Money question in Japan and I'm leaving on Saturday
May 16th, 2011, 02:20 PM
#21
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It has been an experience. I'm traveling by myself. Yesterday I took two different trains and a two hour bus ride to get from Ito to Mt. Fuji. There are 7-Eleven's everywhere that will accept the ATM card and will give out larger amounts than the Post Office does.
There are very few tourist here. The economy is hurting. To save money, I've been staying at K's House in a seven bed dorm room and last night there were only two people in the room, including myself. There is also a kitchen and free coffee and tea.
K's House in Ito is in a 100 year old building with a hot spring and Japanese bath available--private or communial.
I took a three hour tour of the Ito area. We visited a mountain where you could see Mt. Fuji (a very clear day) and a national park. The tour was 1950 Yen, which included the ski lift and parking.
As for the subways, they are getting used to seeing me in the fare adjustment lane.
My cell phone doesn't work here and everyone else says the same thing. It is also very expensive to rent a cell phone. Don't forget to bring a ground plug if your computer has a three prong plug (ground) as most outlets are only two plug like in the U.S. I did find a three prong in the kitchen.
There are very few tourist here. The economy is hurting. To save money, I've been staying at K's House in a seven bed dorm room and last night there were only two people in the room, including myself. There is also a kitchen and free coffee and tea.
K's House in Ito is in a 100 year old building with a hot spring and Japanese bath available--private or communial.
I took a three hour tour of the Ito area. We visited a mountain where you could see Mt. Fuji (a very clear day) and a national park. The tour was 1950 Yen, which included the ski lift and parking.
As for the subways, they are getting used to seeing me in the fare adjustment lane.
My cell phone doesn't work here and everyone else says the same thing. It is also very expensive to rent a cell phone. Don't forget to bring a ground plug if your computer has a three prong plug (ground) as most outlets are only two plug like in the U.S. I did find a three prong in the kitchen.
May 16th, 2011, 02:41 PM
#22
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Is there a limit in Japan on how much can be withdrawn from the ATM machines? Or does the limit depend upon your bank's daily withdrawal limit? (I am referring back to Wally's comment above about being able to get more withdrawn from the 7-11 vs. the post offices) My card is a VISA debit card issued by BBVA Compass Banks. On the back it says Plus, Interlink, Star.
Also, my phone is a Blackjack II through At&T. They told me I can get international calls and texting and that my phone will work fine over in Japan. I will mostly want it to call home a couple of times and to send text messages back home. Is this true that I should have no problems? Thanks!
Also, my phone is a Blackjack II through At&T. They told me I can get international calls and texting and that my phone will work fine over in Japan. I will mostly want it to call home a couple of times and to send text messages back home. Is this true that I should have no problems? Thanks!
May 16th, 2011, 02:48 PM
#23
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The limit depends on your card ATM limits rather than the Japanese ATM. I think that Japanese ATMs typically allow withdrawals of up to a million yen. Your card's limit is likely to be considerably lower if like my US banks limit of $500.00 US daily but maybe not. You have to inquire with your card company. Note that oversea withdrawal limits are usually lower than domestic limits.
Aloha!
Aloha!
May 16th, 2011, 02:53 PM
#24
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Usually to use a phone in Japan it must have 2100 Mhz band - check your specifications.....Japan's cell phone system is different from many other countries and phones often do not work there....
I had phones that worked fine in Europe but did not have the bands needed in Japan....
Unfortunately many of the customer reps you speak with are not aware of this....
I had phones that worked fine in Europe but did not have the bands needed in Japan....
Unfortunately many of the customer reps you speak with are not aware of this....
May 16th, 2011, 03:48 PM
#25
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You're so lucky your card worked in the ATM! From my experience that is a rare thing. I moved to Japan last year and the best thing about it is carrying a lot of cash is not dangerous but rathe recommended. Also, cell phones do not work in Japan, and if that do they will typically charge you an exorbitant amount to use them. Best bet, live without. =) How long are you visiting? Where are you traveling? I live in W Japan. Hope the trip is fantastic!
May 16th, 2011, 05:16 PM
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I checked online and it says that my phone has that capability. Maybe because it is a Samsung phone? I will verify this again when I call back to AT&T to add the International services.
HT, that is what I thought. I did go to my bank this past weekend and asked for my daily withdrawal amount to be raised. They are seeing if it can be raised for our trip from $505 to $1000/day. I was told to check back later this week to see if it was approved.
Taunatravel, We will be in Japan from June 5-21. We plan to go to Toyko, Hiroshima/Miyajima, and Kyoto. We have the 14 day JR train vouchers and will take day trips from Tokyo and Kyoto. We are very excited!
HT, that is what I thought. I did go to my bank this past weekend and asked for my daily withdrawal amount to be raised. They are seeing if it can be raised for our trip from $505 to $1000/day. I was told to check back later this week to see if it was approved.
Taunatravel, We will be in Japan from June 5-21. We plan to go to Toyko, Hiroshima/Miyajima, and Kyoto. We have the 14 day JR train vouchers and will take day trips from Tokyo and Kyoto. We are very excited!
May 17th, 2011, 06:30 PM
#27
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kkukura, check with your phone provider (AT&T, it sounds like) and find out what your International Roaming rates are- this is probably how you will be using your phone as if you don't hire a cell phone or SIM. Also, if you are using a smartphone be particularly careful about data roaming. If you leave your wifi on, you may generate sizable data roaming bills.
Dec 29th, 2012, 01:53 AM
#28
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Hello,
I´m planning my trip to Japan next month and would appreciate some feedback on this same question.
Was anyone able to take out cash at a Narita airport ATM with a visa debit card?
My card is spanish but I assume I can use citibank since we have it here in Barcelona.
Thanks!
I´m planning my trip to Japan next month and would appreciate some feedback on this same question.
Was anyone able to take out cash at a Narita airport ATM with a visa debit card?
My card is spanish but I assume I can use citibank since we have it here in Barcelona.
Thanks!
