# Heading to Japan--do I need anything besides a passport? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [September 2, 2009, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heading-to-japan-do-i-need-anything-besides-a-passport/508675 "2009-09-02T20:24:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![cckerberos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f0a364/32.png) [@cckerberos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cckerberos)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2009, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heading-to-japan-do-i-need-anything-besides-a-passport/508675/21 "2009-09-16T15:35:21Z")
> [@Desert\_Nomad](#): > > The best place to find “international” ATMs is at the post office. Many are open 24 hours (at least to get to the ATM). Are you sure? Post office ATMs close at 9 PM at the latest. After that point you can’t even use your post office ATM card at other ATMs. I’ve never seen an exception. ---
**Author:** ![Tom\_Tildrum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e95f7d/32.png) [@Tom\_Tildrum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Tildrum)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2009, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heading-to-japan-do-i-need-anything-besides-a-passport/508675/22 "2009-09-16T20:40:35Z")
> [@mo50](#): > > You’re right, can’t beat the convenience of using the credit card, but I did have to pay a 3% forein transactions fee when I was last there (July), which I guess most cards charge, with the exception of Capital One, and probably some others that Dopers might know. > Also, was able to get cash from ATMs at 7-11s & other 24hr convenience stores with my US ATM card, a relatively new developemnt I think, which beats having to find a post office ATM. Most of those seemed not to be available nights & Sundays. They probably charge more than the post office, but saves a potential headache of not having cash if you need it. If Japan is like it was portrayed on _The Simpsons_, the toilet ought to be able to provide some recommendations as to where to find an ATM. ---
**Author:** ![Desert\_Nomad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desert_nomad/32/177_2.png) [@Desert\_Nomad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Desert_Nomad)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2009, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heading-to-japan-do-i-need-anything-besides-a-passport/508675/23 "2009-09-16T20:48:34Z")
> [@cckerberos](#): > > Are you sure? Post office ATMs close at 9 PM at the latest. After that point you can’t even use your post office ATM card at other ATMs. I’ve never seen an exception. The one in Fukuoka (next to Hakata Train Station) is open 24 hours as I used it about 11:30 at night two weeks ago. From the road, the entrance is around the left side of the building. ---
**Author:** ![groman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/73ab20/32.png) [@groman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/groman)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2009, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heading-to-japan-do-i-need-anything-besides-a-passport/508675/24 "2009-09-16T20:49:54Z")
> [@Tom\_Tildrum](#): > > There will always be a conversion fee. Your credit card will automatically get very good rates, so consider using it wherever possible. Airport kiosks will likely have the worst conversion rates, so consider getting some yen before you leave. Most major banks should be able to provide it. In my experience, the conversion rates in Nagoya and Narita airports are vastly better than those in SFO or LAX. The rates I’ve gotten converting cash from USD to JPY in Narita were always cheaper than using my ATM or credit card when you take the bank fee into consideration. However, do not exchange at an American airport unless you’re willing to lose 20% of your money 🙂 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heading-to-japan-do-i-need-anything-besides-a-passport/508675.md?page=1)