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ATMs and voltage converters
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2011/12/15 03:01
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I'm going to Japan in January and I'm a little worried about 2 things. First off, do I really need to buy a voltage converter for my flat iron if it says 120v? I've heard some say yes and some no, so I'm not sure. My ipod charger says 100v so I assume it will be fine. Secondly, I can use my VISA credit card and American Express prepaid card at 7-11 ATM's, right? Are there other places that will take foreign credit cards? My original plan was to bring cash, but I've been talked out of that, but I'm still concerned that my credit cards won't work in Japan.
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by Kabuki (guest)
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Re: ATMs and voltage converters
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2011/12/15 09:01
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When I moved to Japan I brought my iron with me, never had a problem. If all else fails, just buy a new one, but I don't forsee a major problem.
International ATMs can be found at 7-11 stores, Citibanks and Post Offices. From time to time Shinsei bank works with various cards. Bank of America cards work with Shinsei from my experience.
Not sure about AMEX prepaid cards. Can you take money out of them? Anyway those machines do take AMEX cards.
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by ExpressTrain (guest)
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Re: ATMs and voltage converters
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2011/12/15 09:53
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Out of curiosity, what's the reason for not taking cash? Safety concerns? Exchange rate? Wanting to use credit cards? Personally, I'd take cash, have a card suitable for ATM use if needed, and have credit cards in case there's a place to use it. Japan isn't as much of a credit card country as you'd imagine, so don't rely on it. Cash is accepted everywhere, naturally. Keep it on your person, though theft isn't likely.
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by Sal1980
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Re: ATMs and voltage converters
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2011/12/15 10:01
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I planned on bringing a credit card to get cash from ATMs everyday during my stay because I've heard that credit cards aren't widely used in Japan. My friend was concerned that if I brought a huge amount of cash and exchanged it at the airport, it would get stolen. Bringing cash would be alot easier, I'm just thinking its safer to use the credit card. So I don't know.
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by Kabuki (guest)
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Re: ATMs and voltage converters
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2011/12/15 10:11
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Are you planning to take a cash advance from a credit card, not a debit card? Using a credit card to get cash starts a high interest rate immediately....don't you have an ATM or debit card - no interest, just a possible foreign currency exchange fee depending on your bank...
Also you should notify the cc company that you will be using the card in Japan.
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by Maranyc
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Re: ATMs and voltage converters
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2011/12/15 10:14
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I planned on bringing a credit card to get cash from ATMs everyday during my stay because I've heard that credit cards aren't widely used in Japan.
Credit card are pretty common around the cities, and can be used for most of the big purchases you may make (hotel, long distance trains, shopping at large chain stores). You would probably be ok using your card for most things, but keep a fair amount of cash (several 10,000 yen) on you for smaller purchases and just in case your card isn't accepted.
My friend was concerned that if I brought a huge amount of cash and exchanged it at the airport, it would get stolen.
It is unlikely that it would be stolen. More likely you will lose it.
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by yllwsmrf
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Re: ATMs and voltage converters
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2011/12/15 11:52
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even i'm still nervous about bringing money or using a debit card (due to my banks fees) i thought about using visa travel money. prepaid and it says you can withdrawal from atm.
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by chris (guest)
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Re: ATMs and voltage converters
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2011/12/15 13:08
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I've read that those prepaid cards have high fees as well - have you read the small print - plus they might give you an unfavorable exchange rate.....your bank ATM/debit card is probably better....
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by Maranyc
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