Job Discussion Forums

chirp · Joined: 03 Dec 2005 Posts: 148

OK - So I know that credit cards (especially foreign ones) are not widely accepted in Japan, but I would however like to have one for emergencies. I totally buy into that "don't leave home without it" line. Wink

Which one of Mastercard, Visa or American Express is most easily used across Japan in your experience?

Thanks for the suggestions!

abufletcher · Posted: Fri Mar 31, 2006 3:43 am Post subject:

In my experience both here in Japan as in lots of other countries, VISA is by far the most well recognized.

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

True... But I have an Amex and I fare just fine. M/C is ok too. I'd say it really doesn't matter to be honest but probably VISA is a little more widely accepted here.

Having said that, even my wife paying with her Canadian TD Visa card has received all sorts of "what-the-hell-is-this-foreign-piece-of-plastic-you-are-handing-me" looks from shopkeepers and some don't know how to process the card, which may result in not being able to use it... But in general, no problems.

I've only ever encountered serious issues at gas stations for some reason. I think it's the scan system they have that somehow differs from other places.

Zzonkmiles · Joined: 05 Apr 2003 Posts: 309

Definitely take the Visa with you.

Forget about MasterCard, Discover, AmEx, or any of those other cards. And make sure your Visa card has a suitable credit limit and make sure you take care of any administrative stuff with your credit card company before you arrive. Remember, you can't dial 1-800 numbers from Japan.

callmesim · Joined: 27 Oct 2005 Posts: 279 Location: London, UK

VISA, VISA, VISA.

Followed by AMEX then Mastercard. I have a Mastercard and had been rather miffed by the lack of Mastercard support compared to AMEX and VISA.

So if you can choose, go with VISA.

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

Get a card here, if you can. Much simpler.

chirp · Joined: 03 Dec 2005 Posts: 148

Hey guys!

Thanks for all the suggestions! VISA it is! Very Happy

MrCAPiTUL · Joined: 06 Feb 2006 Posts: 232 Location: Taipei, Taiwan

Umm. . . this might sound crazy, but. . .

why not just bring each card you already have? why not have options? if you bring it and they don't take it, so what? but if they do - you've just doubled or tripled your ability to use plastic. it's really not taking up that much space. just an idea.

Jazz1975 · Joined: 14 Feb 2006 Posts: 301 Location: Zama, Kanagawa

in_japan · Joined: 20 Feb 2006 Posts: 14

Well I spent a couple of years working in the credit department of a bank (yes, it was as stimulating as it sounds) and though Mastercard is more accepted on a global scale, you'll find VISA to be more dominant throughout Asia.

Still, with either VISA, MasterCard, or AMEX you should be fairly safe. Personally I use a VISA, and have done so in Japan without any difficulty so far.

cameron.mayo · Joined: 13 Mar 2006 Posts: 81

American Express Wink