I’ve seen a few questions about this in the past but can’t seem to find an answer now I’m looking for it.
I once used my foreign (Australian issued) VISA card at a 7/11 ATM and was able to withdraw money, ¥30000.
When I tired again 3 days later, it said “service temporarily unavailable”.
Before I make an expensive phone call to my bank at home, does anyone know perhaps what the issue is?
I’ve seen before people mention VISA card issues but I don’t understand how it can work once and then fail in the exact same ATM days later. The card hasn’t been blocked because I get email notifications for that kinda thing.
I’m down in Inaka Kyushu so options are limited. I thankfully have enough cash to see me through to my paycheck but with just having moved, I’d like to buy things without worrying about how much money I have.
Thanks for any insight.
4 comments
Best place to get international cards working reliably is japan post office ATMs. Try there instead of 7/11.
As for the error, it could really be due to their network being temporarily down that time/day/etc.
I get denied from 7/11 ATMs all the time and I have an SMBC card. Some machines work some don’t. I’ve even had one work then not work anymore on subsequent visits.
> Before I make an expensive phone call to my bank
Buy some Skype credit and this won’t be a problem. That’s what I use if I need to call a bank or government agency back home.
I guess use your Visa to pay for things online like Amazon if you need things. Most major supermarkets accept credit cards now days. You also sign up for digital payment systems like Pay Pay or Apple/Google Pay to buy things at the store.
P.S. I use Google voice or through Gmail to make phone calls for free to my banks. Since 2011, Australia has had Google voice.