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Shopping
A blend of Oriental goods and Western sales
techniques confronts the shopper, particularly at the big department stores,
which are more like exhibitions than shops, and almost always have a bowing shop
assistant to welcome you through the doors. Playgrounds for children are
available. Special purchases include kimonos, mingei (local
crafts including kites and folk toys); Kyoto silks, fans, screens,
dolls; religious articles such as Shinto and Buddhist artifacts; paper
lanterns; lacquerware; hi-fi equipment, cameras, televisions and other
electronic equipment. Bargaining is not usual. Tax exemptions are
available in authorized tax-free stores. Certain items costing more than ¥10,000
are exempt from tax. Remember when buying electronic goods that they may not be
compatible with UK or US voltage.
Shopping hours
1000-1900/2000 every day of the week and on public holidays.
Currency Information:
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY; symbol ¥). Notes are in denominations of ¥10,000, 5,000,
2,000 and 1,000. Coins are in denominations of ¥500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1.
Note: Japan has a strong cash culture, and it is usual to see people
carrying large amounts of cash with them because of the low crime rate. It is
only recently that credit cards have begun to become more popular. However,
travelers may still encounter difficulties with foreign credit cards.
Currency Exchange
All money must be exchanged at an authorized bank or money changer.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa and other major credit cards are
widely accepted in towns. ATMs are available although only international banks
accept foreign credit or debit cards, and these are hard to find outside of
towns. They are generally open Mon-Fri 0700-2300, Sat-Sun 0900-1900, though some
only operate during normal banking hours and on Saturday mornings. Citibank
machines are the most likely to have ATMs, and also to accept foreign credit
cards (and are usually open 24 hours). Almost 12,000 7-eleven stores
began to accept foreign cards from July 2007. Some post offices also have ATMs
which accept foreign cards.
Traveller's Cheques
These can be exchanged at most major banks, larger hotels and some duty-free
shops. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take
traveller's checks in Japanese Yen or US Dollars.
Banking Hours
Mon-Fri 0900-1500.
Exchange Rate Indicators
Date |
Jan 09 |
£1.00= |
¥137.60 |
$1.00= |
¥94.14 |
€1.00= |
¥125.52 |
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