Using UK bank card in Japan

This forum is to discuss anything to do with banks and banking services.
Post Reply
goodandbadjapan
Veteran
Posts: 385
Joined: Thu Aug 03, 2017 1:01 pm

Using UK bank card in Japan

Post by goodandbadjapan »

Just out of interest I stuck my UK bank card into a 7-11 machine to see if it would work. It seems to but I cancelled when it asked what I wanted to do. Anyone know what sort of exchange rate you get or what charges there are when pulling money from UK account in Japanese ATM? I don't really need to do this, but just curious with the yen being so weak if it would be worth pulling some money out now and again.
User avatar
RetireJapan
Site Admin
Posts: 4710
Joined: Wed Aug 02, 2017 6:57 am
Location: Sendai
Contact:

Re: Using UK bank card in Japan

Post by RetireJapan »

I've used a NatWest card a few times in the past. Wasn't paying particular attention, but you may pay a fee to the UK bank, there may be an ATM fee, and the rate is decided by the UK bank I believe (as long as the transaction is yen).

Probably better to send it over with Wise, unless you are trying to avoid government attention 8-)
English teacher and writer. RetireJapan founder. Avid reader.

eMaxis Slim Shady 8-)
goodandbadjapan
Veteran
Posts: 385
Joined: Thu Aug 03, 2017 1:01 pm

Re: Using UK bank card in Japan

Post by goodandbadjapan »

Thanks - have no particular reason to use it right now, but wondered if it would be comparable to Wise. Probably a much smaller limit on what you can take out each day.
User avatar
adamu
Sensei
Posts: 2318
Joined: Wed Aug 02, 2017 11:43 pm
Location: Fukuoka
Contact:

Re: Using UK bank card in Japan

Post by adamu »

You could... look it up on your bank's website and let us know? :idea:
goodandbadjapan
Veteran
Posts: 385
Joined: Thu Aug 03, 2017 1:01 pm

Re: Using UK bank card in Japan

Post by goodandbadjapan »

adamu wrote: Wed Jun 12, 2024 2:22 am You could... look it up on your bank's website and let us know? :idea:
Well, I did try but couldn't find any information about it. That's why I asked! And never having done this I don't know what charges come from the bank, or the ATM I'm using etc.
User avatar
RetireJapan
Site Admin
Posts: 4710
Joined: Wed Aug 02, 2017 6:57 am
Location: Sendai
Contact:

Re: Using UK bank card in Japan

Post by RetireJapan »

NatWest charges for 2.75% for a non-Sterling transaction, plus whatever the ATM fee is.
English teacher and writer. RetireJapan founder. Avid reader.

eMaxis Slim Shady 8-)
Wales4rugbyWC23
Veteran
Posts: 511
Joined: Mon Sep 16, 2019 1:30 am
Location: Fukuoka

Re: Using UK bank card in Japan

Post by Wales4rugbyWC23 »

The only time I use my Lloyds debit card is to buy birthday and Christmas presents that my family have deposited money for me in my UK bank account. You do not get a great currency rate and you get charged commission. However, when I was purchasing with the card, the cashier asked if I wanted the sales tax refunded, thinking I was a non-resident.....
Post Reply