Money Exchange in Japan - best places?
Sep 2nd, 2007, 08:57 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Money Exchange in Japan - best places?
I'm arriving in Tokyo on Saturday afternoon, Sept 8. Should I simply go to the ATM at Narita Airport? Are the rates inferior at all ATMs? How much worse, if at all, at the airport? After that, where is the best place to get yen for the best rates? ATMs? Banks to exchange dollars? Credit cards these days charge 1-3% just for using them, aside from the exchange rate. Any advice appreciated. Thanks!
Sep 2nd, 2007, 09:26 AM
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,242
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Usually you get the best exchange rate at an ATM unless your bank has a high service charge...
After that you can get yen at post office ATMs.
Also now the 711 stores take foreign ATM cards but there may be a small service charge for that.
After that you can get yen at post office ATMs.
Also now the 711 stores take foreign ATM cards but there may be a small service charge for that.
Sep 5th, 2007, 06:49 AM
#3
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,836
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
At Narita, there are Citibank ATM that should work with non-Japanese cards with Cirrus or Plus network logos. Just make sure you use bank cards and not credit cards.
I haven't used the exchange desk at the airport (there is one before exiting the customs), but ATMs should use the same rate regardless of the location.
I found ATMs at many banks didn't work with non-Japanese cards, and mainly used 7-11 convenience stores (most have an ATM terminal inside the store).
Since I didn't want to incur per-transfer charges, I carried much higher amount of cash (say, JPY100k) than I would normally do at home.
I haven't used the exchange desk at the airport (there is one before exiting the customs), but ATMs should use the same rate regardless of the location.
I found ATMs at many banks didn't work with non-Japanese cards, and mainly used 7-11 convenience stores (most have an ATM terminal inside the store).
Since I didn't want to incur per-transfer charges, I carried much higher amount of cash (say, JPY100k) than I would normally do at home.
Sep 5th, 2007, 07:57 AM
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you for that info. So just to be clear, the exchange rate for cash is the same as in the ATM? And the only downside to the ATM is the transfer charge from my US Bank, right? thanks
Sep 6th, 2007, 11:42 AM
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes, my bank's debit/MasterCard will charge 1% on every transaction (plus $2 every time ATM is used). So, are you saying that the exchange rate at the ATM is still better than exchanging US Dollars somewhere? Thanks! Leaving tomorrow!
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Hulalady
United States
7
Apr 20th, 2013 01:47 AM
