Japan trip - currency query

[love_the_life]

Seven 11 are good for a back up for ATM withdrawals. We found that they were basically the only place in Hakone where we could use a Westpac debit card to get cash. It is good to know that their ATMs do accept foreign cards as many don't.
Off to Japan again (Tokyo and Sapporo) at the end of the month - yay!

 

[Hvr]

Off to Japan again (Tokyo and Sapporo) at the end of the month - yay!

Snow and Ice Festival in Sapporo? Been there and loved it.

Re currency, when there in June I found the Post Office ATMs quite useful using my Commonwealth Bank debit card. As always be aware that you must not accept the DCC option. It will increase your fees.

 

[Cynicor]

Japan is less cash based every day, much wider CC acceptance over the last 10 years that I have been regularly travelling there.
Travel cards are a rort, and it's a pity the school doesn't have someone who knows about travel to recommend something useful, @juddles .
Citibank debit (or ING) are the way to go.

 

[JFi]

Not sure if it's just me but I've noticed the last few times I've traveled to Japan using the Citi Plus debit card withdrawing cash came out a bit less than in the past so I did a test with my ING as well which reimburses the ATM fees (provided you meet the requirements). I withdrew both on the same day at 7-11 one after the other.
My Citi Debit Mastercard gave a rate of 83.595 while ING gave a rate of 84.02. The rate on XE.com was at 84.69. Checked the Mastercard rate for that day and it was at 84.46325 so I'm not sure if I'm doing something wrong with the Citi card or their rate now is not as good as it used to be. Only ING charged the ATM fee (the ATM warns you beforehand that a fee will be charged) which got reimbursed. Citi used to be very close to XE.com but now it's around 1 yen off. Wondering if others have a similar experience?

 

[Cynicor]

Not had that experience and was there last week. Citi seemed to process at expected rates.

 

[JFi]

Not had that experience and was there last week. Citi seemed to process at expected rates.

Thanks Cynicor. Just came back last week and did a few more tests. Regardless of it being weekday / weekend, seems like ING is a bit better but given the new requirements, will probably keep the Citi.