OzBargainers Guide to Travel!

Ldoobey1231 on 13/03/2023 - 08:50
Last edited 13/03/2023 - 16:14 by 1 other user

Hey all,

I fly off to Japan in about a months time, I have started buying things to make the trip more convenient, the first of which a pair of XM4s for the flight(I have been told ANC is a must!).

My tip has been recommended to me by a friend - even though my trip is for a holiday more than business, it is still recommended to get a travel folio to keep all your documents ready and at hand if requested. Passport, international drivers permit, other forms of ID etc etc. You can get folios for about $10 at officeworks, travel specific ones are a little bit more but I have read they are a god send in keeping everything together as well as having specific pockets for niche sized items like passports (bonus points if anyone can point me towards a "couples" travel folio with two passport slots etc).

So tell me Oz bargainers - what are some tried and tested things that we should be doing to prepare for international travel? Are there certain items that are must haves? A neck pillow maybe? Specific type of socks? May a battery pack you stand by?

Edited to add another tip: Setting your wifi up with OpenVPN if it has the ability can be a godsend if you are a big footy fan or anything else. I am personally using mine to watch MAFS while I am over there, but I am sure the same tactic would work with stuff like the NRL or AFL.

Travel

Comments

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 13/03/2023 - 09:00
    +14

    Strongly recommend a neck pillow for international travel.

    • Minimum chips on 14/03/2023 - 12:08
      +8

      Inflatable ones are slightly less comfy, but beat the heck out of dragging a whole pillow around for weeks.

      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 14/03/2023 - 12:32

        I usually have mine one (had these little beads or something in it) just strapped to my backpack, once I've arrived and collected my luggage I just toss it into there.
        It is pretty bulky though yeah.

        • TheRealCher on 14/03/2023 - 12:55
          +2

          Depending on your neck, a rolled up scarf or tshirt can fo the same thing with less bulk.
          That said, lot of sites state that pillow is to be worn around front of neck to support your head if you sleep that way.
          Ignore if travelling business class and replace with Tim tams for the crew.

      • Nalar on 15/03/2023 - 20:32
        +3

        Japan Pillows range from "pretty uncomfortable" to "this is a bag of small hard plastic tubes covered in a sock" I think dragging a Pillow around is fine.

        https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Japanese_Pipe_Pillow…

        • Minimum chips on 15/03/2023 - 21:11

          Not sure what that is. I'm talking about an inflatable neck pillow you blow up by blowing into a little tube. Like you'd inflate a beach ball.

    • gimme on 14/03/2023 - 13:17
      +13

      Amateur! OZbers have enough points to travel business class full reclined.

    • Hangryuman on 14/03/2023 - 14:38

      weird - I had used the U-shaped neck pillows with the opening facing forward - many times until I saw something about you were supposed to put the opening to the back, so when you dozed and your head sagged forward or to the side, it would be supported (which also reduces snoring I think - not something you want to impose on the nice girl sitting close beside you as on my recent 9-hour flight)

      I last saw in Big W (upstairs from Woolworths Town Hall Sydney) a soft memory foam type pillow with I think an adjustable connecting strap/clip - maybe $20-30 but looked reasonable value - I'd suggest trying it with the opening facing behind you to start, and/or you could spin it around to see what works for you.

      inflatable ones could compress to flat and compact but I never found them very comfortable - the newer memory foam type doesn't compress to flat but may be more comfortable - YMMV

      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 14/03/2023 - 15:06
        +1

        I think i must be tripping as im fairly sure the one i picked up from the airport newsagent had a marketing example on the packaging where it opening faces forward…

  • sonicentropy on 13/03/2023 - 09:08
    +2

    just got back from japan the xm5's were a godsend first time even slept on a plane.
    my other glad i bought was the $10 kmart travel blanket i had a window seat, the dreamliners window are super cold.
    do the paperwork on the plane and have a printout of your prescreen. this will save you heaps of time.

