An American Professor in Japan
Dr. Ryan Eanes, Klein College of Media & Communication
Those who have traveled internationally are likely aware that in most countries around the world you can use your bank cards (typically branded with Visa, MasterCard, or American Express) with relative ease, and that’s also true in Tokyo–at least, kind of. There are a few things that you should be aware of that will seem unusual, especially to Americans, but there are some easy ways to prepare yourself. Here’s what I discovered.
Even if you’re a seasoned traveler like me, arriving at Haneda International Airport (especially after a very long and very exhausting flight) can be a little overwhelming. Fortunately, if you remember that (1) most airports must be navigated “sequentially,” and that (2) Japan is, generally speaking, a very orderly country, you can prepare for disembarkation and departure from the airport with relatively little difficulty. Here’s how my experience went, along with some suggestions.