\n A cash advance fee is assessed when you withdraw cash from your credit
card<\/span>. It\u2019s usually the greater of a flat fee or a percentage of the transaction. For example, \u201c2.5% of the transaction, minimum \u00a33.00\u201d.\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\nIs it safe to use my credit card in Japan?<\/h3>
Crime levels in Japan are very low, and it\u2019s typically safe to take public transportation or walk about after dark. However, you should maintain the same caution that you would in the UK and use your credit card carefully.<\/p>
- Keep your PIN safe.<\/strong> When using the keypad, shield it with your hand to keep your PIN safe from curious eyes and hidden cameras.<\/li>
- Choose ATMs carefully.<\/strong> Don\u2019t use an ATM in a secluded area, and ideally stick to ones found in crowded places or post offices.<\/li>
- Keep an eye for skimmers.<\/strong> If your card does not enter the ATM slot as smoothly as it usually does or if using the keypad feels unusual, cancel your transaction immediately. Someone might have installed a card skimmer on the ATM.<\/li><\/ul>
Keeping your credit card (physically) safe<\/h4>
Even though levels of crime in Japan are low, you wouldn\u2019t want to become the victim of an isolated incident. Keep your credit cards with you at all times, and don\u2019t let them out of your sight \u2014 even when paying bills at hotels, restaurants or bars. Using a neck pouch can help keep your cash, cards and travel documents close to you, no matter where you go.<\/p>
How to prepare before travelling to Japan<\/h3>- Select Visa or Mastercard.<\/strong> Visa cards are the most commonly accepted, followed closely by Mastercard. American Express is next in line, but finding businesses that accept these cards will not be easy. Cirrus and Maestro cards find very few takers.<\/li>
- Get a card with no foreign transaction fees.<\/b> Depending on how much you plan to spend, you could save money by getting a card with no foreign transaction fees.<\/li>
- Inform your bank.<\/b> If you haven\u2019t used your card outside of the US in the past, let your bank know that you\u2019re travelling to Japan. This way, your bank will not block your card because of suspicious activity when you use it overseas.<\/li>
- Set up a PIN for ATMs.<\/strong> If you plan to use your credit card to withdraw money at an ATM while in Japan, you\u2019ll probably need to set a PIN. It\u2019s a lot easier to set up your PIN while you\u2019re still in the UK, since you might need to call your bank or access your online account. Some credit cards don\u2019t let you set up a PIN instantly, and might mail your PIN to you after you request one.<\/li>
- Keep emergency numbers handy.<\/b> Find out what numbers you\u2019ll need to call if you lose your card or end up needing an emergency replacement. Keep them accessible at all times.<\/li>
- Identify where you\u2019ll get money from. <\/b>Given that you\u2019ll need cash in different scenarios, find out where you can get some when you need it. If you plan to spend some time in the country, you can easily ensure that you have access to cash by opening a savings account with the post office.<\/li><\/ol>
Next steps<\/h3>
Before you travel to Japan, ask yourself these questions to make your stay stress free.<\/p>
- Which cards should I take?<\/strong> Go with either Visa or Mastercard, and consider taking two or more cards with you. Ideally, use cards with no foreign transaction fees.<\/li>
- Have I informed my bank?<\/strong> If you fail to inform your bank, you may have to deal with a blocked card during your travel.<\/li>
- What kind of fees am I looking at?<\/strong> A little information ahead of time can save you considerable strife later on.<\/li>
- What\u2019s my source of cash?<\/strong> When in Japan, you cannot do without using cash unless you\u2019re limiting your movement to the best places in town. So plan to keep your cash flow in place.<\/li><\/ul>
Once you\u2019ve established where you can use your credit card and where you\u2019ll need cash, you can relax and focus on enjoying your stay in Japan!<\/p>
Compare cards with fee-free currency conversion in Japan<\/h3>Table: sorted by representative APR, promoted deals first<\/div>