Job Discussion Forums

[helldog]

I'm purchasing some yen before I move to Japan next week and was kind of dissapointed that my bank only gives me 110 yen to the dollar. I guess that's typical. I was wondering if I should purchase my traveler's checks in japanese yen and take the loss, or should I purchase them in dollars and hope for an even exchange. It's all new to me so any advice would be great.

[Hoser]

Depends how risk aversive you are I guess. Be happy with what you're getting. If you had come to Japan a year ago, you probably would have only gotten 100 yen per dollar.

[helldog]

I guess I should just ask if there are any advantages to getting my traveler's checks in yen or dollars before I leave for Japan

[canuck]

Bring cash. Get used to carrying around lots of money.

[stillnosheep]

Bring cash. Anything else is a sod to exchange.

[Brooks]

the rate now in Japan is between 114 and 115.

[Gordon]

What currency are you talking about or are we to assume that it is US dollars.

[callmesim]

Banks are often the worst place to exchange foreign currency. Try travel outlets for a better rate.

And if you want to play the exchange game, just look at the history of the dollar to the yen and see how the performance has been going. Is it on its way up or down. Always a risk but can't help just checking it out.

[earthmonkey]

If you don't want to carry cash, get International Postal Money Orders. They can be bought cheaply at any post office in the U.S. and can be cashed at any post office here. I believe that they are only issued in U.S. dollars. I've used them a few times, very convienient.

Traveller's checks may be difficult to cash depending on where you are.