A long shot...............Japan

[Brooke01]

WOW ! Thanks so much to all who have replied. Really appreciate it. Looks like, with a bit of planning, we should be okay to go and have a great time.

Thanks again - such great information

Cheers,

Brooke

 

[blu]

Try here too, it covers most thing:

Japan Travel Guide

 

[cosi]

Several other tips

Don't be scared - this is a very safe country.

Don't be afraid to ask for help from anybody in Japan - they will go out of there way to help you or get somebody to assist you.

Buy a Japanese rail pass before leaving Australia.

Japanese Post Offices all have ATM machines that accept Aussies CC.

Better to take Yen from Australia than exchange in Japan.

Explore the restaurants outside your hotel - they offer better value.

You MUST visit a department stores food sections that is located on the basement floors - you will be blown away.

ENJOY - its a great country.

 

[here2go]

Am planning the annual escape to the snow in the monsoon, this time to Japan. Has anybody had any luck finding a good mapping service. Navteq through Nokia don't provide maps to download, Bing powered by Nokia Navteq is woeful, Google frightful. Am keen on something for WP, but am curious about services with data.

 

[DontGetMeStarted]

Oh and remember never to try tipping! We once had a waiter chase us down the street to return the 5 yen coin I'd left behind after they brought the change.

We had the same thing happen to us in Osaka, we left a tip in a small restaurant and next thing the chef/owner came running down the road after us insisting that we took it back. We stayed at The Swiss Otel in Osaka right above the subway, was a good hotel and loved the city. Also went to Kyota for a day and also another day in Hiroshima and 3 days in Tokyo, ( Hotel Monteray Ghinza) brilliant country and people were so helpful.

 

[Deleted member]

I find the 28° card (also, it seems, the Citi Debit)tends to give the best spot rates and I have always been able to find an ATM that works with it.)

It was 28deg that we used.
No luck. In fact I just posted about our 28deg card not working for cash advances in uk ( we loaded it up before heading over I wonder if this was an issue )

 

[here2go]

Citi Debit Card may be the go for cash. Citibank - Branches & ATMs
Citi Cards according to their website can also be used at Japan Post Bank, Japan Post Network and Seven Bank (Seven Eleven).

7-11 advertises taking foreign cards Seven Bank Ltd.?International cash cards have become available!

 

[Timtammi]

You can get a data only prepaid sim from B mobile through Yodobashi Camera or BIC Camera stores. Y3480 for 1gb valid for a month. You can also buy one online with 14 day expiry for y3980 and get it sent to your hotel for your arrival, just use Name, Guest in residence from 15 June, Hotel Name etc, or you can arrange to pick it up from the airport PO on arrival for an additional fee.
b-mobile VISITOR SIM | b-mobile wireless internet

I did some research on the above as i'm off to Japan next week for the first time since I ditched my BB and will need a solution for my Samsung S3. It looks like only some phones are supported and Samsung Android phones may be especially problematic so the OP may want to check this out before committing. I've since gone and ordered a portable wifi hotspot from this company - Rent iPhone, Cell / Mobile Phone & Mobile Data Card in Japan:: Global Advanced Communications as there are 2 of us this should work out cheaper anyway and has the advantage that we can still receive calls and texts via our normal numbers but use the wifi for all data. I can pick it up at NRT on arrival.

Cheers

Timmi

 

[Cynicor]

It was 28deg that we used.
No luck. In fact I just posted about our 28deg card not working for cash advances in uk ( we loaded it up before heading over I wonder if this was an issue )

I would suggest that you have been either unlucky several times, or doing something wrong. My 28 degrees worked yesterday AM in the UK for cash advance (loaded up), and for purchases no issues.

It also works perfectly in Japan as long as the ATM takes foreign cards, and these are getting more common. In addition to Japan Post and 7-11 random other ATMs will work, such as those in the basement of the Odaiba Mall.

Maybe you should have your card checked? Does it work for cash advance in AU?

 

[here2go]

I did some research on the above as i'm off to Japan next week for the first time since I ditched my BB and will need a solution for my Samsung S3. It looks like only some phones are supported and Samsung Android phones may be especially problematic so the OP may want to check this out before committing. I've since gone and ordered a portable wifi hotspot from this company - Rent iPhone, Cell / Mobile Phone & Mobile Data Card in Japan:: Global Advanced Communications as there are 2 of us this should work out cheaper anyway and has the advantage that we can still receive calls and texts via our normal numbers but use the wifi for all data. I can pick it up at NRT on arrival.

