Credit cards in Japan

[villanelle]

A couple of the books I've read on living in Japan say that most places don't take credit cards, but the books are a little older. Is this still the case?

Also, we have ccs from USAA. Anyone know if their is anything special we need to do to use them in Japan, and will there be fees for that?

TIA!

[UtaCO]

Villanelle, it has been 9 years since we've been to Japan, but even back then we were able to use CC's in most stores.
But: we would usually just carry cash with us. Not sure with USAA, but most CC's will charge an international fee if you use is outside of the US, plus the conversion rate is usually not as good as what you would get from the bank or ATM on post. So I really would only use the CC if you really need to!

Oh, and glad to see you over here!

[*Kim*]

Some places take Visa and Mastercard but they are very far a few in between. If you want to use your CC's you will have to do it on base. Otherwise you will have to take yen out.

Also since you have USAA it will all work the same as it does in the states. You wont be charged and international fee. Any civilian banks will charge you a very hefty fee for withdrawing money.

[villanelle]

Originally Posted by UtaCO Villanelle, it has been 9 years since we've been to Japan, but even back then we were able to use CC's in most stores. But: we would usually just carry cash with us. Not sure with USAA, but most CC's will charge an international fee if you use is outside of the US, plus the conversion rate is usually not as good as what you would get from the bank or ATM on post. So I really would only use the CC if you really need to! Oh, and glad to see you over here!

Hey you!

[Britt]

The only place we were able to use CC's were in American restaurants and at Universal Studios in Osaka. (Oh and at hotels.)

We exclusively carried Yen when we were out in town. The shrines, temples, castles, Mom & Pop stores/restaurants don't accept CC's.

[autumnarun]

We were in Iwakuni for 3 years and we were able to use our CC where accepted but there is a international fee. Our cards were with Navy federal. I would always have some Yen just in case though.

[villanelle]

I think I need to get in the habit of carrying cash. I almost never have it, and that is fine here, but if I don't start now, I know I will end up going into stores and having that embarassign moment where I have no cash and can't pay.

[autumnarun]

LOL. Yea just make sure to bring Yen with you

[square bear]

Originally Posted by kdlansdale Some places take Visa and Mastercard but they are very far a few in between. If you want to use your CC's you will have to do it on base. Otherwise you will have to take yen out. Also since you have USAA it will all work the same as it does in the states. You wont be charged and international fee. Any civilian banks will charge you a very hefty fee for withdrawing money.

I never ever even try to use a credit card or debit card off base anymore. Places aren't set up to take them as the locals don't use them. It's really a paper money based system over here, except on base.