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Japan Holiday - Spending Advice Needed
chocgirl_2
Posts: 96 Forumite
Hi
We are going on honeymoon to Japan in September this year. We are visiting Tokyo, Hiroshima, Kyoto and Osaka. My main question is that I keep reading that many places do not accept cards so to carry cash. We are primarily going for the food experience and also to soak up the atmosphere in the different places.
How much cash would we need though for 2 weeks? I know that is difficult to say as different people spend differently but just an idea would be great.
I am aware that as we envisage primarily visiting street food places and smaller restaurants we will definitely need cash for those.
Should we have all the cash we anticipate we need and a bit more exchanged into Yen to take out before we go or should we get enough for the first few days and then get a travel credit card (eg Barclaycard Platinum Travel) to withdraw cash from ATMs after the first few days?
Has anybody been recently who can advise on the current situation? I lot of the websites I'm seeing are a few years old.
We are going in September, so if we need to get a travel credit card I'm probably looking at applying in the next month or so.
How easy is it to find an ATM which will take an international card?
Thanks!
We are going on honeymoon to Japan in September this year. We are visiting Tokyo, Hiroshima, Kyoto and Osaka. My main question is that I keep reading that many places do not accept cards so to carry cash. We are primarily going for the food experience and also to soak up the atmosphere in the different places.
How much cash would we need though for 2 weeks? I know that is difficult to say as different people spend differently but just an idea would be great.
I am aware that as we envisage primarily visiting street food places and smaller restaurants we will definitely need cash for those.
Should we have all the cash we anticipate we need and a bit more exchanged into Yen to take out before we go or should we get enough for the first few days and then get a travel credit card (eg Barclaycard Platinum Travel) to withdraw cash from ATMs after the first few days?
Has anybody been recently who can advise on the current situation? I lot of the websites I'm seeing are a few years old.
We are going in September, so if we need to get a travel credit card I'm probably looking at applying in the next month or so.
How easy is it to find an ATM which will take an international card?
Thanks!
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Comments
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Hi
We are going on honeymoon to Japan in September this year.
We are visiting Tokyo, Hiroshima, Kyoto and Osaka.
My main question is that I keep reading that many places do not accept cards so to carry cash.
Where are you reading that?
Did a similar itinerary a few years back and had no problems.
I do remember reading that in the off the beaten track location then Credit cards are not widely accepted.
But major cities you should have no problem.
Enjoy!0 -
Thanks blind man
So we should be ok to take enough cash with us for a few days and then withdraw more or pay on card?0 -
International ATM everywhere. Post Offices/Japan Post Bank and Seven Bank/7-11.
https://www.kyotostation.com/atm-cash-machines-currency-exchange-at-kyoto-station/0 -
Slightly off topic but you should look at getting a JR Pass for the train travel. It has to be purchased before you enter the country but would save a fortune on your train travel.
http://www.japanrailpass.net
There's also a very good website for train times - http://www.hyperdia.com/en/
I used cash when I visited but that was before I had a decent overseas card so was the cheapest option at that time.0 -
Hunt out 7/11s, they're your best friend for ATMs and great snacks, supermarkets in Japan are awesome.0
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Hi, I visited the places you mentioned in November last year and had no problems with credit cards or ATM's. I agree re the 7/11 shops...some great snack foods available especially if you have a sweet tooth! The vending machines are good for drinks both hot and cold too. Do bear in mind that things do tend to be more expensive in Japan tho.0
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Agree above and for JR travel pass. Big money saver too.
We used WeSwap and got very good rates and it was accepted pretty much everywhere.ally.0 -
Fantastic thanks all - I was worrying a bit but I'll organise my application for overseas card this week.
Yes we are on an organised trip with a partial itinerary but includes a JR pass for the two weeks.
The 7-11s sound like they will be a lifesaver!! Will also hunt out a supermarket as well. I am bad enough in a UK supermarket so that will be brill!
Thank you al for your advice. If anybody has any more tips then please tell all!
Now for the rucksack shopping....0 -
I had never heard of WeSwap but I am looking now!0
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