Debit card in Japan...

[Amigo]

I know it isn't possible to withdraw money with a foreign debit card in Japan, but,
Do you think it would be OK if I pay the tuition, the hired-room... in Japan with a debit card (not credit)?
If I go to study there for a year I won't be able to be a holder of a credit card, since (you know) to get a credit card you need to have a job, to have your payslip paid by direct bebit or standing order... I need to be unemployed to go to study there, so I cannot get a credit card at all.
It is quite a big problem, because I'm very afraid of being left in the lurch there in Japan, having money and not be able to use it!
That's one of my big crontroversies with a view to study in Japan.
Looking forward to the experienced people's help!! Thank you!

 

[MeAndroo]

Actually it IS possible to withdraw money on a foreign debit card in Japan. I've done so on a number of occasions, as have the visitors I've hosted. What you will find, however, is that not all ATMs will accept them, and you may be charged fees on both ends. In my experience, your best bet is to go to a large city and use a Citibank ATM.

How you pay your tuition is probably up to your school. If they provide accomodations, you'll have to abide by their way of doing things with that as well. When I studied in Tokyo, payment was made via credit card. Where I live now, everything is cash with paper receipts and date stamps. I've never heard of using a debit card to pay rent, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

 

[menrui]

It IS possible to withdraw money using a foreign debit card. I've done it before, but I can't say it will work on all foreign debit cards. I had a VISA debit card issued by Bank of America. I went to the ATMs at the post office and surprisingly, I was able to withdraw cash. I did some calculations, it exchange dollar to yen base on the currency rate at that time(or day?). Later, they charged me a processing fee and withdrew it from my account. I think the charge was around 1% of my withdrawal, which is really good compared to going to the banks, etc.

 

[Amigo]

Actually it IS possible to withdraw money on a foreign debit card in Japan. I've done so on a number of occasions, as have the visitors I've hosted. What you will find, however, is that not all ATMs will accept them, and you may be charged fees on both ends. In my experience, your best bet is to go to a large city and use a Citibank ATM.

I can't remember in which ATMs I tried to withdraw money in Japan when I was there as a tourist, but I couldn't in any of them. Thank you for recommend one, such a Citibank! sure I'll try it (as long as I finally can go there)

When I studied in Tokyo, payment was made via credit card. I've never heard of using a debit card to pay rent, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

Do you mean an USA credit card? If so, how could you get one without working in USA? o maybe you're refering to a Japanese credit card?

I had a VISA debit card issued by Bank of America. I went to the ATMs at the post office and surprisingly, I was able to withdraw cash.

Bank of America sounds great! Mine is the biggest bank of Spain but I don't know if it'll work.
My bank told me that as far as they are concerned I would be able to pay with my debit card in Japan, but how about the school? I asked them by an e-mail, but I'm still waiting for the replay...
Thank you very much for posting yours experiences.

 

[tigermilk]

7-11 in Japan has ATMs that take foreign bank cards. That started in 2007. See You can withdraw Japanese yen from ATMs at 7-Eleven stores | Seven Bank Ltd. I've used that feature several times on various trips over the last 2 years.

 

[MeAndroo]

As was mentioned, the post office ATMs also take foreign bank cards.

As far as the credit card paying my tuition, it was an American credit card on a joint account I had with my parents, so that's probably why there wasn't an issue with me not having a job. Then again, in America, you don't need a job to have a credit card.

Either way, good luck!

 

[A7mouse]

Hey amigo,

I never used my American debit-credit card (debit card with a visa logo), but I was told that I could use it but that it will go through visa and then to my bank and that visa's exchange rate would be the market rate plus my first born. I was also told that withdrawing via ATM would have the best exchange rate... I feel that was pretty accurate.

Word of warning: There's usually (always?) a limit on how much you can withdraw using your debit card from an ATM in one day. Thus, to pay your rent or tuition may take some foresight and planning so you can withdraw enough in time.

My 2 yen: Life in Japan becomes much easier if you have the entire months living expenses in cash in your hand at the beginning of the month.

Good luck,
a7mouse

 

[Amigo]

7-11 in Japan has ATMs that take foreign bank cards. That started in 2007.

I'm glad that information hit my ears! Thank you!

Either way, good luck!

Thank you!

Word of warning: There's usually (always?) a limit on how much you can withdraw using your debit card from an ATM in one day. Thus, to pay your rent or tuition may take some foresight and planning so you can withdraw enough in time.

Good point there!
Well, my plan is the following:
1.- Trying to pay with debit card.
If it doesn't work...
2.- Trying to withdraw money (in time for the payment day)
If it either doesn't work...
3.- Getting money from my bank account by postal order
If still there were some problems...
4.- Bank transfer to a friend of mine's bank account in Japan.
If still there were some problems...
5.- Go back

My 2 yen: Life in Japan becomes much easier if you have the entire months living expenses in cash in your hand at the beginning of the month.
Good luck,
a7mouse

I'll carry with me as much cash as allowed by the customs office.
But the cash should be just for the living expenses for a year.
It's kind of bothersome, isn't it? ...one have to think in everything to go by in Japan...

 

[Chipi]

Are you going as an exchange student? Has someone else from your school been to Japan before? You might wanna ask some tutor teacher or someone in your school in Spain, chatting with someone of your same nationality with previous experience from studying in Japan might help a lot.

My best friend in money issues in Japan were the post office ATM's
I was just embarrassed how darn loud they were, since in the beginning I was using the service in english. I rented a place and paid it in cash, no probs in that.

 

[Amigo]

Are you going as an exchange student?

No, I'm not. I plan to go there just by myself.
I'm not a student but a simple office worker who has worked in a Japanese Travel Agency. I lost that job because of the finalcial crisis.

chatting with someone of your same nationality with previous experience from studying in Japan might help a lot.

I know one. He gave me the idea of a postal order. It seems that Spain and Japan have a treaty in electronic postal order.

My best friend in money issues in Japan were the post office ATM's
I was just embarrassed how darn loud they were, since in the beginning I was using the service in english. I rented a place and paid it in cash, no probs in that.

Honestly thank you for your addition. You're very kind.
Definitely I've got things clearer. In fact I have taken notes of everything in this thread.