28° Mastercard Cash Advances while overseas [No more free cash advances from 1/1/14]

[Jeffrey O'Neill]

Anyone got tips on using the card in Japan - are there any banks that don't charge a fee??

 

[moa999]

Japan
- Citibank no fee
- Typically at most railway stations there is an ATM room with multiple machines and I was normally able to find a machine in English without fee (from memory a green bank)

 

[Flashback]

Anyone got tips on using the card in Japan - are there any banks that don't charge a fee??

I can't recall a fee being charged when I used a Citibank ATM or one in a 7/11 / Lawsons, although it was a while ago so my memory isn't the best.

 

[Dr Hiro]

The last time I used the Wizard card in Japan was June this year. As Flashware said, no extra fee with Citibank. There is a Citibank ATM on the arrival level at Terminal 2 at Narita Airport.

My impression is that Japan Postal Bank's ATM (Green colored sign and lots of them) do not charge a fee either. At least there was no extra fee with my Australian bank's ATM card (though had to pay the 3% overseas currency charge.....).

I understand the 7-11 charges a small fee (?about $2.50 per withdrawal).

I read somewhere that Lawson recently stopped accepting MasterCard for withdrawal from thier ATMs. Maybe someone else can confirm this.

Hiro

 

[Dr Hiro]

Sorry, a quick correction.

Japanese 7-11 is the one no longer accepting MasterCard for ATM withdrawal.

I cannot post the link as I have only a few posts here. But you should be able to search for that info (pdf) on the jnto.org.au site if you want confirmation.

 

[Fifa]

I've used my Wizard at Japan Post Office ATMs without charge. They also have easy English instructions but be aware that the ATMs are only open during post office hours which vary depending on location.

 

[Natt]

Re Japan

In March/April 2010 I was using the post office ones and there did not seem to be any fees

hope that helps

 

[Jeffrey O'Neill]

thanxs for al the tips.

will see how i go next week :mrgreen:

will put an update on here in between ramen and sushi meals

 

[Fifa]

7-Eleven are now accepting Mastercard.
News - Seven Bank to Reinstate ATM Services for Overseas-issued MasterCard Brand Cards - Official Tourism Guide for Japan Travel

and

http://www.jnto.org.au/pdf_up/pdf_2010_08_18_14_54_44_01620.pdf

I presume Seven Bank still charges the ATM fee though, so my first choice will be Post Office Bank ATMs with 7-Eleven and Citibank as back ups.

 

[sinophile888]

I have used my Wizard Mastercard successfully on numerous occasions to book flights, accommodation etc. in local currencies. But now I have hit a small problem. I am trying to book a hotel in London using Octopus Travel (can I say that?) on their UK site and the site is rejecting my card. I think because it is not a UK card. Booking on the Australian site is considerably more expensive. None of the usual sites I use have any availability for my dates in mid-January. I am wondering if the hotel has not updated its availability for 2011.

Has anyone had this problem with their Wizard card and if so, how did you overcome it?

The UK site also offers the option of paying with PayPal. I have just updated my PayPal account to use my Wizard card and it should be OK in a day or so.

Are there any disadvantages in booking the hotel using PayPal? In terms of currency conversion rates, transaction fees, etc.?

 

[Chicken]

Are there any disadvantages in booking the hotel using PayPal? In terms of currency conversion rates, transaction fees, etc.?

PayPal forex rate is really cough, and they default every transaction to use PayPal to do forex, but you can override it just before you confirm your payment. It is not obvious, so pay attention during the PayPal check out process.

 

[sinophile888]

Thank you for your reply, chicken. I would like to check with you about the forex rate with PayPal.

If I manage to ensure that I pay in GBP, how will the exchange rate be calculated? I have my Wizard card linked to the PayPal acount.

 

[Chicken]

If I manage to ensure that I pay in GBP, how will the exchange rate be calculated? I have my Wizard card linked to the PayPal acount.

PayPal will charge the amount in GBP to your Wizard, and Wizard will convert it to AUD

 

[sinophile888]

Thanks, chicken. So it should be the same as if I paid with my Wizard card. Sorry to be so hesitant but it is a substantial amount out of our holiday budget.

 

[P'cisT]

Last time I filled up my Wiz and had excess, I had to ATM out back in Australia to withdraw my cash. Is it still the same way only? ATM since then have also introduced fees, so are there any bank ATM that have an agreement with Wizard not to charge the fee?

 

[auriga]

Last time I filled up my Wiz and had excess, I had to ATM out back in Australia to withdraw my cash. Is it still the same way only? ATM since then have also introduced fees, so are there any bank ATM that have an agreement with Wizard not to charge the fee?

Westpac.

 

[rikio]

hello,
leaving in a couple of weeks for an overseas trip to se asia and plan to load up my wizard card for my funds overseas. i know i have read this somewhere but i did a search and cant find it, how do i withdraw my own finds from the atm without incurring any interest. this is my first credit card, i usually use debit cards so i have no idea how to use a credit card on a atm.

thanks in advance

 

[xt_20]

What I did was to put in some cash over the limit, and use the card to withdraw at any Maestro ATMs worldwide. So if your limit is $5000, put in the amount you want to spend (say, $2000) so your card limit is effectively $7000. Go to an overseas ATM, and withdraw up to $2000 (at one go or at seperate times). You will not be charged any interest or fees, other than currency conversion fees.

It is important to keep your account balance at your credit limit ($5000 in the case about), or else you will be charged interest since it's withdrawing cash from a credit card. You can check your balance online anytime.

I'm not sure if all countries have Maestro ATMs, but in SE-Asia, you'll find plenty in Singapore and Malaysia.

 

[serfty]

You deposit funding into your Wizard card account to give it a credit balance.

Read this entire thread, or see the following from the OP:

___________________________________________________________________________
User Guide: See post #298

Cash Withdrawal Limits: See post #470
...
___________________________________________________________________________

 

[rikio]

thank you that was very helpful. so just to confirm after i put my own finds on the card i just press credit card and the amount i want on atm? i dont use the cash advance button?
thanks