Get a credit card that does *not* charge conversion fee, typically travel reward type of credit cards. It will help a lot. You will always get the market rate without ANY fee by using such credit card.
@@deaddrunkgamer7399I actually exchanged currency before leaving just in case. The benefit was that I could then exchange bills back home without paying any additional fees, including bills my husband had from his last trip to a 7&i ATM. It also put me at ease because no matter what, we had some money, and for all I knew, the line for the ATM may have been huge.
I have only been to Japan once but I did not bother with doing tax free shopping. It seemed complicated and I was happy to pay taxes in the country I was in to support the economy.
Complicated? It's so easy compared to so many other countries. All you literally had to do was do shop in a place that allowed tax free shopping, grab 5500 Yen worth of goods, head to the tax free counter, show your passport and make your payment. Some places would either return you the tax on the spot, while some would refund the money into your card which might take some days to go through. Meanwhile if your goods are consumables, they would be sealed in a plastic bag which you are not allowed to open until you leave the country. If you had purchased clothes you could use them immediately. This is so much easier compared to other countries where you need to keep all the receipts, go to the airport and join the looooong queue and present all your receipts and goods before you can get your tax back.
In Japan, I always carried 100 yen coins with me. The roadside vending machines were the best but often only accepted coins. When I hiked or biked thirsty, I bought a cold drink from the vending machine that was so good. The great thing was that I didn't need to bring my drinks, which might have become hot drinks, inside my bag.
This was very helpful - especially the recommendation about which banks and ATMs are most reputable and trustworthy. I hope that some day you will make a video about getting around Tokyo with mobility issues. I am older and have trouble with stairs due to arthritis. I also have bad feet. I plan to come to Tokyo in November, but I am worried about taking the subway because of having to use a lot of stairs and walk a lot. I would love informative videos about getting around for people who can't walk a lot. I plan to use taxis frequently so I can avoid unnecessary walking.
I kept my lucky 500 yen coin from my last trip to Japan. It makes for a good conversation with new people as many are shocked to see a coin worth more then a quarter too.
The chane in consumption tax/refund is wrong. When i leave japan all my shopping us in ,y 2 check in bags, so they go on the hold. How will i get my refund then. Also refunding will work against the traveller if the refund is sent to card or bank account in yen and not the local currency.
In other countries with this system your bags are tagged at check in then you take your bags to the customs counter. Customs then have the opportunity to check your bags, if they want, then you drop your bags there.
Point 1: for that to work,they would need a custom officer at the luggage checkin desk BEFORE security check. If I buy a lot of cosmetics, I can't take them to cabin bag. Or imagine buying shoes and clothes, how am I supposed to fit that all in a cabin bag? They would need to be at the check-in line so I could show my purchase before the airline checks it in.
Very helpful -- thank you for posting this video. Adding to what you said about bills, I have bought Japanese currency in my home country to have some money available when I landed. On my last trip to Japan, the bills I had received from my bank included some 2000 Yen bills that apparently are very rare in Japan. And one last point, it is worthwhile to check what the ATM requires for a PIN code. I received instructions from my bank that the PIN code had to have four digits in order to work in Japan. Almost exclusively, I used the ATMs at 7/11 stores. I never had a problem withdrawing cash. I look forward to finding out more about your tours.
What would you say is a good amount of cash to carry daily. I’d prefer to withdraw daily if needed but have no idea what is realistic for a family of 3 (2 adults + 1 child).
Thank you for the nice video! As an american that has lived in Japan for 6 years, my recommendation is to use 7-11 ATM for cash withdraws. Their ATM's are easy to use. The fees are low and the the exchange rates are excellent. You can withdraw up to your bank daily ATM withdrawel limits. Do NOT exchange money at the currency exchange places as the exchange rates are generally bad. Also the change to the tax on purchases, the procedure will be the same as the United Stares ans Europe, you get the money refunded upon leaving the county. Of course as an american, we must declare all purchases upon entry into the USA, and must declare and pay duty tax on those items with a small exemptions. Take care everyone!
May I ask, if I purchase an item that can have the cost reduced through the tax discount, who covers this discount? I worried when I saved some Yen through this scheme that I might be reducing the store’s profit margin, or the Japan economy.
