Job Discussion Forums

fox1 · Joined: 22 Feb 2005 Posts: 268

Hey guys, hey I'm wondering...: can CAD/NZD/GBP/French Franc and so on travellers cheques be exchanged at banks in Japan... relatively easily? Or not so easy? Thanks very much for any help.

fox1

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

Traveller's cheques are not very common. Best to bring some cash and then use an atm machine. Post offices have atms that allow you to withdraw money from bank cards (with plus or cirrus symbols on it).

guest of Japan · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Posts: 1601 Location: Japan

They're a huge pain in the behind. Bring cash and credit cards.

ionix- · Joined: 25 May 2005 Posts: 37 Location: Miyakonojo, Japan

Sorry to highjack this post but I was told to bring 70,000 Yen in cash and 300,000 in travelers check. I have a debit card by the Toronto Dominion bank in Canada ans it has the Plus sign (Not the cirius). I don't plan to bring my Visa card because of the residency issue. What do suggest in my case? I don't think I'll be able to open a Japanese bank account at my arrival because I will be working for Peppys and will spend 2 weeks in training before arriving at my final destination.

Thank you

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

I would bring the 70,000 yen in cash and use your TD bank card here. Go to any post offive and you can withdraw money, only about $4/transaction. Get your daily limit boosted up to at least $500/day to minimize the number of transactions. You will be spending a lot of money when you first arrive setting up your apt and filling your fridge.

David W · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 457 Location: Japan

I cashed 25000 yen in TCs at my local bank the other day with zero problems. No commission either. As long as you bring yen TCs you should be OK.