Traveling from the US to Japan question

Hi all,

 

Since quite a few members here are both US-based and have made the trip to Japan, I was hoping someone might be able to help me out.

 

For those who have changed USD to yen, where is the best place to do it?

 

Web searches have told me that many people advocate for changing your money at the airport in Japan or at an ATM in Japan, as opposed to at your own bank in the US(which is the opposite of what seems to be the case for every other country/currency).

In your experience, has that been true?

 

And if it is better to change money in Japan, what have you found to be the best location for doing so--airport, post office, just using a 7-11 ATM, etc?

 

Thanks!

Hi all,

 

Since quite a few members here are both US-based and have made the trip to Japan, I was hoping someone might be able to help me out.

 

For those who have changed USD to yen, where is the best place to do it?

 

Web searches have told me that many people advocate for changing your money at the airport in Japan or at an ATM in Japan, as opposed to at your own bank in the US(which is the opposite of what seems to be the case for every other country/currency).

In your experience, has that been true?

 

And if it is better to change money in Japan, what have you found to be the best location for doing so--airport, post office, just using a 7-11 ATM, etc?

 

Thanks!

From Europe, I found a pretty good exchange rate at some ATM I found inside bank buildings otherwise, I advice to carry some cash to change at one of the currency converter places in the center. The usual rate it quite convenient: since there are so many, they race to offer you the best rate possible in order to be chosen. Beware: they don't accept card (thing I didn't know, otherwise it would have been a whoooole different story! LOL), so be prepared to carry the money with you.

When I went over, I got a small amount thru my bank in order to have some pocket change until I could find a place over there in Japan to do it. Usually the rates are better in Japan, especially compared to airports. Those kiosks are CRAZY with their fees and such. If you can avoid using the airport exchanges then by all means do so.

 

The last time I went, I got 50,000 yen thru my bank about 2 weeks before I was to leave. It was easy to do and only took a few days for them to get yen into my branch. When I arrived in Japan, we stayed in Akihabara and there was a conversion kiosk right there outside the train station that had VERY good exchange rates. I swapped the rest of my cash out there.

 

Luckily, Japan has accepted credit and debit cards now more than in the past so as long as you call the credit card companies and your bank ahead of time to tell them you're going to Japan, you can use those quite often. Still, cash is king and is very easy to use anywhere.

 

Also, get a Suica card! They are easy to get inside any train station or airport and they are timesavers! You'll be just like the locals when using one.... swiping it at train stations, vending machines and even conbinis! Sure you can use cash for everything but it's WAY easier and quicker to get a Suica card for the trains, you will be so glad you did TRUST ME.

 

 

 

Billy

Billy had some good advice. Skip the exchange counters at any airport, as those will often be the worst option at around 15JPY per dollar more expensive than the actual rate. Scandalous, I say!

 

The best exchange rate is going to be your credit card company, especially if you have any Capital One card or other card that charges zero foreign transaction fee. When your card is charged in yen, the CC bank will execute your conversion at usually a fraction of a yen off the intrabank spot rate - so close it's like you have the buying power of a huge bank all for yourself. If the shop takes credit cards, and many (including Volks!) do, then use a card. Just be sure to call your CC bank in advance to let them know you'll be travelling.

 

For cash, the best rates will be in Japan. Hard USD can be exchanged at various places, too many to list, and any Japanese exchange that is outside an airport will be pretty competitive. If you run out of hard cash and need more, using a debit card at a 7-11 ATM is the most cost effective way to withdraw in yen from your US checking account.

 

Billy's strategy of getting some pocket money in advance through a local bank and then exchanging the bulk once you get to Japan is a sound one. You will need cash yen for train fare - loading credits on the Suica - but many other things can be bought with credit card. Always carry enough yen as a backup payment method though for any transaction, just in case.

 

The Suica can be bought at the JR automated ticket kiosks in basically every train station, to include Narita airport. The staff can help, or the machines have an English button if you want it. But yes, buy a Suica. It costs 2000yen for the card with 1500yen credit on it, if I recall, and then you reload at 1:1 with the cash you later put on. You can get any balance refunded to you (including that 500yen deposit) when you leave Japan by surrendering the card, or you can keep your Suica as a souvenir if you think you'll go back later - it remains valid for 10 years after last usage.