Because it's the tax, it's covered by the 'government' (i.e. the Japanese taxpayers). For example, if you buy something for 10,000 yen, 1,000 yen of that is tax that the Japanese government gets to spend on public services. If you take the tax deduction, Japan doesn't get that 1,000 yen - you keep it (or get it back). However, the shop (and the Japanese economy) still gets the other 9,000 yen that you spent. The Japanese government has obviously decided that it's worth allowing tax-free / tax-refund shopping, to encourage visitors to spend more overall, so don't feel guilty if you decide to take advantage of it.
@@catalinacurio I didn't either when I went last year. That was mainly laziness though - it's a bit of a process, and I really couldn't be bothered for the equivalent of a few pounds. The tax-back queue in Tower Records Shibuya, for example, was huge.
@@Grim_Beard Was in Tokyo last October, didn’t claim then but wanted to be more aware for my next visit in April. On reflection either way the tax is coming out of someone’s pocket and I too am lazy. 😊
Sure pickpockets exists everywhere, though i've never really heard about it being an issue, never heard about a case first hand experience either. Me personally walk around with 60.000 -> 10.000 yen at all time without a worry. Also i only use 7/11 atms quick and reliable.
@@deaddrunkgamer7399 I’m Japanese. She’s only speaking of her own small knowledge. Japanese are courteous, ethical, respectful people. No, taxis don’t SCAM people. The only country with mandatory recording and cameras in all taxis. Regulated to the Max by authorities if any disputes ever arise. Never heard of pickpockets social issues in Japan. You drop your wallet or phone, the chances are more likely that you’ll get it back. This content creator lacks knowledge and is spreading misinformation as if Japan is some kind of scam infected South east Asia country. Trust me. Japanese are the most honest and trustworthy people on earth. Yes, a couple of bad apples out of a million doesn’t allow this content creator to exaggerate.
@@Potomac121 Its not the japanese in japan im worried about, its the tourists and immigrants. I have no issue leaving my stuff in a bar and coming back later in Japan, if! im with locals, wouldnt do it at a tourist trap.
Hi Melog, the tax free thing problem its gonna start in 2025, no? But can you only get your tax free in the airport? Or its gonna its still available in all the shops? where you see the Tax Free card at very entrance? I don’t end to understand how its gonna be at 2025 the return tax at all :/
Hi thank you for the helpful video :) I did notice there are more stores that accept credit cards compared to 2019, and certain trains (Fukuoka subway, Osaka Nankai railways) also take credit cards. It was fun to experience the different payment methods in Japan.
Super helpful video, very informative as we plan our upcoming trip in March 2025. I'll definitely be checking out the rest of your videos and keeping track of new content. Subscribed! 😎
@@livingthevacationlife Yes, if you are going to Tokyo Azabujuban is a lovely area. One strong advice I’d give you is to book now, our favourite hotel in Kyoto is fully booked already.
That is such a shame about the change to tax free shopping. I am sure some people resell but it's not very obvious what you're supposed to do at the airport when leaving and I suspect most tourists do not follow the correct procedure.
There is also Yoshinoya if you like gyudon (beef rice bowl). They open until late and open early in the morning as well. I think they're about ¥500 for a bowl, but they have other items as well. I just came back from my first trip to Japan. My partner and I had Yoshinoya a few times just to save money
It was cheaper for me to get cash in Family Mart than 7 eleven. However, I was using a card already loaded with Yen and still had to pay a commission for using the ATM which was like 200 or 300 yen and was higher in 7 eleven. I don't know how much it would have cost me if I tried with a debit card
I'm thinking I might not make use of tax free, but if I do and want to send my bought items off by post rather than having heavy luggage, how does the tax thing work in that? Filling in some papers for the possible tax free items?
Think we have to wait for the new system, problem with this is how will they know, if it's before the gates people can in theory just go to the airport show the gods and still use it in the country, if they do it after the gate, they cannot see the goods as it will most likely be in the checked in luggage. In Iceland i remember my mom only needed to show the recite at the Tax redemption office after the gate, was fairly quick as few used it. And considering the low prices in Japan compared to most western countries people might just not care about it and just pay the regular price unless its very expensive items.
