the ATM charges for withdrawals
5) What percentage - if any- your bank charges for converting the currency you pull from the ATMs.
6) How your bank calculates "daily" maximums...Every 24 hours? Every calendar day based on the time at your bank, or based on the time at the ATM.
7) The exchange rate used by the ATM's bank.

Check with your bank before you go...Chase only allowed me $300 per day until I went in and asked for an increase. They now allow me to pull out $1000 per day. Not many Asian ATMs will allow that amount, but I can go to multiple ATMS until I reach the limit if necessary.

Have a ballpark figure for the break-even point when using a credit card (often 3%) in Asia vs pulling cash from an ATM, or just exchanging a $100 bill. Always read the ATM screen before you hit the "withdraw cash" button.

Open an account that doesn't charge ATM or currency conversion fees. Better yet, find one that will reimburse you for the ATM owner fees.

One of my banks doesn't allow any withdrawals in high fraud-risk countries. As they consider Cambodia a high risk, I can't use that card at all in Cambodia (where I spend about six weeks a year). I will, however be charged the ATM fee if I want to test and see if the rules have changed.

And just like buying air tickets or hotel rooms, don't sweat the small stuff. Don't risk running out of money or having to run all over looking for cash, just because there is an ATM fee.

Thanks Lucy!

Make that Thanks lcuy .