Clarity Card Usage in Japan

jl45

Does anyone have experience using their Clarity card in Tokyo, Kyota, Hiroshima? How widespread is card acceptance? I have heard rumours that not many places take card. Also are there many cash points I can use to withdraw from using my card? Do the machines often charge a fee?


Ideally i want to take just a small amount of Yen and withdraw the rest as I need it.

eDicky

Card use is often not possible in Japan, so a supply of cash is needed

Most bank ATMs charge a fee for foreign card use, the ones in convenience stores such as 7eleven and in post offices usually do not.

fewcloudy

eDicky wrote: »

Card use is often not possible in Japan, so a supply of cash is needed

Most bank ATMs charge a fee for foreign card use, the ones in convenience stores such as 7eleven and in post offices usually do not.

Anyone know why this is?

I would have thought that Japan was quite an advanced country in terms of using technology, or is that just when it comes to Nintendo/Super Mario etc?!

MEM62

fewcloudy wrote: »

Anyone know why this is?

I would have thought that Japan was quite an advanced country in terms of using technology, or is that just when it comes to Nintendo/Super Mario etc?!

It is simply a cultural difference. Most Japanese consumers do not have a credit card and are not interested in having one, so there is little demand for smaller businesses to have facilities to take them.

dresdendave

I've used my Clarity in Japan on several occasions, agree with what the previous posters have said. Withdraw cash from ATM's in a 7/11. In large a large city there are loads of them, no fees and English menu on screen.

I've paid for hotels with the card but used cash for everything else. I believe some public transport cards, Suica or suchlike can be used in effect as a contactless card for low value purchases in convenience stores or vending machines. If in doubt ask a local, even if their English is limited the Japanese people are very helpful by nature.