irateplatypus

as i'm getting all my ducks in a row for this coming trip.... i've run into some logistical complications.

i'm planning on spending a couple thousand dollars (ouch!) over the weeks i'm there. my credit card company charges an additional 3% for international purchases because of exchange rate. in addition to that, i've read that merchants taking credit/debit cards and compatible atm machines aren't exactly ubiquitous.

so here is my question... what is the best way to carry money throughout my trip? i know japan is relatively safe for foreigners carrying a decent amount of cash... but all things being equal (which i doubt they will be) i'd rather pay-as-i-go with my credit debit cards.

ok... hopefully i've described my question well enough. If you'd like more information about my plans let me know... any help would be appreciated.

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If you will not fight when your victory will be sure and not too costly, you may come to the moment when you will have to fight with all the odds against you and only a precarious chance for survival. There may even be a worse case. You may have to fight when there is no hope of victory, because it is better to perish than to live as slaves.

~ Winston Churchill