Credit Card/Debit?

[nyappyrebecca]

Where would I be able to use my credit/debit card in Japan? I will be in Tokyo.
What about American express cards?

[Ulver_684]

Mina-san!

This is a great question I also plan to use my credit cards when I go to Japan 2010-2011 so can anyone answer our question? Are credit cards use in Japan I heard that in certain areas they only accept cash so what gives

[Jessi]

At most major stores (department stores, etc) and certain restaurants you'll be able to use a credit card, but Japan is still very much a cash society so don't expect to be able to use it everywhere. Debit cards I'm not so sure about - some of them work at post office ATMs for withdrawing money, but I'm not sure about paying with them.

[untmdsprt]

If your debit card has a VISA or Mastercard logo, then you should be able to use it just like a credit card.

BTW, inform your bank or other card issuer that you'll be spending money in Japan and give them the days you'll be here. It's a pain in the butt to be somewhere, and your bank decides to freeze your account for your protection. I had to email them stating I was in Japan for the next year or so, and they demanded a letter sent from here.

[JonB]

more and more available these days - but Amex sometimes you can't use so it would be a good idea to have a Visa card as a backup.

The only place where you can use Amex but no other card is Costco - go figure!

[api0977132001251251151]

Yes...I also am wondering what is the best thing to do!

I am going to Japan for 3 weeks, and in tjhe future, for a year and 1/2!

Would it be best to get a credit card, such as a chase visa credit card, and THEN goto Japan with that so that I dont get charged international fees up the butt?

[Ulver_684]

Mina-san!

Thank you all for your replies, I'll keep them in mind!