Comments on: ATMs in Japan

By: Doug

Doug — Mon, 10 May 2010 19:46:08 +0000

That's what I thought, but since being there, I think I like the cash-based culture more. Less chances of identity theft, or getting your card "skimmed" since the ATMs are always inside the bank premises and only open during certian hours. You lose some convenience potentially but gain security in the process. Also with carrying cash, you're only liable to lose as much cash as you carry. Plus, as I learned there, they have a very sophisticated way to order stuff online (e.g. Amazon.co.jp) using terminals at convenience stores and then paying cash at the counter, so it works out. I tested it and it worked well. I'd love to more of that in the US.

By: Kendall

Kendall — Mon, 10 May 2010 19:42:56 +0000

Seems a little counter-intuitive that a culture that is seen as so high-tech, primarily uses cash. I would feel very out of place on that note. I’ve used cash maybe once in the past year. I can’t think of many places that don’t accept plastic where I live.

By: Robert

Robert — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 08:58:26 +0000

The post office worked well for me even in the more out of the way places there was a Post Office ATM (Kouyasan had a post office but no 7-11 that I saw.) In Kyoto the post office beside the station is open late and has a large amount of ATMs in a lobby. I’m pretty sure they have an English option, my Japanese can’t have been that good to navigate the system.
The withdrawal limit threw me as well, I thought my card was not being accepted until I lowered the amount I asked for. Much lower than my daily limit. I *think* I could make multiple withdrawals up to my usual daily limit however.
Mostly I just have a big wad of cash when in Japan. Somehow I feel much more comfortable carrying large amounts than at home.
On a separate note Japanese are usually surprised by ATMs on the street in the UK, they don’t think it’s safe. My wife doesn’t like to use them, preferring in-bank machines or those on a train station concourse.
The Mastercard thing is interesting. (Although I have Visa and Master backed cards) That might explain why I couldn’t use it in the shinkansen ticket machines. I thought I’d got my pin wrong or it couldn’t read the chip.
Also there are charges to use ATM machines in Japan, even for the banks customers, unlike the UK, and the fee changes depending on when you use it, out of banking hours is more expensive apparently. What’s also interesting is you can deposit coins into an ATM and the level of service is amazing (as usual) check out this adventure by a friend of mine.
http://haikugirl.wordpress.com/2008/06/16/adventures-when-you-least-expect-them/

By: Jeremias

Jeremias — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 20:08:56 +0000

When I was in Japan a year ago I made sure I had a huge pile of cash with me. All the bigger chain hotels took VISA, but as for everything else… Yes it’s quite a cash-culture.

By: johnl

johnl — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:38:11 +0000

Just to clarify for anyone else who might be traveling in Japan–yes, most 7-Elevens are open 24 hours, but I think the ATMs are available only until around 11:00 at night? I am not sure, but I think the ATMs are shut down late at night. Be sure to check before you count on using one at night.