Cheers

Timmi

While this isn't much use at the moment, this SIM Card could come in handy for later trips to Japan, if what these guys say is true: Products | AussieSim

 

[fdken]

Important notice: On April 19, 2013, ATMs at 7-Eleven stores stopped accepting Mastercard, Maestro and Cirrus cards issued outside of Japan. Similarly, international ATMs across Japan, including postal ATMs, stopped accepting Maestro cards with EMV chips (but continue to accept Marstercard and Cirrus cards and Maestro cards without EMV chips). Efforts are ongoing to restore acceptance of all cards.

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2208.html

My cards worked fine in the Postal ATM but it doesn't have a chip, but the above is the reference I earlier referred to.

 

[Timtammi]

Thanks for the above info re ATM's fdken. This is very timely as I'm off to Japan on Sunday and generally pull money out at any 7-11 with no problems. Will need to plan ahead now and get more at the airport at the post office ATM methinks.

 

[here2go]

Important notice: On April 19, 2013, ATMs at 7-Eleven stores stopped accepting Mastercard, Maestro and Cirrus cards issued outside of Japan. Similarly, international ATMs across Japan, including postal ATMs, stopped accepting Maestro cards with EMV chips (but continue to accept Marstercard and Cirrus cards and Maestro cards without EMV chips). Efforts are ongoing to restore acceptance of all cards.

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2208.html
My cards worked fine in the Postal ATM but it doesn't have a chip, but the above is the reference I earlier referred to.

Just pulled this straight from the Seven Bank (ie 7-11) website. Seven Bank Ltd.?International cash cards have become available! Foreign cards look okay to me

 

[here2go]

Just pulled this straight from the Seven Bank (ie 7-11) website. Seven Bank Ltd.?International cash cards have become available! Foreign cards look okay to me

View attachment 15938

I just noticed - no Mastercard for 28 Degrees.

Japan Post takes M/C. However, there is a caveat re Maestro. International ATM Service-JAPAN POST BANK
----- Notification -----

To: Cardholders of Maestro-branded EMV Cards issued outside of the Asia/Pacific Region
Re: Temporary Suspension of Maestro ATM Acceptance in Japan

Thank you very much for patronage with MasterCard. All Maestro-branded EMV cards issued outside of the Asia/Pacific region are temporarily unable to withdraw currency at domestic ATMs, while the regional ATM network is upgraded.

However, Maestro-branded EMV cards issued in the following countries are able to withdraw currency at domestic ATMs.

• Netherlands
• Germany
• Canada

Maestro-branded EMV cards issued within the Asia/Pacific Region, Maestro-branded cards without EMV chip, MasterCard-branded cards, and Cirrus-branded cards are not affected by this temporary suspension of service. Cardholders can continue to be able to use these other MasterCard products at ATMs and merchants across Japan.

MasterCard is working with these customer financial institutions to enable full acceptance of all cards as soon as possible.

Please accept our deep apology for the inconvenience caused.

-----

Thank you.

 

[Cynicor]

My parents report their 28 did not work at 7-11 in Japan this week. They know how to use it, but I think they used a new card so cannot guarantee this is due to a lack of acceptance. They did not try post bank.

 

[fdken]

I imagine that the Citibank ATMs probably will be ok for foreign cards with or without chips. Location list is here http://www.citibank.co.jp/en/banking/branch_atm/pdf/atm.pdf plenty in Tokyo and s couple in Osaka.

7-8 years ago I used travellers cheques which could be cashed at banks, I think I also used a bank to foreign exchange from Aussie dollars. It is an experience , collect a number, wait you turn 5-15 mins, and try to understand the process. I think all hotels, train reservations, most restaurants will take credit, just getting cash out is the problem.

 

[The Mill]

I did some research on the above as i'm off to Japan next week for the first time since I ditched my BB and will need a solution for my Samsung S3. It looks like only some phones are supported and Samsung Android phones may be especially problematic so the OP may want to check this out before committing. I've since gone and ordered a portable wifi hotspot from this company - Rent iPhone, Cell / Mobile Phone & Mobile Data Card in Japan:: Global Advanced Communications as there are 2 of us this should work out cheaper anyway and has the advantage that we can still receive calls and texts via our normal numbers but use the wifi for all data. I can pick it up at NRT on arrival.