Thanks so much, all! Your responses are super helpful.

 

I actually don't have a credit card at all, only a debit card, so I think my strategy will be to get some yen from my bank for on-hand spending money as Billy suggested, and then change money in Tokyo itself and withdraw money using my debit card at ATMs as needed.

 

Thanks also for the tip/info about the Suica! I'll definitely pick up one of those.

We always do a strategy similar to what Billy suggested.

 

He's right - a LOT more places accept debit/credit cards now. Not so much years ago...

 

One thing to keep in mind is the weird hours that Japanese banks have. When we were there, they closed early (like 3 or 4 pm), and were closed on Japanese holidays and Sundays. Unlike US banks, the ATMs at banks also close when the bank is closed.

 

To get around this, we just used ATMs at convenience stores like 7-11. They are all over the place, so we had no worries! Just make sure your bank knows you are traveling, because if they lock down your card thinking it's being hacked...well, that is NOT fun, let me tell you.

 

Good luck!!

Speaking of odd hours..... if you're wanting to go shopping at any of the nerd meccas like Akihabara or Nakano Broadway, do NOT go early. Most shops won't open until 11am with some opening early at 10am while others wait until 12 noon. It was so odd to show up and have EVERYTHING closed!

 

Now, if you want to walk around and take in the sights of buildings, food or other things that don't invole shopping then do show up early and do those things first. But shopping won't be a thing except for a very few places that open at 8 or 9am. There was one shop that had 4 stories inside that we hit every day early on so we could find deals and see the new stuff they put out. The shop owner would smile when we came in because he knew we were going to spend money every damn time. LOL

 

 

Billy

I hope you'll have fun on your trip! I've lived here for 4.5 years and let me tell you, it's actually pretty easy for a foreigner to get around.

 

Knowing some very basic Japanese helps. Even if it's broken English, if you're lost and need directions, the guards at the train station kiosks (where you swipe in & out) are very kind.

 

You can purchase a JR pass for about 20,000yen last I checked which is useful only if you're planning to travel outside of Tokyo as well. Otherwise, stick to the standard suica/passmo methods as mentioned above! (They both will charge at all kiosks- passmos are just issued at metros & local lines and suicas at larger lines such as JR- same price, same function, so don't worry about them not overlapping if you get one or the other! I stick with my passmo because I had trouble with my suica charging at my old local line in my old town.)

 

I'd suggest renting a pocket wi-fi at the airport! You could also do this at Big Camera, I believe, but you might want to go ahead and get one. Everyone I know who's done it has found great use in it.

 

Another useful thing to note is the site hyperdia in which you can calculate the route & time needed to travel by putting in your current station and designated stations. You can choose departure or arrival time or just a general estimate of usual routes- whichever you wish! It'll tell you what trains to take and when you can catch them/should catch them in case of arrival (I use arrival a lot so I make appointments on time.) It factors in walking and such as well, so that's always nice. If you don't have pocket wi-fi, definitely look up your routes before leaving where you'll be resting and take a screenshot on your phone of it. (Note: the app costs money, but you can access the site on your web-browser for free. LOL.)

 

As far as money goes: I'm going to echo 7/11. I've found they work best for me because I have an American debit card that is accepted there. I also used it my first time traveling in Japan. While I have a limit of 50,000yen a day, it's not a big deal, and it did stop me from insane purchases. Other people might have different limits. You can find 7/11's on about every corner (I have one 4 minutes in one direction from me and another in 7 minutes the other way by my station.) The fees aren't outrageous, and the ATMs have an English option. They accept a lot of foreign cards these days. I never bothered with the banks. Oh, but I know the exact Akihabara cash exchange place that's been mentioned, and when my parents visited, I took them there to exchange the cash they'd brought because yes, the airport fees are ridiculous. If you are desperate, only get 10,000yen from them to get out of Narita/Haneda and to your place.

