Had excellent responses to my question here before, so I’m back with several more. Thank you all in advance!
* Best place to exchange Yen ahead of time? For some reason BofA’s rate equates to more than 5%, which seems like a ripoff. We’ve been suggested many other things, like check travel agencies, ask the embassy, pull out cash once we’re there at a 7-11, etc. Any better suggestions?
* How much cash yen should we bring? We’d rather not have to repeatedly get cash when there, just want it all ready in advance. We’ll be in Japan 18 days, traveling around 5 cities, not getting the JR pass, but will be using subways heavily in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka. Have plenty of activities in itinerary and want to try many street foods. All hotels will be paid in advance. I was originally thinking ~~2000yen~~ (edit $2000 USD), which has to also account for charging up the IC cards.
* IC cards. I have one from my last trip 8 years ago but my wife needs one. The question is, is there ANY way to get one in advance?! Can we charge them up in advance in the US? We’re in the Los Angeles area with a robust Little Tokyo if that helps. Also, we do not have iPhones, only Androids.
* Best way to get from Haneda to Ginza? We’ll have two large check-in bags, and just a backpack each, landing early afternoon on a Sunday. I’m tempted to just train/subway it, but have heard that can be rude and uncomfortable. We’re open to other ideas, are there shuttles / buses? Considering uncertainty of how long immigration/customs/IC card takes, can we even book something in advance?
Once again, thanks in advance and apologies for the ignorance.
by foodninja00