  • Flying Ace on 13/03/2023 - 09:08
    +42

    • Carry a pen or two with you in your bag closest to you - if you have to fill out any arrival cards on the plane most people never seem to have a pen on them and they have to do it at the airport.

    • Be methodical when you remove your passport or travel documents. Always make sure you put it back in the same place after you've taken it out. Always keep your boarding pass stub (if given one) with you until you've left the airport. Some airports (maybe not Japan) might want to check your baggage ticket which is usually attached to your boarding pass stub on exiting the airport.

    • If you're getting a neck pillow, make sure to get one with a button or clasp on the "open" section (so it almost turns into a complete circle) so you can turn the pillow whichever way you want and be more comfortable.

    • Buy one travel adapter and take a power board with you. You can plug everything into the power board and only have to use one adapter.

    • TheRealCher on 14/03/2023 - 12:56
      +1

      And ensure it has usb ports. Do not charge from random usb ports especially if youre using a data cable.

    • AustriaBargain on 14/03/2023 - 14:19

      I always carry my gold Cross pen. Other than my watch, it's the only piece of jewellery I carry.

    • Hangryuman on 14/03/2023 - 14:43
      +2

      Japan seems to have loose wall plugs where two round pin adapters can easily fall out

      suggest get the box type multi-adaptor that will sit flush with/close to the wall, as any type that had an extended plug adaptor with the weight of a cord on it I've found can often simply fall out of a Japanese wall socket simply because (maybe it's their safety design) the wall socket does not tend to grip strongly to the two pin plugs.

    • wildstone on 23/03/2023 - 12:38
      +1

      In regards to travel adapter, do you get the one with 2 pins? If so, how do you get a power board that has two pins as well (without the ground) ?

  • Gunnar on 13/03/2023 - 09:14
    +13

    Is this your first trip overseas? It reads like it

    Security of your Passport is a must. Your other stuff is replaceable; your passport is not something you want to lose when overseas.

    Travel adapters and electronics are cheaper and easier to stock up on in Australia. Yes you can get them O/S but they are much cheaper in Australia when you need them at short notice because you know where to get them cheap but decent quality ones.

    I use corded earphones/headphones on flights because I don't have to bother about charging mid flight. Personal favourites are IEMs with great sound isolation so you can sleep with them easily (if they have ANC its better)

    Keep a pen handy (you'll need one). Thongs are great to have at hand in flight but don't wear them in an airport; anyone playing spot the aussie will spot you a mile away.

    When going through security don't be like those idiots who waits till the last minute to take out every single item at hand for screening. You hold up the line. Take this stuff out early. Il take out my laptop and iPad (the latter varies depends on the country you are in). Wallet, keys, phone and everything else in my pockets goes into my carryon so I don't have to d.ck around with a tray at screening

    • nismo on 13/03/2023 - 09:44

      Wired IEMs with ANC?

      Can't be too many of those on the market…

      Actually, I just remembered, I have a pair!
      https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/766829-REG/Pioneer_SE…

      https://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Computer/Headphones/…

      Mine are those Pioneer and have an in-line battery module.

      It relied on generating 'noise' mainly, for the ANC to function. They were awkward and super heavy on the ears and pulled down too much, did use them once to Japan (on the plane). Must be buried in a cupboard somewhere…

    • doobey1231 on 13/03/2023 - 10:03
      -1

      Its my first in a long time, mainly looking for reminders of stuff, passport is a given but I figure a tips and tricks forum should cover both experienced and novice travelers. There might be things even the most experienced travelers may have never thought about.

      • FirstWizard on 13/03/2023 - 15:22
        +1

        I hope you checked if your passport is valid for more than x months (typically 6, not sure for japan) intended date of departure.

    • onetwothreefour on 13/03/2023 - 19:56
      +5

      your passport is not something you want to lose when overseas.

      But of all the places to lose it, Japan would be the best as you will probably get it back.

