Japan

Me and my husband are planning to go to Japan sometime (probably next year) and I have a few questions for those who might have been/lived there.

My main concern is that I read somewhere on here a lot of places have trouble accepting credit cards.  When I go abroad I pretty much use my visa exclusively in restaurants, hotels etc as it saves so much hassle not faffing around with travellers cheques or cash.  What’s the best thing to use if credit cards are a problem?

Also I’d like to know what you were surprised by.  Guide books always seem to put a positive spin on everything but I’d like to know what to be aware of and what they DON’T tell you..

Thanks for any advice.

Credit cards will be OK at most hotels, but not at all department stores.  Call and ask the hotels first, though.  Many places only take Japan-issued cards.  If you book from here, though, it might be fine.

Travellers cheques are a major pain to cash... if you take them, be prepared to wait a loong time at most banks.  And the rates are terrible.

Your bank card will work, but not at most banks.  You'll want to find the nearest post office.  Those machines work with international cards.  Oh, and even if you do find a bank machine that accepts your card, be prepared for weekends and holidays and closing hours.  7-11 has 24 hour bank machines, but most close at night.  Early.

Japan is still very much a cash-based country.  I'd really suggest you take cash! 

You can find more info at www.gaijinpot.com

Otherwise, when are you going?  We'll be heading back for a trip in March or so.

I guess i'll have to use cash then!  Thanks for the link i'll check it out.

We'll probably go sometime in September/October.  My husband wants to go back to the States for a few weeks in March so we can't go in the Spring.  I'd like to though, I bet it's lovely there during the spring.

i travel to japan often for work.  i don't usually take cash.  i use my US ATM to take out money in the airport.  be warned- ATM's have bank hours (ie- not open on sundays).  the exception is the post office as was said above.

there are certain things you need cash for- in 7-elevens, etc.