Im going to Japan next week, and I talked to wells fargo and they said it will work.But i really doubt it. Im 17 years old if that makes a difference and I really don't want to take cash. What do you think? Has anyone tried? Does it depend on the Location?
Japan - 8 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Well bring cash just incase & it never hurts to try it out at least. But it's Japan, they can do anything
2 :
If youre really and truly uneasy about using your card overseas, take cash!
3 :
yes you can use, but it depends on the store or shop. you can ask in the store, you just show your card and say ``ok?`` if you dont know how to talk japanese. the pepeole in there are kind especially in the store. or just say ``kono ca-do(card) wa tsukaemasuka??`` you ask before your shopping. i think its better also you carry your cash because you can't use everything in card. like if you will ride a train, bus etc. i hope you will enjoy visiting in japan, good luck!
4 :
Major credit cards are okay, although Japan does not use credit to the same extent as other countries. When I travel abroad, I generally take very little cash but make withdrawals from cash dispensers when I arrive in the country. I find I get a better rate this way. If you will be traveling to a city, you should have no problem, but watch out in the country.
5 :
I have had many guests who made arrangements with their credit cards in advance and they didn't work here. The cashier swipes the card and because of security arrangements in place and the time difference, the card is declined. When that happens, they never offer to call the transaction in, they just shrug and ask for a different card. My friend was here for 10 days and his card never worked. The airport has a Citibank ATM and there is another one in Yokohama Station. I advise you to bring some cash or traveler's checks, just in case!
6 :
Hm....some very "interesting" answers indeed. Japan is a cash society. Although credit cards are becoming more common, many places do not accept them. Travellers cheques are also not as common as they are in other countries. If you're staying in Tokyo and only shopping in department stores and paying your hotel bill, you'll be ok with a credit card, but if you actually plan to see the country and soak up the atmosphere, the best bet is cash. Get some Japanese money before you go, so you will be able to use it as soon as you need to when you arrive. You can use your debit card, but not in shops or most banks. The best thing is the ATM's in post offices, which are easy to find. Just look for a big red T with an extra horizontal line on top: 〒
7 :
As long as you have talked to your credit card company and they know you will be in a foreign country it will work. They will block the charges especially in Asia if they do not know you are there. Do not take travelers checks they are worthless, no one will cash them. Take some cash for emergencies, but you can use the card almost anywhere.
8 :
Like other people have said: Japan is a cash based society. You will be at a tremendous disadvantage if you don't bring cash. Most restaurants don't accept credit cards (unless they lean towards fancy) and even convenience stores don't (exception being Lawson and a few others). Many cool, small shops only accept cash and if you feel like having a cup of coffee, good luck because neither coffee shops nor Mcdonald's take credit cards. That being said, locations where credit cards are accepted you can use your American credit/debit card. I've used my Washington Mutual Debit Mastercard countless times with no problem. Japan is a relatively safe country where most of its citizens carry most of their money in cash. I recommend you do the same.