      Left my kid's passport in the photocopier at the local Family Mart and got it back a few days later.

    • herysoe on 14/03/2023 - 14:03

      I would get all my passport backed up on your "cloud" or NAS, and if something happen, you can always access it.

    • Hangryuman on 14/03/2023 - 14:45

      IEMs (in-ear monitors) - thanks for explaining that …

    • ribze1 on 14/03/2023 - 21:31

      Those people should be moved to the side

    • gstfree on 15/03/2023 - 12:10

      New x-ray scanners in Melbourne airport /New Castles airport do not require anything out of bag.

  • rumblytangara on 13/03/2023 - 09:20
    +18

    Neck pillows are a totally personal thing. Wife travels with them, I find them totally useless and also just very bulky- exactly what I don't want when travelling. If you want a pillow, then a small stuffsack containing a jacket works perfectly well, and isn't also a bulky single function piece to lug around.

    50c foam earplugs- more effective than NC headphones and hundreds of times cheaper, and far less bulky.

    Travel documents go into one reasonably secure (secure as in won't fall out, you don't worry about theft in Japan) compartment of your backpack, along with a pen and a backup credit card. Seriously, don't obsess about security like so many unseasoned travellers do- you are going to Japan, which probably has the lowest petty crime rate in the world. I'd only be concerned with security if I was in a hostel, because their are non-Japanese travellers around.

    Carry a photocopy of your travel documents in case you lose them- far easier to show that to someone at a consulate. If not a photocopy, then a photo of this stuff on your phone.

    I have never used an IDP across 3 decades of travelling (I've not rented a car in Japan though, just lots of trips through North America and Europe). I wouldn't drive in Japan anyway- trains are incredibly convenient and the language barrier is too great to mess with.

    Take a USB power bank. If you're travelling in Japan and going cheap, then stay in hostels. They are incredibly clean and well organised compared to anywhere else in the world- last 'hostel' I stayed in was Osaka, and they had a pillow library.

    • doobey1231 on 13/03/2023 - 10:06

      Yeah I have no issue with Japan as far as security goes. I have been told multiple times to pack light as you do a lot of footwork whilst travelling there. Part of the reason I am starting out in Japan is because of the respect they have for one another, it takes away a lot of variables because there is a degree of trust amongst everyone.

      As for the driving permit, I am a bit of an enthusiast so its a pretty big must for me, and a small percentage of my time there will be business related which will involve cars. If it was purely holiday I probably wouldn't bother but for the $50 it cost to get made better to be safe than sorry I reckon.

      Whats the maximum battery size I can take for a power bank? I was honestly going to wait until I got to japan to purchase one as battery capacity is something I have not had to deal with on a flight before.

      • rumblytangara on 13/03/2023 - 10:26
        -3

        As for the driving permit, I am a bit of an enthusiast so its a pretty big must for me, and a small percentage of my time there will be business related which will involve cars. If it was purely holiday I probably wouldn't bother but for the $50 it cost to get made better to be safe than sorry I reckon.

        Do a search on whether IDP is required for car hire in Japan. I've never used one anywhere in the world- to me, the only use it's been is as a security deposit for stuff like bike rental in third world countries because it looks 'official'. Otherwise it's just a waste of money.

        Whats the maximum battery size I can take for a power bank? I was honestly going to wait until I got to japan to purchase one as battery capacity is something I have not had to deal with on a flight before.

        Absolutely no idea- you'd have to look up airline regs. I'd just carry something sized for convenience not the biggest battery I could find. You're going to the most connected country in the world, finding power points is not going to be an issue. Also, most planes have USB-A ports these days. They'll work for charging a phone, they may not work for bigger things like tablets. Many shinkansen will have USB ports.

        • doobey1231 on 13/03/2023 - 10:44
          +2

          Yeah I have already checked and need the permit for the driving I am going to do - not just rental cars, ill be driving company cars and cars at auctions too.