With the current system you have to personally take the tax free items as carry-on or checked luggage. You are not allowed send it by mail, consume it or give it to someone else to take on the plane for you.
@@deaddrunkgamer7399 well yes, like I said: carry-on *or checked* luggage. Alcohol and things like knives will obviously *have* to be checked. Tell the person at the check-in counter and a customs officer will come and clear it before check-in.
@@NeXtdra42 my bad, didnt see that, though how can they then check i actually brought it with me if its in the luggage was my point. If it's before security, in theory you could just leave the airport again. If its after, you can still leave the airport and they cannot check the goods.
Taxi scammed me only once in those 20 years I’m in Tokyo. Very early on a ride from my home to Shinagawa-eki. He took quite a detour. But that was really the exception.
Japan was so nice to give us tourists a simplified tax refund system where you can get your tax back at the point of purchase. However, so many selfish people abused this system and in the future we will have to go to the airport and join the loongggg queue, present your receipts and present all your goods (idk how since I would imagine they would be scattered all over your luggages) just to get the tax refund. Those selfish people is why we cannot have nice things.
My mom and I will be taking taxis around Tokyo since she is afraid of us getting separated while getting on and off the train since they're much more crowded now/ to save time. Hopefully we won't get scammed.
I must say I walked most everywhere in Tokyo but the times I did catch a cab the drivers were wonderful and the price far cheaper than I expected, though I wouldn’t catch a taxi from the airport, there are too many easy cheaper options. I hope you have a wonderful time! 😊
The big cities have Western style family restaurants. “Jonathan’s” is a great one. It should be easy for you to google and find them, and they are quite good!
Japan has an entire category of "family restaurants" designed for this exact purpose. I can't vouch for any of them though, I didn't go to any. Generally recommendations for specific (non-chain) restaurants are not that useful because very few people will actually stay close enough to make the trip worth it.
The consumption tax refund should apply to big purchases like luxury goods. Imagine just buying ¥30,000 worth of skincare and you have to line up at the customs.
I would like to exchange yen bills (1000 yen) for coins. Where do I exchange them? Not convenience store please, as I want somewhere where I'm guaranteed to get a change into coin. Thank you.
@@MrVijaiananth5 yen coin is just for the symbolism. There is nothing really stopping you from throwing a larger coin into the donation box. It's a donation box after all.
Curious about your decision of the person you chose to use when talking about pickpockets. Does that mean I don't have to worry about native Japanese pickpockets?
That tax free system is horrible. Having to open your bags on the airport to show everything you bought is common around other countries tax free systems, but that doesn't make it a good system. It would be better if they managed to create a system to identify if the traveller is doing a short stay visit or if they are staying long term and using the tax free system to make a profit in the internal market.
Japan’s tax free shopping is amazing but it is based on honesty system. Unfortunately it is easily exploited and therefore not surprising that Japan government will simply adopt the system commonly used in many other countries.
The reason why we love shopping in japan is because how hassle-free it is. Now it feels like going to europe again, another queue to wait on. I have terrible experience in airport tax refund. They take too long, confusing due to different systems and make us late for flight. One time in europe, we werent able to get a refund because it took too long and almost made us late for our flight. Its because they have operating hours but it makes no sense since the airport doesnt close. Some flights are just too early or late in the day. Its is inconvenient. Lets say tax refund counter operating hours is between 10am-10pm what happenes if your flight is before or after that window? Am I suppose to show up at the airport 7 hours early now because my experience in the past it takes 2 hours at best to get it done. Then I queue up again at check in and then immigration... 😢 Honestly, this is a step backward indeed.
@@SleepyAppl problem is still people are missusing the system, people keep breaking the rules so we cant have nice things. also depending on the airline wont help getting 7 houres early as they wont open check in before 2 houres of the flight. Flying with one of the local airlines helps then.
You have to chill with the hands, and clean your audio up with any of the multiple Ai audio clean up apps! Thank you for the info though. Well appreciated.
Definitely ethnocentric racism at play. I'm very disappointed in you. By your response to the post it seems that you don't quite understand the offense. So, imagine watching a video and the only Japanese representation was a buck toothed person, with giant thick glasses, four cameras around his neck, with oily slicked down hair fondling little girls on the bus after stealing industrial secrets from America; You would be insane with rage.
