Country of Insularism II

When you visit to Japan, you must bring some cash, otherwise you will have a trouble.

First, unlike any other developed country, not so many shop can accept the credit card specially restaurant.
So definitely you need cash to travel in that country.

Second, that is important. You must remember that YOU CANNOT WITHDRAW MONEY FROM ATM MACHINE WITH YOUR CREDIT CARD.

Yes, if you travel US or Western Europe, you do not need to bring cash because you can easily withdraw the money from ATM machine located in front of bank with the currency you need. When I travel in UK, France, USA, etc, everywhere I was able to get it.
Of course, they charge you a commission but anyway you can get money on your hand.

If the credit card was made in Japanese bank, you can withdraw the money in the above country without any troubles.
But it is not other way round.
If your card is made in overseas, Japanese ATM machine will not accept cash withdrawal.

I do not know why such unfair thing happens.
But I have seen several times in Narita airport, overseas travelers found the trouble in front of ATM machine located in airport lobby.

I would like to say again, Japan is quite comfortable place for people who live there with Japanese nationality, but it is very tough for others, because of their Insularism.