          • nandystam on 13/03/2023 - 15:11

            @doobey1231: Definitely need an IDP and passport for a rental car. Rented cars on a few different occasions from a few different companies late last year to drive around the Fuji Five Lakes area. Language barrier is not an issue. Documents are usually in both Japanese and English. Thanks to the favourable exchange rates rentals are actually quite cheap at present.

            A lot of the petrol stations are still full service, so just drive on in and say "mantan regular kudasai" (fill up with regular petrol please). "Regular" means unleaded. Eneos (maybe others) also have some self-service, pay-at-the-pump systems which can be switched to English language.

            TBH the prices of power banks in Japan are really no different to here. Just get a decent quality one when they show up on OzB. I don't know the maximum capacity for travel but I would say 10,000 mAh would be OK.

            • rumblytangara on 14/03/2023 - 15:44
              +1

              @nandystam: Worth mentioning if OP doesn't fly much: The power bank goes in you carry on luggage, not your checked luggage. Airlines do not like unattended lithium batteries.

        • bobbified on 14/03/2023 - 16:23

          I've never used one anywhere in the world- to me, the only use it's been is as a security deposit for stuff like bike rental in third world countries because it looks 'official'. Otherwise it's just a waste of money.

          There's quite a few countries that require it for visitors to drive. Imagine going to a country, renting a car/bike and getting into an accident and the police charge you with unlicensed driving because you don't have an IDP. Then you find out you travel insurance won't cover you because you were not complying with local laws. That would make a pretty expensive trip!

      • TheRealCher on 14/03/2023 - 12:58
        +2

        From menory, 10k is the limit on power banks.

    • Hangryuman on 14/03/2023 - 14:51

      '50c foam earplugs- more effective than NC headphones and hundreds of times cheaper, and far less bulky.'

      cheap - sure - effective - not so much for me - I tried them many times before I got NC headphones

      the problem with foam earplugs is that my hearing adapts to relative noise, and with foam earplugs it may have dropped the dB from 80dB to 60dB or something but I still found the rushing noise disturbing and I certainly couldn't hear the movie headphones through the ambient noise

      with my Bose QC35ii not only does it actively cancel a lot of ambient noise, but I can also listen to podcasts via BlueTooth and/or watch in-flight movies via the wired connection - so I'm pleasantly distracted by something to listen to rather than just a rushing noise

      and if my partner alongside wants to talk to me, in-ear foam are 'what's that !? I can't hear you !' and a PITA to remove so I can hear without shouting - with the headphones I simply lift them off for a moment to exchange a few words without a problem.

      • crentist on 15/03/2023 - 17:54

        I find plane conversations even easier with NC headphones on

  • brendanm on 13/03/2023 - 09:31
    +13

    I am personally using mine to watch MAFS

    I hope this is satire.

    • Cheaplikethebird on 13/03/2023 - 09:46

      Yeah this season isn't even good any more. Not like last years, last years was GOAT.

  • ozprash on 13/03/2023 - 09:49
    +6

    One useful thing I learned during recent travels is to carry a powerboard with a AU/Japan adapter. Helps to charge multiple devices at once, rather than each charging device be a bottleneck.

    • wildstone on 23/03/2023 - 12:39
      +1

      The travel adapter has 2 pins, so how can it be plugged into a power board which has 3 pins?

  • Cheaplikethebird on 13/03/2023 - 10:21
    +8

    Just get a cheap pencil case from Kmart to put your passport and docs. Make an itinerary in google sheets and store notes and info there that you'll need for each day/activity and a travel folder in your e-mail where you keep all your booking confirmations etc.

  • Ocker on 13/03/2023 - 10:28
    +4

    Take a photocopy of all your important documents and send them to your email address.

