Job Discussion Forums

rickman · Joined: 17 Jun 2003 Posts: 28

I am flying into Tokyo and would like to know where I can convert US dollars into Yen at a favorable rate? Banks? Private money exchanges? Does the airport (Narita) have the best rates?

homersimpson · Joined: 14 Feb 2003 Posts: 569 Location: Kagoshima

http://www.narita-airport.or.jp/airport_e/guide/service/index_bank.html
That's the website for narita airport and the many banks offering currency exchange. I would advise converting your money at the airport. It's faster and you won't have to go into a bank in Tokyo. Recently the exchange rate for buying yen has been hovering around 113 to $1. One other thing, you'll get a better rate if you use traveller's checks (which I'd suggest anyway, especially if you'll be bringing in a significant amount).

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Try to avoid the money exchanges at the airport if at all possible. That is always the worst place to exchange money. Try to exchange a little in your home country to get you by. If you are going into Tokyo, do it there. I recommend the post office, they give pretty good rates there and maybe, just maybe they will speak English.

kamome · Joined: 01 Jul 2003 Posts: 19 Location: Hokkaido

You can probably use your US cashcard/credit card at an ATM-check with your bank. Citibank and the Japanese Post Office allow withdrawls on international cards and there are machines in Narita and of course all over Tokyo. I wouldn't bother with exchanging cash/Travellers Cheques-you have to wait in line and the exchange rate is never as good as from an ATM.