Bringing only cash to Japan - Any tips on how I should protect the money?
I'll be bringing cash for a 20 day trip, and I'm changing it all to my port of departure (Australia).
So now, I have lots of yen in my wallet.
Any tips on how I should handle the money while moving around? I'll be staying in hostels (J-Hoppers, Hana Hostel, etc), and I'll mostly be travelling around by public transport and walking.
Is it safe to keep some in my bag back at the hostel? Should I bring it all, or should I bring only what I think I'll use for the day?
Best Answer
For starters don't exchange it in Australia, you will get a better rate exchanging it in Japan. (hard to tell from your post if you have or will do this, since you used different tenses in each sentence)
Bring it all in AU$100 notes, so you have less bills to conceal. Then exchange it in smaller amounts as you need it, not all at once.
Personally I would keep the cash with me, rather than leaving it in my bag in a hostel or other group share accommodation.
But ultimately, you need to weigh the risk of losing your cash to theft vs the fee(s) imposed on ATM withdrawals by your bank.
Pictures about "Bringing only cash to Japan - Any tips on how I should protect the money?"
Is it safe to carry cash in Japan?
Japan is a safe country, but it is not crime-free. Personally, I would not put all eggs in one basket. We (husband and I) usually carry several thousand dollars in cash.How can I protect my money while traveling?
6 Tips for Keeping Your Money Safe While Traveling AbroadShould I bring cash or card to Japan?
Japan is a cash society; however, credit cards and debit cards are accepted in most places in Japanese cities. Establishments such local restaurants, markets and rural inns (ryokans) are cash only. In the places where you can use your card, you may have issues if your card doesn't have your name on the front.How much money should you carry in Japan?
Assuming flights and accommodation are already paid for, budget travellers should get by on around \xa58,000 (around US$75) per day, which will be enough to cover simpler meals and visits to the main attractions.MONEY IN JAPAN: Credit Cards, Exchanging Cash \u0026 ATMs
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Answer 2
The best advice, even though it requires more preparation (the first time) than simply taking cash, is to get a Charles Schwab High Yield Checking account. You will get an ATM card that you can use at any 7-11 in Japan, and 7-11s are plentiful in Japan. It's possible to use at other ATMs as well, but I know for a fact they work at 7-11.
The benefit of this method is that there is no fee for the exchange (as there is when doing it with cash at an exchange service), nor is there any ATM fee. It doesn't cost to open the account either.
I use this method whenever I go to Japan and I prefer it over cash.
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