    • Minimum chips on 14/03/2023 - 12:11
      +6

      Don't forget to cc me:

      [email protected]

      • TheRealCher on 14/03/2023 - 12:59
        +14

        Skip the middle man and switch to optus

      • chriskq on 16/03/2023 - 10:50
        -2

        why austrgov instead of austgov or augov… and why a Israel domain…. i have too many questions >_<

  • Ughhh on 13/03/2023 - 10:59
    +4

    I brought a neck pillow on my recent trip, didn't end up using. It's bulky and an extra thing to carry. Found the airlines pillow and adjustable head rest sufficient.
    Definitely sounds like your first international trip. I think you're overthinking in general.

    Dont forget that Japan is a shopping haven. Some things might be better unbought till you get there. Just make sure you have a travel adaptor.

  • apple2016 on 13/03/2023 - 11:15

    even though my trip is for a holiday

    Its aholiday. Dont stress too much.relax and enjoy your holiday!

  • sumyungguy on 13/03/2023 - 11:22
    +8

    There are some fabulous apps for travellers:
    MAPS.ME or HERE WeGo for offline maps & navigation
    Google Translate: download the Japanese language and read everything using the camera
    Tripit for paperless itinerary management
    Xe currency converter works offline
    Hyperdia via the web is the transit route planner for Japan

    Cash is preferred in Japan so make sure you have a card with minimal ATM fees
    My travel party never flies without Thermarest pillows

    • TheRealCher on 14/03/2023 - 13:00

      Google lens is also great.
      Think about how yr going to use and access data - last time i was there i rented a wifi thingy for 25 us and it was great.

    • Hangryuman on 14/03/2023 - 16:19

      'Google Translate: download the Japanese language and read everything using the camera'

      yeah that worked pretty well translating Chinese characters recently

      but my experience of Japanese is that syntax is so different, that Google Translate from Japanese to English can give you a resulting completely incomprehensible word salad

  • Sweet3st on 13/03/2023 - 12:26
    +2

    I always use Tripit for travel plans.

  • donga100 on 13/03/2023 - 12:40
    +8

    Organise a sim card before you leave, either for delivery in Australia or one that can be collected at the airport. Having mobile internet/maps is extremely useful in Japan. I've used B Mobile before and they were fine. You can also get a free sim card if you don't need much data.

  • Flying Ace on 13/03/2023 - 13:36
    +5

    If your phone can accept it, organise an eSim before you leave. You can activate it the moment you land and not have to worry about hunting around the airport for a proper SIM card.

    Also take a USB power bank with you everywhere. If you're a photographer you'll find your phone battery will drain very quickly. Just not having to worry about conserving battery makes things a lot less stressful too!

    • doobey1231 on 13/03/2023 - 14:00

      Have you got any tips RE providers to go with? Will be in Tokyo then Osaka primarily. Is it something I could set up today and just “add eSim” on my iPhone once I arrive?

      Just doing early research at the moment, thanks!

      • Archi on 13/03/2023 - 14:02

        be mindful if you need to receive OTP of 2 factor authentication via text for anything you use.

      • FirstWizard on 13/03/2023 - 15:07
        +1

        You need an active internet connection for esims to be downloaded. I usually activate things the day before I leave AUS.
        Some sims require you to manually set up APNs by looking at their FAQ web page. So leave extra time for that. Most people opt to do this at the arrival airport using Airport wifi, but I personally don't recommend that as it can be stressful.

        I use https://esimdb.com/ to find out what the best travel plan is for the country I'm visiting.

      • Caped Baldy on 13/03/2023 - 16:05
        +1

        There's two options with the esim. You can scan a QR code after clicking add esim or typing in the details. Typing in the details didn't work for me.

        If you've got a second device or going with someone share the QR codes ahead of time.

        • FirstWizard on 13/03/2023 - 19:06
          +1

          Yes good point.
          You do need a second device to view the QR code email from most of the time. And yes, copying and pasting details didn't work for me either.

