<p>I leave to study abroad tomorrow night for 3 weeks and am feeling both excited and nervous. However, something that I’m worried about is if and where I should exchange my US dollars for yen. I heard that some places give bad exchange rates. Is it better just to use US cash (if I am allowed to use US cash in Japan) or should I just deal with the poor exchange rates and use Japanese yen? Also if anyone who studied in Japan is reading this, do you have any advice on what I should bring and prepare for in Japan? Thank you for your time.</p>
<p>Banks offer slightly better exchange rates than airports. </p>
<p>If you are only going to be there 3 weeks, keep in mind that you will see your expectations much more than the real Japan, i.e. what it is like to live there long term. That is a vacation. Underneath, there is much to discover, and a lot of it is bad, but it takes nearly a year to really see it in my experience. To get the maximum from such a short stay, hang out only with Japanese rather than those from your native language group.</p>
<p>You can exchange money in the airport. </p>
<p>You will get a better exchange rate if u draw JPY from an ATM machine. Your US ATM card should work in Citibank ATMs. Just make sure to notify your US bank ahead of time to authorize overseas withdrawals. </p>
<p>There are Citibank ATMs in both NRT & HND airports and in any major city. Where there are no Citibank ATMs, I’ve had success using the post bank ATMs.</p>
<p>Only expensive tourist shops/department stores will let u pay in USD, but their exchange rate will be beyond awful. </p>
<p>For quick exchange rate calculation 1 JPY = 1 cent in USD. So 100 yen is a buck.</p>
<p>Enjoy Japan! When you come back home, you will be disappointed w American toilets…</p>