Wow, that consumption tax payment/refund is a step backwards! You can't use your tax refund while in Japan to buy things. Another queue on departure, people do not want. I bought keyrings and Kit-Kats at Donki... so I have to queue for a refund? Surely, there will be something a little bit less awkward! Yup, Diner's and Amex. They are not accepted in a lot of countries!
I should have really added more to that comment, my apologies. I love your posts, they're so helpful and insightful, but you're not just some random just flown in for the week influencer out for clicks, we can tell that you're really genuine and want to help. I'll absolutely make sure that when I talk to people on Reddit or other forums that I suggest your channel.
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Share your thoughts and questions in the comments!
can you recomm any tour agency for 7-9 days trip from airport ...
Get a credit card that does *not* charge conversion fee, typically travel reward type of credit cards. It will help a lot. You will always get the market rate without ANY fee by using such credit card.
After getting some cash at the airport, I then only went to 7-11 to withdraw from their atm. It’s cheap and easy!!
all their airports have an 7/11 as well :)
@@deaddrunkgamer73997&i ATMs right outside customs
@@UmmYeahOk yupp, and its not like you need money before exiting customs anyways.
@@Mochichan2 Definitely
@@deaddrunkgamer7399I actually exchanged currency before leaving just in case. The benefit was that I could then exchange bills back home without paying any additional fees, including bills my husband had from his last trip to a 7&i ATM. It also put me at ease because no matter what, we had some money, and for all I knew, the line for the ATM may have been huge.
Rather than accumulate coins, use SUICA to pay when possible if CC aren't accepted.
I have only been to Japan once but I did not bother with doing tax free shopping. It seemed complicated and I was happy to pay taxes in the country I was in to support the economy.
Complicated? It's so easy compared to so many other countries. All you literally had to do was do shop in a place that allowed tax free shopping, grab 5500 Yen worth of goods, head to the tax free counter, show your passport and make your payment. Some places would either return you the tax on the spot, while some would refund the money into your card which might take some days to go through. Meanwhile if your goods are consumables, they would be sealed in a plastic bag which you are not allowed to open until you leave the country. If you had purchased clothes you could use them immediately. This is so much easier compared to other countries where you need to keep all the receipts, go to the airport and join the looooong queue and present all your receipts and goods before you can get your tax back.
An absolute banger, thanks Meg this video was very helpful! 🙏💖💴
Wow!!! Thank you!!!!!!
In Japan, I always carried 100 yen coins with me. The roadside vending machines were the best but often only accepted coins. When I hiked or biked thirsty, I bought a cold drink from the vending machine that was so good. The great thing was that I didn't need to bring my drinks, which might have become hot drinks, inside my bag.
Never, ever enter a restaurant where prices are not displayed.
Thanks!
Thank you!! 😊
Lots of places don't take AMEX due to high transaction fees. Happens in other countries too.
Yup, that's true
This was very helpful - especially the recommendation about which banks and ATMs are most reputable and trustworthy.
I hope that some day you will make a video about getting around Tokyo with mobility issues. I am older and have trouble with stairs due to arthritis. I also have bad feet. I plan to come to Tokyo in November, but I am worried about taking the subway because of having to use a lot of stairs and walk a lot. I would love informative videos about getting around for people who can't walk a lot. I plan to use taxis frequently so I can avoid unnecessary walking.
It would be better choice to use taxies rather than subways as you know. Have a nice trip!!
My Citibank Costco card has no conversion fee but there is an ATM fee. For those who have cards without the withdrawal fee, which do you have?
I kept my lucky 500 yen coin from my last trip to Japan. It makes for a good conversation with new people as many are shocked to see a coin worth more then a quarter too.
Meg’s videos have been very helpful and insightful as i prepare for my fall trip to Japan.
Great to hear!
The chane in consumption tax/refund is wrong.
When i leave japan all my shopping us in ,y 2 check in bags, so they go on the hold. How will i get my refund then.
Also refunding will work against the traveller if the refund is sent to card or bank account in yen and not the local currency.
