Kyoto

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ATMs

Details on accessing ATMs in Kyoto, foreign card compatibility, and functionality in different locations.

Sections

1. Types of Currencies That Can Be Withdrawn

  • Japanese Yen (JPY): ATMs in Kyoto dispense only Japanese Yen, as it is the official currency of Japan. Foreign currencies are not available for withdrawal.
  • If you need to exchange foreign currency, you will need to visit a currency exchange counter, which can be found at airports, major train stations, or some banks.

2. ATM Networks and Their Availability

Kyoto has several ATM networks that cater to both domestic and international cardholders. The most widely available and foreigner-friendly networks include:

Seven Bank ATMs (7-Eleven Convenience Stores)

  • Availability: Found in almost every 7-Eleven convenience store, which are ubiquitous in Kyoto.
  • Foreign Card Support: Accepts a wide range of international cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, UnionPay, and Cirrus/Maestro.
  • Operating Hours: Most are available 24/7.
  • Languages: The ATM interface supports multiple languages, including English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.

Japan Post Bank ATMs

  • Availability: Located in post offices and some convenience stores.
  • Foreign Card Support: Accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, UnionPay, and other major international cards.
  • Operating Hours: Typically 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays, with limited hours on weekends. Some locations may have extended hours or 24/7 access.
  • Languages: Multilingual interface available.

E-Net ATMs (Inside Convenience Stores)

  • Availability: Found in FamilyMart, Lawson, and other convenience stores.
  • Foreign Card Support: Supports major international cards, but coverage may vary depending on the specific ATM.
  • Operating Hours: Varies by location, but many are available 24/7.
  • Languages: Multilingual interface available.

Bank ATMs (e.g., Mitsubishi UFJ, SMBC, Resona)

  • Availability: Found in bank branches and some shopping areas.
  • Foreign Card Support: Not all bank ATMs accept foreign cards, so check for international card logos before using.
  • Operating Hours: Typically 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays, with limited or no service on weekends and holidays.
  • Languages: Some offer multilingual support, but not all.

3. Fees for Foreign Cards

  • ATM Usage Fees: Most ATMs charge a small fee for using a foreign card, typically ranging from ยฅ100 to ยฅ300 per transaction.
  • Foreign Bank Fees: Your home bank may also charge an additional fee for international withdrawals, so check with your bank before traveling.
  • Exchange Rate Markup: The exchange rate applied to your withdrawal may include a small markup, depending on your card issuer.

4. Procedures for Using ATMs

Using an ATM in Kyoto is straightforward, but here are the steps to ensure a smooth transaction:

  1. Insert Your Card: Insert your card into the ATM. Most machines accept both chip and magnetic stripe cards.
  2. Select Language: Choose your preferred language from the menu (English, Chinese, Korean, etc.).
  3. Enter Your PIN: Input your 4-digit PIN. Note that some ATMs may not accept PINs longer than 4 digits.
  4. Select Transaction Type: Choose "Withdrawal" and then "Savings" or "Checking" (depending on your home bank account type).
  5. Enter Amount: Input the amount you wish to withdraw in Japanese Yen. Be aware of daily withdrawal limits set by your home bank.
  6. Confirm and Collect Cash: Confirm the transaction, collect your cash, receipt, and card.

5. Operating Hours

  • Convenience Store ATMs: Most are available 24/7, making them the most reliable option for tourists.
  • Bank ATMs: Typically operate during business hours (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM), with some offering extended hours or weekend service.
  • Post Office ATMs: Generally open during post office hours, which are usually 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays.

6. Cultural and Local Considerations

  • Cash is King: While credit cards are becoming more widely accepted in Kyoto, many smaller shops, restaurants, and traditional establishments still operate on a cash-only basis. Itโ€™s a good idea to carry enough cash for daily expenses.
  • ATM Locations: ATMs are commonly found in convenience stores, train stations, shopping malls, and tourist areas. However, in more rural or less touristy parts of Kyoto, ATMs may be harder to find.
  • Quiet and Polite Behavior: When using an ATM, maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor. Avoid loud conversations or blocking the machine for extended periods.
  • Receipts: Keep your ATM receipts for reference, especially if you encounter any issues with your transaction.
  • Daily Withdrawal Limits: Be aware of both the ATMโ€™s withdrawal limit (usually ยฅ50,000 to ยฅ100,000 per transaction) and your home bankโ€™s daily limit for international withdrawals.

7. Tips for Tourists

  • Notify Your Bank: Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid your card being flagged for suspicious activity.
  • Carry Backup Cash: Always have some extra cash in case you encounter issues with your card or ATMs.
  • Use ATMs in Safe Locations: Stick to ATMs in well-lit, secure areas such as convenience stores or major train stations.
  • Check for International Logos: Look for logos like Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, or UnionPay on the ATM to ensure compatibility with your card.

By following this guide, you should have no trouble accessing cash during your visit to Kyoto. Enjoy your trip!