If I can Hijack my own thread…
A tour book I bought mentioned that Japan doesn’t do the Debit / Credit Card thing. Nearly every single entry on a restaurant, attraction, or retail had the same boilerplate “Credit Cards Not Accepted”.
Is this still true? Why? [Or is Suica the best fit here, and therefore there is no “need” ?]
Are notes and coins going to be the best bet?
Don’t think it has been mentioned here, but if you are arriving via Narita, the Suica + NEX deal for tourists is pretty good.
www.jreast.co.jp/e/suica-nex/
3500 Yen for a Suica card loaded with 2000 Yen plus a Narita Express ride to Tokyo, Shinjuku, or Yokohama station. It is only available to tourists. Arrive at Narita go down to subway station and book where you book the NEX
oh and the Suica card is the best way of using the subway (no need to buy individual tickets) but for some reason, you can only fill it up using cash
These days, Visa cards are accepted pretty commonly. I’m not sure about other cards. However, it’s pretty habitual to pay for everything with cash there and if someplace happens to not take your card, and you have no cash, finding an ATM that will accept your card is going to be a bit of a problem. The only place guaranteed to have an ATM that can use your card is Citibank. On the other hand, you’re better off to try and pay with your card whenever you can for that very reason. If you run out of cash, finding an ATM is a bugger.
You might also want to call your credit card company before you go on the trip and tell them that you’re going to be using the card internationally. If you make a big purchase abroad, their computer is liable to think that it’s suspicious activity and shut the card down.
Adding to what Sage Rat says, some places that do take credit cards only do so at certain times (usually dinner), so try and ask even at places that display the credit card symbols.
There are Citibank machines in Shibuya, Roppongi, Otemachi and a few other places around the city. They are by no means widespread, so make sure you look it up before heading out on the town.
The Post Office bank machines are also connected to Plus and Cirrus (the VISA and Mastercard networks that connect to most North American banks). I usually used them, because they’re more common. However, a lot of them have restricted hours (like the one in the subway station near my office that closed at 5pm one Sunday that I was counting on getting money… :().
You will most likely be able to use your credit card at any large place you go to, but it’s not something I’d rely on. You’d be better off having a decent amount of cash on you at any given time.
I’m not a big “electronic money” (generic term for cards like Suica) user, but I usually see it used at convenience stores, vending machines, etc.
In addition to the already mentioned Citibank and Post Office ATM’s, I’ve used my American card at Shinsei machines as well. Playing off of Cerowny’s experience, many Japanese banks’ ATM’s close (Post Office machines are the worst for this) which is another reason you should keep money on you.
Well I’ll be damned. I’ve spent a lot of time in Tokyo; always on the lookout for cheaper accommodations, and the best I’ve ever done was about 5500 Yen/night*. But that room did come with its own bathroom-- I’m not sure that the hotel you linked to has private bathrooms. But still… a very good price!
*Then again, maybe my memory is just a lot worse than I thought. Haven’t been to Japan for 3 years.