Cheers

Timmi

I agree that Global Advanced Communications offer great portable wifi units for rental. I have rented a unit on three occasions from this company over the last 18 months when visiting Japan. I have picked up at the Post office at Narita airport but on recent trips had them delivered to my hotel to receive on check-in. I have never had a problem and the units / company have been fantastic, super fast and reliable. I ran eight devices - iPhones, androids, Ipads and laptops for three weeks when on tour with a study group using one wifi hotspot. With the cost being about $120 for the period including spare battery with unlimited data I thought it was excellent value. The great bonus of having your own wifi network is that you can use the internet for emailing, location services - google maps etc and VOIP (Skype,Skype credits, FaceTime etc) for all calls that you need to make.

My recommendation is to take a decent amount of yen with you for daily purchases and food BUT for all major purchases and hotel bills credit card can be used. Change your AUD for Yen in Australia as the rate will be much better .....(may have missed the golden 101 yen for $1 window two weeks ago??). I always use KVB Kunlan to get yen at a very good rate. They have offices in Sydney and Melbourne. If you change more than $1000 AUD at a time you will pay no commission. The exchange rate for AUD in Japan is very poor and $US is the preferred currency.

Accommodation :- I can second a previous post about Fraser Residences in Osaka. Superb value and great location making moving around Osaka really easy. I would recommend Hotel Century Southern Tower in Shinjuku if you are wanting an easy location to navigate through the Tokyo subway / JR system, and good value.

Enjoy Japan it is a marvellous place to visit and I'm sure you will love it.

 

[SimonF]

Well I live in Japan and I even have a 7/11 ATM in my office (no i don't work for 7/11). Mastercard about two years ago tried to charge more in fees to 7/11 for using their card at their ATMs and 7/11 told them where the door was so they broke their partnership. It didn't take long before Mastercard came back to the table realising their mistake and bowed down to 7/11 and things went back to normal and all cards were again accepted at all 7/11 atms including Mastercard. Well that's the story the 7/11s bank staff told us at least. But now Mastercard is wanting more commission or charging more fees so again 7/11 have told them to get stuffed so as of sometime in April they are no longer accepted. This image i think is better

Option b is using the post office atm machines and again i've heard and seen all cards being accepted there. This is guess and Citibank ATMs (i don't know anything about them) would be only options if you have Maestro or Masterdcard but if not 7/11 is open 24/7 so that's far more handy than the opening hours of a post office which open limited hours depending on which city or town post office it is plus 7/11 have over 18,000 ATMs in Japan. Do not try and put your credit card into a normal bank atm you see as i've heard of cards not coming back out which of course is rather scary if you're in a country and you can't speak the local language.

I don't know anything about citibank but given how limited their atms are, i'd probably try and stick to 7/11 atms as they are much more readily available. You can even get an app on android and iphone to tell you where the closest one is! You use this english locator Seven Bank Ltd. oh there's a couple of minutes you can't use some cards mentioned here Seven Bank Ltd.?Cards available at our ATMs

On a side note i've got a bank account with them too which gets an amazing

0.050％ p.a which i'm so proud of!​

 

[here2go]

The Mastercard ATM locator brings up lots of Post Bank ATMs. In the absence of 7 Bank, I think you will be covered. However, foreign Maestro and Cirrus do not work at present as per the Mastercard website, unless you card meets certain criterion. The Mastercard website has all the info. Of course - there is always Citibank Visa Debit.

 

[here2go]

I'm reviving the thread - seeking some wisdom on the JAL Yokoso Fare. I'm booking the Ski Holiday in January, and flying DRW-SIN on JQ, before hopping on MH to NRT via KUL (separate PNR), and flying on JAL internally with the Yokoso Air Pass. Never having worried about luggage previously, but now intending to take the kids to Tokyo Disney, I was wondering if extra luggage can be purchased, or if it is indeed necessary, noting we'll have the 30kg with MH, and have to book that first. One member of our group meeting us from Sydney has QF Gold, and one from Darwin QF Silver. Pity that SQ/VA was just too dear when multiplying the group by four, noting we've got VA Platinum.