In other countries with this system your bags are tagged at check in then you take your bags to the customs counter. Customs then have the opportunity to check your bags, if they want, then you drop your bags there.
Meg your info and guidance is gold
Wow! That means a lot😂
Point 1: for that to work,they would need a custom officer at the luggage checkin desk BEFORE security check. If I buy a lot of cosmetics, I can't take them to cabin bag. Or imagine buying shoes and clothes, how am I supposed to fit that all in a cabin bag? They would need to be at the check-in line so I could show my purchase before the airline checks it in.
Very helpful -- thank you for posting this video. Adding to what you said about bills, I have bought Japanese currency in my home country to have some money available when I landed. On my last trip to Japan, the bills I had received from my bank included some 2000 Yen bills that apparently are very rare in Japan. And one last point, it is worthwhile to check what the ATM requires for a PIN code. I received instructions from my bank that the PIN code had to have four digits in order to work in Japan. Almost exclusively, I used the ATMs at 7/11 stores. I never had a problem withdrawing cash.
I look forward to finding out more about your tours.
Thanks for the comment!
What would you say is a good amount of cash to carry daily. I’d prefer to withdraw daily if needed but have no idea what is realistic for a family of 3 (2 adults + 1 child).
Thank you for the nice video! As an american that has lived in Japan for 6 years, my recommendation is to use 7-11 ATM for cash withdraws. Their ATM's are easy to use. The fees are low and the the exchange rates are excellent. You can withdraw up to your bank daily ATM withdrawel limits. Do NOT exchange money at the currency exchange places as the exchange rates are generally bad. Also the change to the tax on purchases, the procedure will be the same as the United Stares ans Europe, you get the money refunded upon leaving the county. Of course as an american, we must declare all purchases upon entry into the USA, and must declare and pay duty tax on those items with a small exemptions. Take care everyone!
Good advice 👍
Hi Meg, I know you mentioned credit cards, but do they take apple pay / google pay too?
It really depends on the places you visit.
May I ask, if I purchase an item that can have the cost reduced through the tax discount, who covers this discount? I worried when I saved some Yen through this scheme that I might be reducing the store’s profit margin, or the Japan economy.
Because it's the tax, it's covered by the 'government' (i.e. the Japanese taxpayers). For example, if you buy something for 10,000 yen, 1,000 yen of that is tax that the Japanese government gets to spend on public services. If you take the tax deduction, Japan doesn't get that 1,000 yen - you keep it (or get it back). However, the shop (and the Japanese economy) still gets the other 9,000 yen that you spent. The Japanese government has obviously decided that it's worth allowing tax-free / tax-refund shopping, to encourage visitors to spend more overall, so don't feel guilty if you decide to take advantage of it.
@@Grim_Beard Thank you for the useful info, I won’t be claiming the tax, especially after the recent typhoon and earthquake.
@@catalinacurio I didn't either when I went last year. That was mainly laziness though - it's a bit of a process, and I really couldn't be bothered for the equivalent of a few pounds. The tax-back queue in Tower Records Shibuya, for example, was huge.
@@Grim_Beard Was in Tokyo last
October, didn’t claim then but wanted to be more aware for my next visit in April. On reflection either way the tax is coming out of someone’s pocket and I too am lazy. 😊
Sure pickpockets exists everywhere, though i've never really heard about it being an issue, never heard about a case first hand experience either.
Me personally walk around with 60.000 -> 10.000 yen at all time without a worry.
Also i only use 7/11 atms quick and reliable.
@@deaddrunkgamer7399 My mum have seen pick pockets actually.
@@MegLog_JAPAN any particular location? cant say i've seen it myself during my trips.
@@MegLog_JAPAN I’m Japanese. You exaggerate to much. Japanese aren’t scammers. そんなにぼったくりタクシーや泥棒いましたっけ。
あなたの勝手な価値観で日本人や日本を侮辱するのはやめて下さい。
@@deaddrunkgamer7399 I’m Japanese. She’s only speaking of her own small knowledge. Japanese are courteous, ethical, respectful people. No, taxis don’t SCAM people. The only country with mandatory recording and cameras in all taxis. Regulated to the Max by authorities if any disputes ever arise.