      • GoIdDigger on 15/03/2023 - 17:45

        I just got back from a multi-country Europe trip and used https://simcorner.com/. Had a great experience personally

        Their customer service was fantastic too. They replied to an email late on a Sunday night within 5 minutes lol

    • samfisher5986 on 14/03/2023 - 15:06

      The better solution these days is to use a provider that supports free Wifi calling, then you just need a 4G dongle which can be shared with you travel companions so you all have wifi calling for the price of one.

      This also solves the issue of 2FA authentication among other things.

  • Caped Baldy on 13/03/2023 - 14:06

    I was there a couple weeks ago.

    There is an online immigration form system and you need to scan a few QR codes.

    In Japan you get charged ATM withdrawal fees. Seems to be 110 yen for 10000 yen and 220 yen for 20000 to 50000 yen. So 50000 yen is the sweet spot for withdrawing cash. Alternatively, quite a lot of shops accept bank card.

    • doobey1231 on 13/03/2023 - 14:22

      Do you know if it’s anything I can get done ahead of time?

      • nandystam on 13/03/2023 - 15:12
        +5

        Get an Visa debit card that refunds ATM fees, like ING. Just make sure you do the 5 transactions in the month before you travel otherwise you won't qualify.

        • Worf on 15/03/2023 - 14:11

          What’s best for overseas eftpos/payWave? HSBC, ING, or just normal banks CBA, ANZ etc?

          • Caped Baldy on 16/03/2023 - 09:03

            @Worf: I went with HSBC as I could convert currency and see the rates. I'm thinking I should have used ING too. Ended up going to Singapore too and withdrew a small amount of cash that had a better rate than HSBC.

            I'd avoid the big banks due to fees.

      • Caped Baldy on 13/03/2023 - 15:58

        Yeah should be easy. Just start today.

        ING should have you covered.

        I used HSBC as there's a direct currency conversion but I don't know how well it compares to the visa rates which ING uses.

        I also did a driving experience in Japan which required a large deposit. This was setting off fraud SMS alerts which I was not receiving. Just something to consider…

        • doobey1231 on 13/03/2023 - 16:00
          +1

          My apologies I meant the QR codes at immigration.

          Thankfully already with ING so good to go as far as transaction fees go :D

          • Caped Baldy on 13/03/2023 - 16:03
            +1

            @doobey1231: Yeah it is something you can do ahead of time.

            I did it on this website. https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp/en/

            I recall that they check your vaccination record and then you can do more stuff. There was a slight scramble at the airport to bring up another QR code that officials requested.

        • Shadowsfury on 14/03/2023 - 11:30

          HSBC rates kinda suck - I did compare them late last year vs Visa/MC rates (and Revolut's rates, which were the best)

      • Caped Baldy on 13/03/2023 - 16:06

        Also, do you need/have a JR pass?

        You will also need some cash for an IC card (opal/myki equivalent).

        • nandystam on 13/03/2023 - 16:14

          If you have an iPhone you can setup a Suica/PASMO (IC card) in your Wallet and add value to it via Apple Pay. Although I think you need a physical card first before you can do this? I already had one so it wasn't an issue.

          • Caped Baldy on 13/03/2023 - 16:28

            @nandystam: That's really cool and good to know. I did see one person use their phone in this way but assumed it was a local app.

            • nandystam on 13/03/2023 - 17:50

              @Caped Baldy: There is a Suica app which I did install but I never needed it. From memory the minimum amount you can add via Apple Pay is 1000 JPY.

              Overall I find the need for cash is decreasing each time I visit Japan. For very small restaurants you'll probably still need it but in the majority of cases credit card is accepted.

              • crentist on 17/03/2023 - 15:38
                +1

                @nandystam: Don't need physical card, unless you want to transfer an existing balance. And as well being essential for trains, Suica seems to be easier and more widely accepted than credit cards. Sometimes they're the exact same, but sometimes they need the physical card to be inserted, or signed for.
                So I just load up spending money on the Suica.

