Job Discussion Forums

snooky · Joined: 12 Feb 2005 Posts: 11

Hey all- leaving for Tokyo next week to start with Aeon. Planning to bring about US$2000 with me. But I'm wondering what you think the best way to bring it is. How much cash? Then what...traveller's checks? Just leave it in my debit account? There are enough ATMs that I could get it from to make that an option, right?

Let me know what you think. I just don't want to be poor. Thanks a lot.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Don't count on accessing an ATM for every account in the world. What is your bank?

I'd suggest bringing travelers' checks in Japanese yen. Safe and easy to convert.

ajarn · Joined: 15 Mar 2003 Posts: 53

If your debit account is affiliated with the Maestro or Cirrus networks, (there will be little red and blue or red and yellow circles on your debit card) you won't need traveller's checks. You will be able to use your card at any post office ATM.

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

ajarn · Joined: 15 Mar 2003 Posts: 53

Nismo · Joined: 27 Jul 2004 Posts: 520

Debit cards from Bank of America or any other major bank from the States can be used at the post office ATMs, as stated. There is an English option on the machines, so don't worry about a language barrier.

If you close your bank account before coming (like I did), then I suggest having about 70,000 yen in cash on you before you come (about $700 USD), and put the rest in traveller's checks. You can exchange the traveller's checks later, after training, once you've arrived at your branch school.

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

This exact question was discussed in the last few months in a fair bit of detail. If you want to know what will work and what will not, I provided some specific info there... You may want to read it.

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=20771&highlight=atm+symbol

In the mean time, I will bump it so it's easier for people to read/access.

JD

snooky · Joined: 12 Feb 2005 Posts: 11

Thanks a lot for the quick replies.

I use an HSBC debit mastercard, so it sounds like I'll be fine doing the ATM thing. Traveller's checks just seem like way too much of a hassle for me (thanks to my general laziness). So I guess I'll just bring like 50 or 60,000 yen along with me, and leave the rest in my debit account.

Thanks again for all the help.