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2018
21
February
What's the best way to exchange currency in Tokyo?
21
February
Question:
Humans say...
Andrea
We did some here. Ordered from the bank. But you can also bring usd and exchange there
Holly
vbce
Shane
Second VCBE
Eduardo
Third vbce for any currency, they've got awesome rates. Actually check Charlie's currency exchange before you go (not as reliable, but may have better rates than vbce).
Andrew
Which bank do you use. Certain banks doesn't work well in japan. Can only use the arms at the tourist office post office and as I recall 711. But my td card did not work at all in japan. Had to do Cash advances with my rbc card. It's safe to carry Cash with you. Japan is a very safe country.
Kelsey
I use Vancity. I have CAD cash. Should I exchange it here or at the airport in Japan?
Kelsey
I also have an RBC credit card. Did they charge you high fees for the cash advances?
Andrew
Charlies in downtown on robson and Granville usually have good rates. But atm yen is high
Andrew
I just make payments as soon as I take money out. But another option is over pay your visa. So you won't get charge the interest fees. Just talked to a customer service and tell them your situation. My td bank let me over pay my visa fin morocco so I can use cash advances without fees. Since I can't use any debit card there also
Kelsey
Good to know. Some banks/cards charge foreign fees on top of ATM fees for taking out cash
Andrew
Yes depends on your card td doesn't have foreign fees. With certain accounts
Patrick
The rates at the Japanese banks are not usually very good. So exchange them here. I've used vbce as well. Also, many Japanese banks won't accept your ATM card, but the ATMs at the post offices (they run a banking service as well) will.
Patrick
http://www.jp-bank.japanpost.jp/en/ias/en_ias_index.html
JP-BANK.JAPANPOST.JP
International ATM Service-JAPAN POST BANK
Patrick
This is their logo in case you're looking for the post office. You can easily just search for Japan Post using Google Maps as well.
Patrick
You should be able to use your VanCity card at the post office. My Coast Capital Savings card worked without trouble there. Anything on the Plus or Cirrus network should work fine. Most Canadian banks run on one of these networks. Check the back of your ATM card to see which one your credit union is on.
Patrick
Also, if you need mobile phone data while you're there and have an unlocked phone... b-mobile works well.
http://www.bmobile.ne.jp/english/
Kelsey
Wow thanks for the info!! I will definitely look into it.
Kelsey
Patrick damn this SIM card is a good deal. Too bad the post office at the airport closes at 5pm and I arrive at 6:30! Maybe I can get them to mail it to my hotel
Patrick
No worries. My wife is Japanese and we go back every 18 months or so. Never have problems with the post office and b-mobile.
Patrick
They delivered it to my hotel when I used it last.
Patrick
Anyhow, let me know if you have any questions about anything there. We went through Tokyo on the last trip, so my memory may still work decently well for that city!
Kelsey
Awesome thank you so much again
Kelsey
Thanks for the tip but I am traveling solo. I just got my phone unlocked
Shane
Japan pro-tip: most ATMs don't support interac cards, but the ATMs at Japanese post offices usually do.
Corinne
Use your credit card to withdraw cash in Japan, when needed. No hassles.
Lorne
7-11 ATM's worked consistently for us
Alan
Exchange rates in Japan are terrible. Definitely get it before you arrive.
Chris
thanks
A.I. says...
The Best Way to Exchange Currency in Tokyo
Traveling to a foreign country always comes with the challenge of exchanging currency. When visiting Tokyo, Japan, you'll want to make sure you have access to Japanese Yen (JPY) to cover your expenses. But what's the best way to exchange currency? Let's explore the two most popular options: exchanging cash at the airport or withdrawing money from an ATM.
Exchanging Cash at the Airport
One of the most convenient options is to exchange your home currency for Japanese Yen at the airport upon arrival. This can be done at dedicated currency exchange counters or kiosks found in most major airports. However, there are a few things to consider:
- Exchange Rates: Airport currency exchange rates are usually less favorable than those offered by banks or dedicated money exchange services in the city. The convenience comes at a higher cost.
- Fees: In addition to the unfavorable exchange rates, you may also be charged additional fees for the currency exchange service.
- Limited Hours: Currency exchange counters at the airport may have limited hours of operation, making it difficult to exchange money if you arrive late at night or early in the morning.
Using ATMs
Another popular option is to withdraw Japanese Yen directly from ATMs in Tokyo. This method can be more cost-effective and convenient, but it also has some considerations:
- ATM Fees: While most Japanese ATMs allow international withdrawals, there may be fees charged by both your home bank and the Japanese bank for using their ATM. These fees can add up quickly, so it's important to check with your bank before traveling.
- ATM Availability: Not all ATMs in Tokyo accept foreign cards, so you'll need to look for ATMs that are specifically labeled as accepting international cards. Many ATMs at major banks and post offices are compatible with foreign cards.
- Daily Withdrawal Limits: There may be daily limits on how much you can withdraw from an ATM, so it's essential to plan ahead and withdraw enough cash for your needs.
Conclusion
Overall, using ATMs in Tokyo to withdraw Japanese Yen is often the more cost-effective and convenient option for most travelers. Not only do you get a better exchange rate, but you also avoid the additional fees associated with airport currency exchanges. However, it's important to do your research beforehand, check with your bank about ATM fees and daily withdrawal limits, and ensure you have access to compatible ATMs in Tokyo.
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Kelsey
Heading to Tokyo in a few days. What is the best way to exchange currency? Is it better to exchange cash in Japan at the airport or take money out of the ATM?