|
|
|
| |
|
| |
LIVING IN JAPAN : BANKING |
| |
|
|
| |
Years ago, many automatic teller machines (ATMs) in Japan do not accept credit, debit and ATM cards, issued outside Japan. But lately, many ATMs have become very friendly for foreigners. Not only do they have menus written in English, but also other languages like Portuguese, Chinese, Korean, and Spanish. More than that, convenient store ATMs (7-eleven in particular), have allowed credit and debit cardholders to withdraw money. This has been a very big breakthrough in the technology of banking in Japan. |
 |
| |
|
| |
Talking about being foreigner friendly, international banks such as Citibank have also opened a lot of branches. Though banking in Japan has really become convenient for foreign people, opening an account here could still be a headache. This is because of the number of necessary documents that banks require from applicants. But if you have the proper papers to be able to open an account, everything will certainly go smooth. |
| |
|
| |
ATM operating hours is usually 24 hours for ATMs found in convenient stores and some central post offices in major cities. For some ATMs, typically 7 am to 11 pm or 8 am to 8 pm depending on the day and location. Having shorter service hours during weekends is quite normal for any place you go. Some small ATMs in minor cities are even closed during weekends. |
| |
|
| |
Different banks also ask for different kinds of documents. Most major banks already have websites in English so it is recommended that foreigners wishing to open an account should check out the sites for more information. |
| |
|
| |
Want to see a list of links to webpages of different banks? Click here |
| |
|
|
|