 

You said you don't have a credit card, so you won't run into that trouble. Large chains are now accepting them which is awesome. But, again, I still run into small stores quite frequently that are cash only (both in Akihabara and Shin-Okubo). I'd only really recommend a credit card as a back-up or for use on food if you have one.

 

And yeah, hobby shops are weird and most open around 11/12. Convenience stores like 7/11 will be 24 hours. Lots of the smaller specialty shops also close early (8pm-ish). Larger locations may stay open until 9/10 on weekdays. Google will be your friend if you have very specific places you want to go to!

 

AAAAAND one more thing: there are several ways of getting into Tokyo. One is the Narita Express which I usually use (up until recently I lived near a common drop-off/pick-up for it), but I'm going to be trying the airport limousine bus this time because apparently they handle your luggage for you and is the same price. Lots of central locations, etc. etc. If you're coming in from Haneda, I believe there is just a train that will bring you in as it's a closer airport and not all the way out in Chiba. Expect to have an hour+ of commute on your way into the city OTL.

 

It's a really fun experience I hope it's a blast for you! So much to do, to see, to eat...

Thank you all so much! This is all very useful information and I very much appreciate the time all of you took to write out your advice and experiences. Even though I've been researching on travel sites and so on, getting personal input from those who've made the trip themselves is quite a bit more useful.

 

One thing to keep in mind is the weird hours that Japanese banks have. When we were there, they closed early (like 3 or 4 pm), and were closed on Japanese holidays and Sundays. Unlike US banks, the ATMs at banks also close when the bank is closed.

 

To get around this, we just used ATMs at convenience stores like 7-11. They are all over the place, so we had no worries!

 

I did not know this, so thanks for the heads up! My debit card should work at 7-11 ATMs, so I'll make sure to keep an eye out for those.

 

Speaking of odd hours..... if you're wanting to go shopping at any of the nerd meccas like Akihabara or Nakano Broadway, do NOT go early. Most shops won't open until 11am with some opening early at 10am while others wait until 12 noon. It was so odd to show up and have EVERYTHING closed!

 

This is also super helpful to know--thanks! I think, in that case, I'll plan to spend my mornings exploring on foot and taking photographs, and plan shopping for after (or right before) lunch.

 

I'd suggest renting a pocket wi-fi at the airport! You could also do this at Big Camera, I believe, but you might want to go ahead and get one. Everyone I know who's done it has found great use in it.

 

I was thinking of getting a temporary data-only SIM, but it sounds like pocket wi-fi is a more popular choice--from what you know, does that seem to be true? Is it more useful than a data-only SIM?

 

Another useful thing to note is the site hyperdia in which you can calculate the route & time needed to travel by putting in your current station and designated stations. You can choose departure or arrival time or just a general estimate of usual routes- whichever you wish! It'll tell you what trains to take and when you can catch them/should catch them in case of arrival (I use arrival a lot so I make appointments on time.) It factors in walking and such as well, so that's always nice. If you don't have pocket wi-fi, definitely look up your routes before leaving where you'll be resting and take a screenshot on your phone of it. (Note: the app costs money, but you can access the site on your web-browser for free. LOL.)

This is super super useful! Thank you so much for the tip; it sounds like I'll be using this site a lot

(And thank you for all the other advice as well--I very much appreciate your taking the time to share all of it.)

Happy to help! Sorry it was so long and I reiterated a lot of what other people said, but I figured having confirmation helps increase assuredness that it's a good idea!

 

YOU PROBABLY ALREADY KNOW THIS BUT:

 

One last thing to note about the train stations themselves which you may have read: If you look up the lines (ie. Yamanote Line) you can find the number of the stop.

 

IE: Shinjuku is 17, Ikebukuro is 13, Akihabara is 03.

 

This is useful for when you're needing to know what platform to get on before going down the stairs. The sign will usually list common stops with the numbers. So if you're in Akihabara and want to go to Ikebukuro, you'd want to go towards stop 13. HOWEVER. If you're in Akihabara and want to go to Shibuya, you might be best heading back to Tokyo and taking the opposite loop \o/ 14 stops vs. 17. On non-circle lines, it doesn't work that way, but I don't know how often you'll have to take one (I guess if you plan on going to Tokyo tower, you'll end up using the metro!)

