I'm going to Japan next month. I'd like to be able to use my ATM card to get cash from ATM's there. It's a STAR card - that's the logo on the back of it. Anyone help me?
2006-09-19 08:52:56 · 5 answers · asked by ohmygod 1 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Japan
no it does not...cirrus and plus do.
it says so here: http://www.star.com/index.cfm?go=atmLocator.International
2006-09-19 08:57:40 · answer #1 · answered by endrshadow 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
My ATM card has both the Star logo and the Plus logo. While the Star logo is not international (Source: http://www.star.com/index.cfm?go=atmLocator.International), Plus is international. Look for that logo on the back of your card, too. There are ATMs everywhere, and Plus is accepted at almost all of them. All post offices have an ATM, so simply seek out a post office to access an ATM. Post office lobbies should be open 24 hours (some may not be) if you can't get to one before close. However, unlike America, post offices are open fairly late-way later than 5 PM. The airport you land in will also have an ATM. With a Plus logo on the card, you'll be able to withdraw money from your account.
Check with your bank for fees. It will likely be between 2-5% per transaction. The same probably goes for credit card purchases in stores. That's not too bad, but you may be better off just exchanging your US cash for Japanese yen, because the fees are minimal and you'll always know how much you have. Plus, you won't have to worry about hidden fees that may be associated with using cards internationally. I was prepared to use my card if I had to, so bring it anyway. But I would suggest using your cash before going to your 'reserve' money in your bank.
But anyway, I think if it is Visa, it automatically has the Plus logo. The two brands are connected. Use this website link (http://visa.via.infonow.net/locator/global/jsp/SearchPage.jsp) if you want to manually search for locations before you go to Japan. Hope this helps!
2006-09-19 09:24:24 · answer #2 · answered by Thardus 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Most Japanese do NOT speak perfect English!
Im not sure what a star card is, but I found that I could only use my MasterCard to withdraw cash at the post office ATMs. The average ATM is Japanese cards only.
2006-09-20 18:12:01 · answer #3 · answered by ♣ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are there PLUS or Cirrus marks on the back of your card?
If so, you can use it. If you wanna use the card overseas, these marks are necessary.
(I am not saying whether a STAR card is accepted.)
IMO, PLUS mark (This is VISA) is more useful than Cirrus in Japan.
Cirrus is more popular in the north America.
You can get cash with the card(PLUS) at the ATM of Citibank and Shinsei Bank in Japan.
http://visa.via.infonow.net/locator/global/jsp/SearchPage.jsp
2006-09-19 10:44:18 · answer #4 · answered by Joriental 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it doesn't have a Visa, MasterCard...one of those type logos on the card the chances are no, you can't. But I would call your bank and double make sure with them. They would know for sure!
2006-09-19 09:00:57 · answer #5 · answered by mageta8 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't listen to the last guy. I just left Japan after being there for 9 years. Yes, star card is excepted. Don't worry, the Japanese are very very friendly, and most speak perfect english. Especially in the airports. Have fun!
2006-09-19 16:32:22 · answer #6 · answered by Michael M 1 · 0⤊ 4⤋