Hey guys.
I tried to Google it but wasn't sure. I'm just really nervous regarding being able to access cash in Japan.
I got a Citibank Plus Transaction account but noticed its considered a 'checking account'.
Is this gonna be an issue?
Thanks!
Travelling to Japan, I have a request regarding Citibank
LBrendaddio on 08/05/2017 - 12:41
Comments
It's the correct account, just make sure you let citibank know you will be overseas so they don't suspend your card
I tried the last trip and the website said it isn't necessary anymore.
Also get the app so you can check the balance while on the trip.
I was overseas in 2014/2015 and had huge problems with the citibank card - ended up cancelling it when I got back to Australia. Last time we decided to just use our Bankwest card and suck up the fees, but when we checked we didn't get any fees (maybe not a favourable exchange - didn't bother to check).
What sort of problems did you have? Just curious. I haven't had any problems overseas, only one episode with Citibank here to do with the replacement card. Touch wood.
@greenpossum: I was able to put money into it, and it worked at an ATM once, then they suspended the account because they didn't think I'd filled in all the paperwork - and wouldn't let me withdraw money any way. I'd had a credit card with them for years before this (which ironically didn't require all this paperwork).
Fortunately we had enough money in another account to get by until we got back to Australia and sorted it out.
u will have no probs in japan. find SMBC Trust Bank ATMs.
See link for locations: www.findmyciti.com/jp/and post offices have free atms. and im pretty sure i just got money from a 7-11 fee-free too. family mart atms work but have a fee
No issue. That is the correct account. Enjoy your holiday!
Hi guys, I haven't opened an account yet but will be travelling Asia in June. Will this account be okay?
Considering doing it this week, ample time to get set up and activate card?Yes, it should be, but better start now. Application is done online and mine was completed in 2 weeks and another week for the card to arrive.
It may not be the best for solution for other part of Asia though. Maestro or Cirrus are generally more common, but they attract international transaction fee and pretty bad exchange rate.
I'd advise you to apply for it ASAP. The process is rather slow and convoluted and they do stuff up alot.
See my comment from this post: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/301308
Thanks Chazfg & Neilgero
Use Citibank Plus debit card at any "7 Bank" ATM in Japan fee-free. Most 7-Eleven Stores have one. Can also find them at airports, hotels etc.
As with anything, it's always good to have a backup means of getting money. E.g. credit card or exchanging for some yen prior….
Agree, can always get a cash advance on a Credit Card. In an emergency I would accept the fees!
You need to find SMBC "Prestia" in Japan.
Regular SMBC's don't work. It's giant green writing.
They are almost all over the place in Tokyo.
edit: Transfers take generally 2-3 days, so make sure you put enough cash in before the weekends.
Have fun!
post offices and 7-11s have free atms that work with overseas cards. family mart also works but has a fee
While your credit/debit card is great to use for backup cash, its advisable to change your money here for better rate.
Other than that….get a coin bag….you will/should be using coins more than you expected as you will be getting ample of coins when you use your notes to change.
Other than that enjoy yourself.
The best/no.1 asian country to visit clean, hi tech, safe, and friendly people/culture.
NIHON BANZAI!
Terrible advice on exchanging in Australia first.
Citibank is the best option.
Backup ING or maybe Macquarie on the small chance that something goes wrong with Citi.
Even better if you are traveling with someone else, each of you can have a Citibank plus account.
Thanks everyone!
I'm over there (here ?) right now … yes, the ATMs will refer to the "Transaction Plus"
as a "checking" account.Back in Oz I had trouble transferring funds to it from my Citi online saver
so I setup a "payer" link from my Big 4 bank … the transfer took a day or so
but then I could withdraw JPY from ATMs in convenience stores like FamilyMart …
Also note "credit" option should work withdrawing money from ATMs as well.
Use ATMs you find in 7/11s, I think it's 7bank from memory. They're everywhere.
Enjoy!
In Japan, cash is king and sometimes ATMs can be hard to find so make sure you maintain a good stock of yen and don't keep all of it in one place (basic tourist advice).
Hey guys - just on the citibank everyday account - I just signed up for one but have no idea how it works…
When taking cash out in Japan do you need to select debit/savings/cheque?
Last you checked is it fee free at 7eleven, post office and SMBC "Prestia" only?
Do you need to set up a savings account too or can you transfer direct to the everyday account from external funds?Also within Australia which account do you select when transacting with a pin?
Thanks so much :)
@ConanTheBarbarian,
1) In Japan, select the cheque account (if in doubt, do a balance check and see where your money is)
2) Yes, it's free-fee and also at FamilyMart, Circle-K etc convenience stores (Lawsons however couldn't connect to Citi ?)
3) Yes, you need to have a Citi Transaction Plus account, and transfer from that to the debit card.Enjoy !
Thanks FlyGuy.
I found at FamilyMart when I used the JapanPost atm there was a fee (around 200+yen). They warn you beforehand but it's all built into the final amount so you don't see the fee unless you query why the exchange rate is so terrible.
Definitely no fees at 7Eleven with their branded atms.
Can confirm also no issues with the app in Japan.
No