                And then for some reason transport cards don't need faceID or anything for Suica payments, which is less secure but very smooth, and something I miss from Android.
                There's also a neat thing where your iphone can be dead, but as long as there's enough power reserve to show the dead battery screen, Suica will still work.

    • FirstWizard on 13/03/2023 - 15:17
      +3

      Open an account with a bank that does not charge:
      1) international ATM fees,
      2) Currency Conversion fees
      3) Possibly refund any fees charged by 3rd party ATM operator

      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/wiki/cards_with_no_overseas_tra…

      I think ING is the only bank that does 3). provided you've jumped through their hoops.

      • TooSerious2 on 13/03/2023 - 19:14
        -2

        Macquarie also, no hoops

      • 33725 on 13/03/2023 - 20:40

        Doesn't Citibank plus do that, too?

        • sumyungguy on 13/03/2023 - 21:17
          +2

          Only a small window to get a Citibank plus: Please note after 20 May 2023 we will no longer be accepting new applications for Citibank Plus Account

          • bluedufflecoat on 21/03/2023 - 20:44

            @sumyungguy: They are closing / discontinuing the product on 18 May! I'm looking for a new account… Any ideas?

        • FirstWizard on 13/03/2023 - 21:43

          1) and 2) only.
          I still have a Citibank card though. I use it at ATMs I know for sure that doesn't charge an operator fee. ING only gives 5 fee rebates a month.

          • nigel deborah on 14/03/2023 - 09:39

            @FirstWizard: My experience was that Citibank gave slightly more favourable exchange rates than ING. Zero fee ATMs were easy to find in Europe but may not be in japan, don't know.

            • FirstWizard on 14/03/2023 - 11:09

              @nigel deborah: You're right, Citi bank is Master card, and ING is Visa. I've found the rates to be better with MasterCard (I use a MasterCard credit card for all my OS purchases). Only marginally though, like ~.5%

              https://www.visa.com.au/support/consumer/travel-support/exch…
              https://www.mastercard.us/en-us/personal/get-support/convert…

              I was in Barcelona last August, and unfortunately, I couldn't find any ATMs that didn't charge a fee.
              Having said that, I didn't look too hard or go out of my way trying to scout for a fee-free ATM just because I always have 2 ING cards on me, meaning x10 fee rebates.

              I think I withdrew like EUR500 in total for cash-only things; the rest was on the credit card. So I spent about $3 extra on the withdrawal on conversion.
              But ATM fees were up to EUR8 per withdrawal at times.

          • noone on 14/03/2023 - 12:46

            @FirstWizard: How do you find out if an ATM will charge an operator fee? Especially in Japan, is there anything to look out for?

            • FirstWizard on 14/03/2023 - 13:26

              @noone: Most ATMs will prompt you to confirm the fee amount as the last step.

              Just checked through my records. I have been charged fees by both Lawson and 7-11 in the past. They are the most common ATMs you can find in Japan.

            • samfisher5986 on 14/03/2023 - 15:09
              +4

              @noone: Don't bother wondering, 99% of Japan ATM's in the places you actually need cash will charge a fee.

              Best to plan your trip around paying ATM fees and getting it refunded via ING or you are going to be travelling to specific ATM's that don't charge a fee which simply takes too long in Japan in my opinion.

      • kaoz on 20/03/2023 - 21:21
        -1

        Ubank also, plus it seems that ING limits your ATM fee refunds to 5x refunds, whereas Ubank does not seem to limit the amount of refunds you can receive.

    • smpantsonfire on 14/03/2023 - 12:42

      I think you need to fill out the entry forms, however the qr system has finished.

      You just need to have registered and approved vaccination status.

    • rumblytangara on 16/03/2023 - 08:38
      +1

      In which case, username checks out. Good to see you, Saitama.

    • obenihk on 22/03/2023 - 14:58

      I think you get charged the fee only during certain hours of the day. During daytime withdrawals are free.

      Seven Bank ATM Service Fees

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