Is HSBC widle used/known in Japan?

[oonter]

I'll be leaving for Japan in about 3 weeks? I play on bringing atleast $500 US dollars in travelers cheques but might need a little extra cash. I would be able to walk up to an ATM in Tokyo and use my HSBC debit Mastercard?

 

[Ewok85]

You should be able to during business hours, at night it gets difficult as some ATMs have restrictions on what cards can be used, and being a foreign card its even harder.

 

[made of stone]

I was able to use my HSBC Cirrus debit card (linked to my UK current account) at just one special ATM in Osaka four years ago - they charged me an admin fee of about ﾂ≫?? each time. I suggest checking with HSBC in your home country for services on offer NOW.

mos

 

[Han Chan]

Using ATMs in Japan is really frustrating if you do not have a japanese credit card. When I need to withdraw from my VISA card in Tokyo I have to find a Citibank ATM otherwise it is rejected. Really curious because in any small town in Nepal, Thailand and even Bangladesh I can withdraw from money from my VISA card from ATMs without any problem.

 

[Ewok85]

Things have been really good lately - from what I've heard things are not as bad as they were 4 years ago when I last heard of someone having Visa troubles.

 

[Pepe]

Just familiarise (read: memorise) the symbols on the back of your bank card, such as the Cirrus symbol. The majority of ATM's I have seen around the world display which organisations they are a part of and usually it is no problem to withdraw money from an ATM that displays the same symbols as on the back of you card. Usually...

 

[Goldiegirl]

None of my credit or debit cards would work in Japan to withdraw cash. The teller at the bank said that I would have to open an account in Japan or use a bank that is International like Citibank..( I HATE Citibank).

 

[mr.sumo.snr]

Japan Post Office banking machines have to be your best bet.

http://www.yu-cho.japanpost.jp/e_a0000000/aa210000.htm

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[made of stone]

Japan Post Office banking machines have to be your best bet.
http://www.yu-cho.japanpost.jp/e_a0000000/aa210000.htm
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Fantastic advice! - i'd forgotten all about that - blame the ravages of time upon this takoyaki-lover's memory

The only problem with the post office ATMs, if things are the same as they were a couple of years ago, is that when the PO closes you can't access them, so it needs a bit of forward thnking, and especially be aware of Japanese national holidays.

That ATM I mentioned before in Osaka, in Nishi-Umeda, was open till very late at night, which came in handy many a time. I'm sure they have some in Tokyo. There may have been more in Osaka - that was just the closest one to me - discovered by contacting HSBC in my home country.

I'd certainly recommend everyone to get the latest information from their bank before travelling to Japan - you can never have too many options for getting your money out when abroad.

 

[Ewok85]

None of my credit or debit cards would work in Japan to withdraw cash. The teller at the bank said that I would have to open an account in Japan or use a bank that is International like Citibank..( I HATE Citibank).

When was that? I've used overseas bank cards as recent as last October in convienence store ATMs (7-11) as well as "post office" marked machines.

The only problem with the post office ATMs, if things are the same as they were a couple of years ago, is that when the PO closes you can't access them, so it needs a bit of forward thnking, and especially be aware of Japanese national holidays.

Many banks and post offices now have their ATMs in a seperate section with "extended hours" - open on holidays, weekends and normal week days from early in the morning, till late at night, as well as the post office having its own 'branded' ATMs around the place. I'll take the camera out sometime next week and take some photos for y'all.

 

[mr.sumo.snr]

Of course I forgot to mention the "mr.sumo .snr bank"!

If there are any UKlanders who want to do a currency-swap before traveling here this summer I would be more than accommodating. I'm visiting the UK this summer and would love to NOT have to exchange/transfer any money at any Japanese banks beforehand.

Getting cash to people once they are here in Japan is easy, safe and inexpensive. Japanese postmen carry around cash-stuffed envelopes all the time.

Seriously, if anyone is interested in doing something like this (only from the UK) PM me and we can discuss. Ask in the forum if you need references!

 

[storeyinallinanyways]

When was that? I've used overseas bank cards as recent as last October in convienence store ATMs (7-11) as well as "post office" marked machines.
Many banks and post offices now have their ATMs in a seperate section with "extended hours" - open on holidays, weekends and normal week days from early in the morning, till late at night, as well as the post office having its own 'branded' ATMs around the place. I'll take the camera out sometime next week and take some photos for y'all.

Yeah, most post offices have extended hours (till 9pm weekdays and 7pm weekends). You'll also find post office ATM's in some metro stations (Tokyo, not sure about other places)

Don't rely on convenience stores - I've never been able to use their ATM's for my Irish VISA / bank card, and have tried many (7-11, Lawson, Family Mart etc).

 

[Guinea Pig]

Sometimes hotels will do this for you.

Here's how it works:

You tell the hotel how much cash you want. Let's say 10,000 yen. Then they make a charge on your credit card for 10,000 yen plus whatever fee they might impose. Next, they give you your 10,000 yen. Very simple, but not all hotels will do this.