Just a heads up to everyone who uses an SMBC credit card. The bank will raise fees for any non-yen transaction to a whopping 3.63% (up from 2.20%) from 1 November 2024. On a ¥50,000 purchase, that means ¥1,815 in credit card transaction fees. This is pretty extortionate imo, and those fees could very soon rack up. They also far outweigh any points accumulated (typically 1%, which at least brings the effective fee down to 2.63%).
One alternative when travelling abroad or shopping online if you want to avoid these fees, would be to use a Wise or Revolut card which convert at a more favourable rate (either converting ahead of time or 'on-the fly'). There's still a spread, but it's much more reasonable. The only downside I can see is losing credit card protections (payment, shopping, insurance etc.) that may or may not be something to consider.
by Antarctic-adventurer