I’m moving to Japan in a spouse visa with my Japanese husband from the US in September.
I am looking for info on how to manage US credit cards for when we first arrive. Unfortunately I have to be there before we can close in our house sale (though we are in contract) and while I will have a decent amount of money in my US bank (~20k) for the first month or so until we close, I want to reserve as much as possible just in case there is an issue with the sale and we need to make additional
Mortgage payments, etc.
I have a US mailing address I can use (thanks stepmom! Though also researching virtual mailbox) and will set up automatic payments and a travel alert before we go. We have good credit and cards with low APR and we will pay them off when close.
I’m wondering if they can be kept long term as we establish ourselves in Japan? Mostly just to have emergency use available. I doubt we will be back to the US but one never knows.
I’ve read some expat articles about it but I’d like to hear firsthand experience and suggestions.
by sweet_salty_