Going to Japan: Need Currency Exchange Advice
 

So I'm traveling to Japan in about a week. I have been doing my research and what not but have read conflicting reports on where the best place to exchange the weak dollar for Yen. Some people said I should exchange it when I arrive at Narita airport while others said that I'll be ripped off there. Some people said I should go through my bank but I read BOA has terrible exchange rate for foreign money. A friend of mine recommended that I go to an Amex Travel office and get my money exchanged there. Can anyone here offer any more advice on the best place for me to go get my money exchanged?

I get my money exchanged via the hotel. Yes, it's a tad more expensive, but it's also safer than walking to some back alley. I also only change what I think I'm going to need for cash.

I primarily use my credit card. The exchange rate will fluctuate from day to day and the charge is an even amount, IIRC it's 3% which is about the same as the commission for changers.

I would exchange what you need to for the first day at the airport, then go to the post office and withdraw funds from your credit card via international ATM. I've yet to be charged a fee, and the rate is the rate of the day. If you use your credit card in the main tourist areas there should be no problem, but in some smaller places they sometimes only take Japan-issued Visa and Mastercard. Some smaller restaurants and such will add about 3-5% if you use a foreign card. It's very safe here, and a cash society, so I wouldn't worry too much about carting around 50,000 yen in your wallet.

right, I forgot to include the ATM as well since the banks will do the conversion for you.

and the foreign card is a gotcha sometimes, especially if you are trying to use a machine like a pay gas pump. so now I have a mastercard for Europe just for that very reason.

Yeah, make sure you use the post office ATMs, because lot of the bank ones that say "Visa" and "Mastercard" are Japan issue only. Often there is an international ATM near the big hotels, but you can use any post office. I think Visa and Mastercard have a location list on their websites for international ATMs. The post office ones also have a handy button that says "English" that gives you English instructions, including the voice!

In every country I've been to, the ATMs are the way to go. I'm not sure if any have charged me a fee, but my bank usually charges a 1% fee. This is ok since you might pay 8% at the US bank or 5% at the airport.

DO NOT get traveller's checks. fewer and fewer businesses honor them.

The last two times I travelled abroad (Europe), I simply used the ATM and got cash out. the bank fee for using a foreign ATM is much lower than the exchange fees at a bank or currency exchange.