I’ve been told by everyone just about every possible option was “the best way to exchange USD for Yen”.
“the airport has the best rates!” – rate was crazy.
“just use 7bank and exchange via withdrawal with your debit card” – rate was crazy.
“just use your debit card everywhere directly” – crazy especially if you make small and large purchases dozens of times a day (as you would on a vacation)
“use your local bank and take out like 3 or 5 grand before you go” – probably ok? but my bank told me “oh don’t worry we don’t charge international fees” so I didn’t end up doing it (they lied). – besides, I know Japan is relatively safe but something doesn’t sit right with me walking around with the entire bank in my pocket like a cartoon character
All those little exchange specific machines in Japan that say they’ll give you 138 yen per dollar (when a quick google search will show it’s still 150 all day long) – nice try.
Whatever the case, it doesn’t seem like I can catch a break. Where can you get a legitimate exchange without them tryna sucker punch a fee out of you in some way? Is it just not possible?
The draw here is that the Yen is weak right now, but i can’t help but wonder just how much this is nullified by the sneaky fees both in and outside of the country?
by SlipperyDoodoo