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2 registered members (Ngaire, 1 invisible),
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 A Yen for Yen
#206712
09/17/07 03:18 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 6,352
Marc
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For PANDAers flying into Japan and in the need of Yen, I recommend the Citibank ATM at NRT, NGO, or KIX. You "should" pay a fee of $5 plus 1%. The rate you get "should" be 1 yen per USD below midmarket rates. This has been the best I have been able to do; it is also the most convenient as the ATMs are right at the airport.
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Re: A Yen for Yen
#206713
09/17/07 03:49 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,917
ssclbc
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Thanks for the tip, I was wondering what the best way to get some local currency was. :)
Lauri
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Re: A Yen for Yen
#206714
09/17/07 08:39 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 6,244
Masaki
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I would also encourage people that are doing precruise in Japan to get yen too. Good tip on the ATM, Marc! While it's getting better, a lot of places rely on cash and won't take credit cards or traveler checks.
Masaki
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Re: A Yen for Yen
#206715
09/18/07 01:30 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,215
adrenn
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Thanks, Marc. I haven't visited Japan in a long time. Back then, Citibank were the only ATMs with the network for my bank card.
Cheers, Anne
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Re: A Yen for Yen
#206716
09/18/07 03:24 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,434
Dreps
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Marc, I had downloaded a list of Narita ATMs and a map. Now I know where to go. Thanks. For those wanting to see the list and maps, go to Narita ATMs and click on location and you can then see hours and a map. ------------ Eugene
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Re: A Yen for Yen
#206717
09/18/07 03:53 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,917
ssclbc
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Apparently the Travelex office at DFW will convert dollars to yen before you leave. I'm not sure what rate they use but I do know that AAA members get a discounted comission. I'm wondering if it would be worth it to get some yen here and not have to deal with a foreign ATM while jet lagged.
Lauri
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Re: A Yen for Yen
#206718
09/18/07 05:51 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,907
Sheri
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For those not doing a pre-cruise, what is a "good" approximate amount to bring in Yen? I know this is an extremely general and subjective question! :)
Should tips in Japan always be in yen? I imagine most stores will take credit cards for purchases.
I really don't want to look like an ignorant American! ;)
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Re: A Yen for Yen
#206719
09/18/07 10:31 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 6,244
Masaki
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No tipping in Japan, Sheri. :) Very few exceptions (like occ. taxis if they go out of their way or in certain situations involving traditional Japanese inns). Since you're not spending much time in Japan at all (except for Nagasaki), I'd probably only bring about 10,000 yen or so (about $100). Like you said, most stores that cater to tourists will accept credit cards.
Masaki
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Re: A Yen for Yen
#206720
09/19/07 03:35 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 6,352
Marc
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If just Nagasaki, I wouldn't worry too much about yen. If you are doing a precruise, definitely get yen. Credit cards are gaining acceptance but still cash is king. If anyone is concerned that they will end up with extra yen, we will gladly buy them back as we have an endless need of yen.
As Masaki said, no tipping. This includes bellman at hotels. There is already a service charge included with hotels. Many restaurants will add 10% service charge; others have already included it in their prices. By law, the 5% tax must already be included in all stated prices.
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Re: A Yen for Yen
#206721
09/19/07 10:22 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,907
Sheri
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When you say "no tipping", does that include the Haneda and Narita airports for porters and wheelchair service, etc?
...and when you say "no tipping", does that mean that people will not take your tip, will get in trouble, or will be insulted? I need something to tell my stepfather, as he is obsessive about tipping even when you aren't supposed to. :)
This info really helps...thanks!!! :hug:
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Re: A Yen for Yen
#206722
09/19/07 10:48 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 732
peteropny
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Sheri - when my father needed wheelchair service at Narita - they were very reluctant to accept a tip.
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Re: A Yen for Yen
#206723
09/19/07 03:48 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 6,352
Marc
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Sheri, my mother came through Narita and she was met with wheelchair. He took them through immirgration and customs and all the way to the Limousine Bus. She did tip him and he accepted; I don't really know if it is really necessary.
As for other tipping, try to keep your father from doing it. It is considered inconsiderate to leave money on a table in a restaurant as service charge is already included. Don't tip bellmen or porters. Don't tip taxi drivers.
See you soon!
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Re: A Yen for Yen
#206724
09/19/07 10:35 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 6,244
Masaki
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What Marc said. In restaurants, if you try to tip, they'll run after you thinking that you forgot to take your money with you. :D
Masaki
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Re: A Yen for Yen
#206725
09/20/07 03:29 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,907
Sheri
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Thanks for the tips!! :app: :D
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Re: A Yen for Yen
#206726
09/21/07 05:39 AM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 253
GrayWolf
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Originally posted by Sheri:
Thanks for the tips!! :app: :D
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Re: A Yen for Yen
#206727
09/21/07 05:42 AM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 253
GrayWolf
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Hi Marc,
For people already on the ship, what do you recommend for obtaining yen? Our first stop in Japan is Hakodate, which we reach tomorrow.
Thanks
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Re: A Yen for Yen
#206728
09/21/07 05:57 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 6,352
Marc
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Betty, current Citibank rate is 114.60 yen per USD. Of course, it changes frequently throughout the day. Of course, the only Citibank in Hokkaido is in Sapporo so that does not help you out much. The post office also gives very similar rates, though.
What rate are they using onboard? If you are not exchanging a lot, it doesn't make sense to incur the ATM fee. However, you will be in japan for over a week so you may need a good amount of cash. Still, if the ship is giving you at least 111 or so, the convenience would probably outweigh anything.
See you soon!
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Re: A Yen for Yen
#206729
09/21/07 04:17 PM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 253
GrayWolf
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Thanks a lot, Marc. We're in Hakodate right now and just about to head out. We'll first check the ship's rate downstairs.
Betty
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Re: A Yen for Yen
#206730
09/21/07 06:52 PM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,440
gf
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1970 - 360 yen = 1 US $!
What's so amazing is that I remember that - ah! youth ! Lovely souvenirs at those prices!
Another Kathy
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Re: A Yen for Yen
#206731
09/22/07 10:39 PM
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 52
splish
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on 9/22/07 the ship's rate was 109.596
so my $100 US got me 10,000 Yen and $8.76 US back.
hope that helps even tho it's a little late!
Gay Rie
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