Job Discussion Forums

[clareh]

This is probably a stupid question, but going to Japan from australia, is it better to get travellers cheques in yen, australian dollars or US dollars.? I know its probably a bit of a gamble with the exchange rates as they are but what does one normally do?

[JimDunlop2]

This is just my two bits -- but having done my share of travelling -- I've learned from the school of hard experience that traveller's cheques are pretty much as worthless as monopoly money.... Unless you are planning on either a) doing all your shopping in large, international chain stores, b) exchanging everything at a bank once you arrive... In addition, many places that accept this form of payment will charge you a service fee. This is my experience in the U.S.A. and all over Europe )Germany was the worst offender). So, I learned from my experience, brought cash, hid it and guarded it carefully, and any cash I wasn't comfortable taking I left in my bank account.... Japan's postal savings banks and Citibank (in larger cities) allow international cash card withdrawls -- I never once had a problem..... (Canadian bank -- uses Interac/Plus systems -- some Canadian banks also support Cirrus -- good for travelling in Europe)

If you truly MUST have traveller's cheques, then I would honetly get them in yen. No one will be willing to sit there and calculate the current exchange rate for you (in fact, many places do have signs as to that effect).... So once again, unless you plan on shopping only in major international stores, consider your alternatives.

Good luck,

JD

[Gordon]

Chareh,
You can use your int'l bank cards at ATMs in post offices. As long as it has a Cirrus or Plus sign, you're OK. If you want TCs, get it in yen and you may not pay a service charge if you go to your bank here (once you get set up with a Jpnse bank account). I didn't pay any extra fees when I did it.

It is a good question, not stupid at all. Coming to Japan with only $500 is stupid.

[canuck]

Or just make sure you can take cash advances through your visa. Prepay money on your visa and you're set. Visa is widely accepted anywhere. In Japan though, you just have to get used to carrying quite a bit of money in your wallet.

[clareh]

Thanks guys, it seems I will be taking a large amount of money to Japan then exchanging it in one big lot, so yen travellers cheques are probably the best way to go. Thanks for the advice.