Getting Yen in Tokyo--ATMs vs Cash
 

I will make a short stopver trip to Japan (about 2 days); the airport is Narita. I have not decided where to stay, but I am trying to avoid Tokyo. I will most likely spend 0.5 to 1 day in Narita and then go somewhere nearby with some character but without the Tokyo price levels.

I have searched this forum but have not found a lot of info about getting cash in Japan. It seems like some postings are a little dated.

Thus, is it still correct that most ATMs don't accept foreign debit cards, except the Post Office ones? Is the line at the Post Office in Narita Aiport really long? What are the other ATMs that do accept US debit cards (I am not a Citibank customer)?

Also, in terms of exchange rates, is it better to bring US$ cash than ATMs? I am not concerned about safety in Japan.

I am not sure why anyone would stop over in Narita as a way to visit Japan. There is a Costco nearby that I keep meaning to visit but otherwise there is nothing notable around the airport. Getting cash from ATM's is not that difficult but you do need to find one that takes your bank card. Cirrus etc.

It is easy to find an ATM machine that accepts foreign cards...post offices are all over the place. Be sure to check your home bank for fees, as often there is one for overseas use. Also, many ATM machines are only open 9 - 5 M - F...only some are open outside normal business hours. Cash is easy to exchange as well, but only during banking hours at authorized foreign exchange banks if you are not doing it at the airport. Airport rates were lousy when we were in Narita on Thursday.

We used ATM's everywhere with no problems (on New Year's weekend).

Also, both my husband and I had been to Tokyo before, and we thought prices were not too bad this time.

Just use the Citibank ATM at the airport. I don't think you will even be charged a fee by Citibank, though maybe you will be charged a fee by your bank.

Look for a "Cirrus" logon on your card. And/or maybe a "Plus" logo. You can use machines that show those logos (which the Citibank machine will). Those machines will also (almost certainly) show the Visa logo (and vice versa) so you could also use a Visa Check Card.

I would stay at the Hilton at Narita Airport. Visit Narita town.

Barkinpark,

1. The price in Narita is not much different than Tokyo. How many days do you plan to spend in Japan in total? What are your interests? Personally, I find Hilton at Narita very much in need of renovation.

2. ATM: as answered by mrwunrfl. Aside from Citibank (there is an ATM on the arrival floor), some banks accept debit cards issued abroad with Cirrus or PLUS logo. My card worked at Risona Bank. Didn't work at BOTM-UFJ, neither at convenience store ATMs.

3. I don't see sense in bringing US$ cash. It will be the last convenient option (you'll need to actually go to the bank branch with foreign exchange department, when their windows are open), and you'll get the least for the same amount.

OP can just do a currency exchange at the airport. Won't be a great rate but it is only for "walking around money", maybe $100 for a half or whole day? Maybe $200 if taking the train into Tokyo. No need to go to a bank for that. But ATM is best.

I agree, the guide books are out of date. We had no trouble using our American ATM cards. Most medium to high restaurants accepted credit cards as well.

Can someone who recently exchanged money at the Narita Airport tell me what was the exchange rate? I am wondering if I should exchange some $ in the US prior to boarding my plane or not.
I just called the currency exchange kiosk at the airport and they are offering 95 Yen/$ with a $5.95 flat fee per transaction. Oanda says it is 104.6Yen/$.

Any feedback will be much appreciated.

satrijoe,

I think the rate you got is quite bad. Even acknowledging you'll never get interbank rate (104.935 on bloomberg as I'm typing), you should be able to get better rate in Narita.

Most US banks don't stock much JPY cash, hence the rates are usually worse.

Though this is probably not a fixed official rate and you may see a bit of variances by banks, looks like you can get JPY102

http://www.narita-airport.or.jp/exchange_e/index.html

Exchange rates between banks don't vary - they are exactly the same at Narita as anywhere else in the country, on a given day.

The ATM rate will be the best you can get. See here where to find one in Japan

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2208.html

The banks and money exchangers in Narita and elsewhere will give you a good rate but not as good as the ATM(bank to bank) rate. All is for not if your bank charges a surcharge, lol

Aloha!

Thanks for the comments.

I have arrived today! The exchange rate was $103.06 with no transaction fees. The exchange kiosk was on the right of the customs exit and across from the Limousine ticket counter.

Things are very smooth so far.

I have started a blog to describe my trip with my wife and daughter. If you are interested:
http://satrijoe-japantrip.blogspot.com/

Enjoy!