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DoctorPayne

Yeah, so I assumed I could go to my bank and get Yen but as it turns out the sob's need to order it in and I'm leaving in like a day and a half. So what's my best bet? Bring CDN$ and exchange it in Japan? Bring US$ and bring it to Japan? Do any Canadians out there know a business or bank that normally holds around 250,000 yen?

BigCrazy · Joined: 02 Feb 2005 Posts: 7

Don't go to a bank, find a local foreign exchange business and ask them. I had no problems getting 100,000 yen without notice from a place in Ottawa.

Otherwise, just take money out from an ATM when in Japan. All ATMs at post offices accept Canadian bank cards and have English options. Actually, this is probably preferable to having 250,000 yen on you.

Willy_In_Japan · Joined: 20 Jul 2004 Posts: 329

You will probably need some money right away when you land. So, I suggest you bite the bullet and exchange at the Airport. They don't ALWAYS give the worst rates. There is a company that does foreign currency in Hamilton, Ontario, and they gave me a worse rate than the Toronto Airport.

Change a few hundred dollars and then as suggested, use your ATM card at the post office.

Dont change from Canadian to US to Yen, that is just a waste of money for no real convenience. It is no easier to exchange US dollars compared to Canadian ones in Japan.

moot point · Joined: 22 Feb 2005 Posts: 441

Union Station, if you're in Toronto.

Also, most foreign exchanges along Yonge St. could probably change that much. If they can't, hit each one in turn to reach your goal.

worlddiva · Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 2:39 am Post subject:

grab a yellow pages and look up foreign exchange. There should be tons of them. Call around and try to pick one that has a decent rate and doesn't charge a high percentage to exchange your money. Also, make sure to ask if they have Yen traveller's cheques's before you go all the way there for nothing.

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

DoctorPayne · Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 3:27 am Post subject:

Thanks for the help. But I have some followups. My flight is at 9am in Toronto and I have a feeling that nothing will be open to exchange money at this time. If this is the case, should I bring CDN cash to Japan and change it at the airport in Osaka or can I just pay for the Japanese cash with my debit card?

Thanks again

worldwidealive · Joined: 03 Mar 2004 Posts: 84

Bring a few hundred dollars and then wait until you get to Osaka. I wouldn't change at your domestic airport as I find the rates at Kansai Airport to be not so bad really, compared to airports back in the US or Canada. Then, do as others suggested, use your ATM card in Japan to get the cash from home. Any post office in Japan will have an ATM machine (with English instructions) that is hooked up to the international system.

WWA

P.S. I wouldn't bet on using your debit card to "pay" for the cash unless you are using it in an ATM machine to do so. You will quickly learn that cash is king here. I was surprised at how "behind" the banking system seems to be in this country, but it is slowly getting better.

ranmawoman · Joined: 06 May 2004 Posts: 64 Location: San Francisco, CA

Just take Canadian dollars and exchange it at the airport when you arrive. A few people did that when I arrived in Narita.

Dominique · Joined: 26 Aug 2004 Posts: 141 Location: Juso, Osaka

The Airport Exchange place in Vancouver had a WAY better rate then when I exchanged it at the Royal Bank before I left.
I dont know if they are open 24/7 though.