 

Some trains have the same line going opposite directions down the same set of stairs, so you can easily hop over to the correct platform. ;; But other stations have them split up on opposite sides, so you have to take the correct set of stairs and if you've miscalculated, you could miss your train OR end up going in the wrong direction. While the Yamanote is a circle loop, it takes about an hour and 30 minutes to go around it once. xD So. If you end up going the wrong way, just hop off and transfer at the next stop.

 

On the actual train, it's not a huge deal (esp. for Yamanote) because announcements are made in Japanese and English for stops. Smaller lines may or may not have an English announcement, though they usually have it on the screen in English which helps... unless it's rush hour and you can't see above peoples' heads! It's easy to miss the announcement if you're chatting on the train. But knowing how many stops you have can be a lifesaver on occasion.

 

ANYHOW I'LL STOP HERE. Best of luck on your trip! I'm sure you'll have tons of fun. Even though I'm moving to the US soon, I'll definitely be coming back on vacation in the future.

I went to Japan this year for the first time so I have some tips.

 

1. Google maps is mostly enough for finding the best train connection. Japanese translations are very easy to navigate never had any problems.

2. A rail pass is only worth it when you plan to use the Shinkansen many times. You can't take the fastest Shinkansen like Nozomi with a rail pass though.

3. You always need cash. Most stores and nearly all restaurants only accept cash. I only used cash for everything on my trip. The only ATMs I used where those from 7 eleven. You find some of them outside of 7 eleven and they are called 7 bank. For example one was at the Haneda Airport and at the Atre market next to akiba station.

4. You might have to tell your bank that you are planing to go to Japan. They might lock down your account because they think that some one has stolen your card when it's suddenly used in another country.

5. It always rush hour. Especially in the evening. Google maps actually has some data on that. This is especially important for woman. Some metro lines have special carts for woman.

6. Don't forget the exchange rate between Yen and Dollar. I accidentally withdrawn 100,000 yen instead of 10,000 yen. Luckily my friend and I had no problems spending that money.

7. You can get a Japanese SIM at the airport with internet for 7 days to a month. I'd recommend buying one. You can't rely on WiFi.

8. Don't order a big bowl of Ramen, it's to much.

credit cards have their own exchange rates.... it's usually market exchange rate + x + 2.5% So it's nice to have, but not recommended to use it unless you have to, unless you have one of those cards where they waive the foreign transaction fee, then you get pretty much market exchange rate (what you would see on xe.com for example)

 

Go to a business that specializes in just foreign transactions, they just buy and sell cash, so their rates will usually be closer to the market rates. Banks will take their share as well. I'm not sure how it is i the states, but banks are not nationalized down there so it's harder to get a constant rate I would imagine, but it can be advantageous if they all set their own rates and you can shop around for the best one.

 

If your debit cards are on the cirrus network I think you can use 7/11 and jp post bank machines to withdraw money, but I had little need to do that on my trip. I carried enough cash on me through the whole trip. Again, I'm not in the us so I'm not sure how well it will apply to you, US banking system seems like it's just emerging from the stone age.

2.5%?

Most credit cards I know have much better rates.

You often have like 1,5% for foreign currency plus maybe 1% for withdrawing from an ATM. I've looked into it and there are some cards that either have 0% for foreign currencies or 0% for withdrawing from an ATM.

Maybe that divers a lot between countries. I'd recommend checking your own cards fees and than comparing it to others. There are usually some free cards out there with good rates but make sure to read up how they work. Some of them try to trick you by having high interest rates and shitty service.

Credit card terms vary significantly by country. In the US 2-3% is common for foreign transaction fees though there are cards without an extra fee for that too. Cash withdrawals on credit cards would be treated as cash advances which may have a fee and will certainly accure interest from the time of withdrawal.

 

Here Capital One doesn't have foreign transaction fees on some cards.