Fun Stuff > CHATTER
What seemed weird when I visited your country
Barmymoo:
In my first year of university, while I was learning how to budget, I had two bank accounts. One was my main account into which my student loans were paid, and from which I paid my rent and major bills. The other was my day-to-day expenses account; a weekly direct debit from the student account paid £15 into the expenses account and that was my allocation of money for the week. I could still make large purchases from the student account but it helped me to think harder about how much I was spending, especially since I didn't carry the debit card for the main account with me.
GarandMarine:
--- Quote from: Sorflakne on 07 Mar 2014, 06:12 ---
Apparently in Japan, you pretty much always need to have cash on you if you're outside of Tokyo, and that ATMs keep bank hours rather than being available 24/7. Can anyone confirm/deny this?
--- End quote ---
I can confirm or deny this. Cards are becoming more and more common in major cities in Japan, but most transactions will be in cash. Visa is the best type of card to have if you're taking a card, if you're with a major bank or a federal credit union in the U.S. you should have Plus and Co-Op network markings on the back, which will make your life easier ATM wise. I have no idea about Europe on those.
ATMs can be accessed at 7-11s and similar conveniance stores (which are EVERYWHERE) during their normal business hours. (Many are 24 hours, especially in night life areas) I wouldn't count on it though. Better to plan ahead financially speaking.
Places that do large transactions regularly like hotels, even Ryokan like the one I stayed at outside of Kyoto which was run by a little old guy and his wife should have a credit card machine, so don't worry about paying your lodging in cash. In nicer hotels like the Shiba Park hotel in Minato Ku you can usually charge your card at the desk in exchange for cash. I didn't try it at smaller hotels like the Smile! chain that I'm in love with, but I'd be willing to guess they'd provide that service. (Hell they gave me a free pint of whiskey. I think they can handle cash back)
cesium133:
Most places around here accept cards, but I still use cash for day-to-day expenses, because it allows me to control how much I spend more easily. If I run out of cash before the end of the week, I don't allow myself to eat out. There are also still a few places around here that only accept cash. If you want good gyros in this town, bring cash.
Incidentally, I've been here going on seven years and I just realized that the name of the Greek restaurant just off the university campus, The Greek House, is a pun based on the fraternities calling their frat houses "greek houses." :psyduck:
ev4n:
As mentioned elsewhere, Wallander (UK) was making me fall in love with Sweden. Now I feel like I have to see it for myself someday.
Sorflakne:
--- Quote ---I didn't try it at smaller hotels like the Smile! chain that I'm in love with, but I'd be willing to guess they'd provide that service. (Hell they gave me a free pint of whiskey.
--- End quote ---
Why has this chain not come to America?
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
[*] Previous page
Go to full version