Never heard of pickpockets social issues in Japan. You drop your wallet or phone, the chances are more likely that you’ll get it back.
This content creator lacks knowledge and is spreading misinformation as if Japan is some kind of scam infected South east Asia country.
Trust me. Japanese are the most honest and trustworthy people on earth. Yes, a couple of bad apples out of a million doesn’t allow this content creator to exaggerate.
@@Potomac121 Its not the japanese in japan im worried about, its the tourists and immigrants. I have no issue leaving my stuff in a bar and coming back later in Japan, if! im with locals, wouldnt do it at a tourist trap.
Hi Melog, the tax free thing problem its gonna start in 2025, no? But can you only get your tax free in the airport? Or its gonna its still available in all the shops? where you see the Tax Free card at very entrance? I don’t end to understand how its gonna be at 2025 the return tax at all :/
It hasn't been decided yet, but they are aiming for about 2025.
Thanks good to know I am going next month wanna buy a bunch of stuff glad I can still get tax refund for now
Hi thank you for the helpful video :)
I did notice there are more stores that accept credit cards compared to 2019, and certain trains (Fukuoka subway, Osaka Nankai railways) also take credit cards.
It was fun to experience the different payment methods in Japan.
Yes, thanks to the many tourists who have been coming lately, the Japanese payment system has also been changing.
Very helpful video, thank you!!
Good it helped you!
Thanks a million 🙏
@@noivee3732 You bet!
how and where to claim for tax rebate while leaving Japan as the foreigner? Thanks.
@@Ammar23217 Here is the official website.
www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/individual/12011.htm
Super helpful video, very informative as we plan our upcoming trip in March 2025. I'll definitely be checking out the rest of your videos and keeping track of new content. Subscribed! 😎
We are going in March also, F1 and cherry blossom season, will be an extra special visit. 😊
That's good to know it helped you!
@@catalinacurio Just out of curiosity, have you booked hotels yet? I'm still in the research phase, trying to learn about different neighborhoods
@@livingthevacationlife Yes, if you are going to Tokyo Azabujuban is a lovely area. One strong advice I’d give you is to book now, our favourite hotel in Kyoto is fully booked already.
@@catalinacurio oh wow, i'll start booking ASAP then 😎
Hi Meg, thanks for the helpful videos. I am traveling in Japan soon and your videos are a great help.
That's good to hear!
That is such a shame about the change to tax free shopping.
I am sure some people resell but it's not very obvious what you're supposed to do at the airport when leaving and I suspect most tourists do not follow the correct procedure.
Yeah, that's true...
What is the name of the restaurant hou mentioned that lunch was cheap? I heard Yoshida is that right? And where is it? Thanks
@@jorgetenorio8987 Yes, that was what I mentioned in Shinjuku.
There is also Yoshinoya if you like gyudon (beef rice bowl). They open until late and open early in the morning as well. I think they're about ¥500 for a bowl, but they have other items as well.
I just came back from my first trip to Japan. My partner and I had Yoshinoya a few times just to save money
It was cheaper for me to get cash in Family Mart than 7 eleven. However, I was using a card already loaded with Yen and still had to pay a commission for using the ATM which was like 200 or 300 yen and was higher in 7 eleven. I don't know how much it would have cost me if I tried with a debit card
Considering fees, etc., it probably won't make that much difference. But thanks for the valuable information.
can you recomm any tour agency for 7-9 days trip from airport ...
@@Chemical_Logic I'm not sure about other agency.... Sorry!
We just offer private tours tho.
I'm thinking I might not make use of tax free, but if I do and want to send my bought items off by post rather than having heavy luggage, how does the tax thing work in that? Filling in some papers for the possible tax free items?
Think we have to wait for the new system, problem with this is how will they know, if it's before the gates people can in theory just go to the airport show the gods and still use it in the country, if they do it after the gate, they cannot see the goods as it will most likely be in the checked in luggage.
In Iceland i remember my mom only needed to show the recite at the Tax redemption office after the gate, was fairly quick as few used it.
And considering the low prices in Japan compared to most western countries people might just not care about it and just pay the regular price unless its very expensive items.
With the current system you have to personally take the tax free items as carry-on or checked luggage.
