Hey all.
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I’m wondering what everyone else does as far as getting cash goes in Tokyo. I have a Debit Card from a US bank that I’m worried will cost a fee in order to get cash every time I need it. Should I just bring over a bunch of cash and directly deposit into a Japanese bank account?
Sorry if this is a dumb question.
Am I overthinking this?
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Edit: Thanks for the help! Am opening a Schwab Account now
3 comments
You’re mostly over thinking it. There are a few ways to do it, the majority of people studying for a year just use their bank card at international ATMs. I always used 7/11. US Bank sucks and will probably charge you a few dollars to use the ATM. I’d recommend setting up an account with another bank that doesn’t do that. Wells Fargo is terrible as well, FYI
The other option would be a wire transfer. The last time I had to do it, Wise was the cheapest option, but if you google it you’ll find plenty of options
> Should I just bring over a bunch of cash and directly deposit into a Japanese bank account?
Don’t do this though. It’ll take a bit until you’ll be able to get a bank account, and carrying cash for several days while traveling sounds like a potential disaster, even though Japan is very safe
Wise account and Wise card
Open a Revolut account, convert some USD to JPY, so you dont get weekends fees in-case, and use your card around. (Just make sure to get a MasterCard)
It’s the easiest way, and you don’t have to pay fees almost at all. Exchange rate is one if not the best tbh