Just going to Japan from Sydney tomorrow and a plane from Tokyo arrives about 90 minutes before I take off.
Would it be advisable to wait at their arrival gate with a sign offering those wanting JPY->AUD an exchange at the current rate? I'm thinking I'd need to change about AUD500 to Yen for my trip.
Illegal? Against airport regs?
Not if airport security don't like it.
There can be implications in buying selling from a non-dealer, however, IMO you may get a better deal where the commodity (A$) you are selling is scarcer than here… i.e., in Japan… find an exchange in the city you are visiting and sell your money…
Culturally you won't find any native Japanese who would accept your offer.
And while Japan is cheaper than it used to be (though when we last went in May it was 95Y to the AUD), $500 isn't going to last you much time there. Bring your citibank debit visa if you have it and that's the best way to get yen when you're there.
Nice point about the culture and enough to make me abort trying. Unfortunately I've only got the 28 Degrees which of course introduced the big withdrawal fees. Will also take more cash on your advice.
Why not…change (at least some) in Sydney? ^^" It's what we've done since I can't be bothered going to a bank in Japan.
In terms of budget, depends on how long you're going for/whether you have the hotel paid for already.
But anyway, definitely not. I'm not Japanese and I wouldn't do that in a foreign country either.
I wouldnt do it. And another negative to add to the others; have you ever noticed all of the shuttle bus operators and limo drivers waiting for their customers? The Jap passengers might not emerge for an hour or more after the estimated arrival time. Travel is stressful enough without having to tout for Japanese yen before your flight.
Sounds dodgy.
Use the Citibank atm in Tokyo airport if you have a Citibank card. Otherwise use your Australian visa card with one of the 7/11 atms in the airport. The currency exchange booths are a ruse.
To add to this - I found that my Australian cards only worked in 7/11 (Not any of the other Family Mart etc convenience stores) or the Post Office. A couple of times I ran out of Yen waiting to pass the right kind of ATM (which means I should have been withdrawing more!)
You need to be careful in Japan. A lot of atms won't accept Mastercard for whatever reason.
You need a licence to deal in currency.
Most airports will have regulations that prevent any kind of touting.
I'd wager you'd last about 5 minutes before you were whisked away and you would definitely not be on your flight out.
I don't think airport security would take kindly to you soliciting "business" like that. For the sake of a few dollars is it really worth it?