You are not allowed send it by mail, consume it or give it to someone else to take on the plane for you.
@@NeXtdra42 as far as i know you're not allowed to have alchol as carry on through security, but that is also tax free.
@@deaddrunkgamer7399 well yes, like I said: carry-on *or checked* luggage.
Alcohol and things like knives will obviously *have* to be checked. Tell the person at the check-in counter and a customs officer will come and clear it before check-in.
@@NeXtdra42 my bad, didnt see that, though how can they then check i actually brought it with me if its in the luggage was my point. If it's before security, in theory you could just leave the airport again. If its after, you can still leave the airport and they cannot check the goods.
Ended up with just 6 yen left in my suica card and 15 yen in coins left after my recent trip.
Taxi scammed me only once in those 20 years I’m in Tokyo. Very early on a ride from my home to Shinagawa-eki. He took quite a detour. But that was really the exception.
Great stuff 👍
Japan was so nice to give us tourists a simplified tax refund system where you can get your tax back at the point of purchase. However, so many selfish people abused this system and in the future we will have to go to the airport and join the loongggg queue, present your receipts and present all your goods (idk how since I would imagine they would be scattered all over your luggages) just to get the tax refund. Those selfish people is why we cannot have nice things.
Yup, that's true...
Yoshida is NOT $11 for lunch, they have 2 lunch courses, one for $40 and one for $80. Compared to dinner it’s cheaper but still pretty pricey
@@ambition2959 You should look into the website. It's $11 as I told you already.
matsusakaushi-yoshida.jp/menu/
My mom and I will be taking taxis around Tokyo since she is afraid of us getting separated while getting on and off the train since they're much more crowded now/ to save time. Hopefully we won't get scammed.
Most cabs are safe, so there is no need to be overly concerned. Have a good trip!
I must say I walked most everywhere in Tokyo but the times I did catch a cab the drivers were wonderful and the price far cheaper than I expected, though I wouldn’t catch a taxi from the airport, there are too many easy cheaper options. I hope you have a wonderful time! 😊
Hi, may i know how to contact you for a private tour in Tokyo?
@@dylonix Yes, you can contact me from the link below! Sorry I forgot to attach it to the description box :(
meglog-trip.com
I always pay cash in Japan. My Mastercard I use it as back up.
Can you make a video of recommended restaurants that are moderately priced for families with kids?
The big cities have Western style family restaurants. “Jonathan’s” is a great one. It should be easy for you to google and find them, and they are quite good!
Japan has an entire category of "family restaurants" designed for this exact purpose. I can't vouch for any of them though, I didn't go to any.
Generally recommendations for specific (non-chain) restaurants are not that useful because very few people will actually stay close enough to make the trip worth it.
That's what I was thinking.
The consumption tax refund should apply to big purchases like luxury goods. Imagine just buying ¥30,000 worth of skincare and you have to line up at the customs.
nice music
Hi Meg from Tokyo where can I get a tattoo in Tokyo. Please let me know I am arriving on the 1st of September
I have a friend of mine who got tattoos in her body. I think you need to book in advance?
I never found any deals in those non tax stores maybe I going to wrong area.
Very useful info. Thank you.
You bet! 😉
I would like to exchange yen bills (1000 yen) for coins. Where do I exchange them? Not convenience store please, as I want somewhere where I'm guaranteed to get a change into coin. Thank you.
If you go to an arcade in Japan, there is a machine that you can change from 1,000 yen to coins (100yen ×10 pieces)
@@MegLog_JAPAN That's so useful. I will find A-cho in Kyoto! Thank you so much for your kind help. Much appreciated.
@@MegLog_JAPAN Also I read somewhere that the coin donation to temples shall be 5 yens with a hole in it. Where do I find this coin?
@@MrVijaiananth5 yen coin is just for the symbolism. There is nothing really stopping you from throwing a larger coin into the donation box. It's a donation box after all.
Ikinari Steak is great at lunch time
Thank you 🙏 for information
So nice of you
Curious about your decision of the person you chose to use when talking about pickpockets. Does that mean I don't have to worry about native Japanese pickpockets?
@@adabamas I don't think it's limited to foreigners or Japanese.
that's like if America made a 5 dollar coin.
cash businesses should have a atm nearby.
You have a new subscriber
@@beazyb Good! Thank you!
I’m surprised to hear there are pickpockets in Japan, seriously??😮
@@meiyang5969 yup
Uber in japan driver charged a extra 1500yen
ฉันเพิ่งเข้ามาดูคุณคลิปนี้เป็นคลิปแรก มันดีและได้ประโยชน์มาก ฉันกำลังจะไปโตเกียวช่วงเดือนธันวาพอดีขอบคุณสำหรับข้อมูลนะคะ😊
Thanks for watching!!
That tax free system is horrible. Having to open your bags on the airport to show everything you bought is common around other countries tax free systems, but that doesn't make it a good system. It would be better if they managed to create a system to identify if the traveller is doing a short stay visit or if they are staying long term and using the tax free system to make a profit in the internal market.
If there is a more convenient way, that's more good.
Japan’s tax free shopping is amazing but it is based on honesty system. Unfortunately it is easily exploited and therefore not surprising that Japan government will simply adopt the system commonly used in many other countries.
it also creates a different problem based on where it is, before or after security.
As you might be forced to have the taxe free goods as carry on.
The reason why we love shopping in japan is because how hassle-free it is. Now it feels like going to europe again, another queue to wait on. I have terrible experience in airport tax refund. They take too long, confusing due to different systems and make us late for flight. One time in europe, we werent able to get a refund because it took too long and almost made us late for our flight. Its because they have operating hours but it makes no sense since the airport doesnt close. Some flights are just too early or late in the day. Its is inconvenient. Lets say tax refund counter operating hours is between 10am-10pm what happenes if your flight is before or after that window? Am I suppose to show up at the airport 7 hours early now because my experience in the past it takes 2 hours at best to get it done. Then I queue up again at check in and then immigration... 😢 Honestly, this is a step backward indeed.
@@SleepyAppl problem is still people are missusing the system, people keep breaking the rules so we cant have nice things.
also depending on the airline wont help getting 7 houres early as they wont open check in before 2 houres of the flight. Flying with one of the local airlines helps then.
I am travelling Japan soon 🙂 can you show me around if you are ok
You have to chill with the hands, and clean your audio up with any of the multiple Ai audio clean up apps! Thank you for the info though. Well appreciated.
I lip read, very difficult to understand😳
Oh ok
so for the pickpockets image you use a black man, not japanese. not racist at all!
Well, yes. I actually heard from another one who looks Japanese. He also got a police check several times when he was in Japan.
Definitely ethnocentric racism at play. I'm very disappointed in you. By your response to the post it seems that you don't quite understand the offense. So, imagine watching a video and the only Japanese representation was a buck toothed person, with giant thick glasses, four cameras around his neck, with oily slicked down hair fondling little girls on the bus after stealing industrial secrets from America; You would be insane with rage.
settle down snowflake
@@MegLog_JAPANit was sarcasm. He was accusing you of racism. Be more careful when using stock images.
@@Moonstone-Redux No intention at all. I did not care at all tbh... Thanks! Good advice 😃
Wow, that consumption tax payment/refund is a step backwards! You can't use your tax refund while in Japan to buy things. Another queue on departure, people do not want. I bought keyrings and Kit-Kats at Donki... so I have to queue for a refund?
Surely, there will be something a little bit less awkward!
Yup, Diner's and Amex. They are not accepted in a lot of countries!
Thats true. Its such a hassle.
It hasn't been decided yet, but the tax free refund method might change depending on the amount and other factors.
Not true
Ip2024 90% cashless
That’s not true. You should visit other country side.
The clickbait picture just demeans and devalues your video
@@jdub2343 I'm also struggling ☹️
I should have really added more to that comment, my apologies. I love your posts, they're so helpful and insightful, but you're not just some random just flown in for the week influencer out for clicks, we can tell that you're really genuine and want to help. I'll absolutely make sure that when I talk to people on Reddit or other forums that I suggest your channel.
@@jdub2343 Yes, please!!!
I agree, the “don”t use this” and the crossed arms are overly dramatic for an otherwise good, informative video.
Ypu are pretty big for an average japanese