Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

Not only are there life-changing decisions to make about selecting the best countries. The question is will you be safe? And while there are countless logistic problems to solve, other things should be put into consideration. One thing to remember is to take a bold step in choosing the safest countries in 2021.

With more than 4.1 million members in 420 cities worldwide, InterNations seem to be the largest community. And it’s a source of information for people who live and work abroad. Now, in today’s 21^st century, the annual survey has made it known that there are many countries suitable for expat to live in.

After more than a year of lockdowns, many people are looking for a change in their environment. Whether it’s a temporary move to become a digital nomad or a more permanent change to become an expatriate in a new country, you can change your location for the better. Does that sound interesting?

Based on our research and information from more than 12,000 respondents, the survey is one of the most extensive pieces of research in the world regarding expat lifestyles. This study covers expat’s satisfaction with the quality of life, personal finance, working life, and living costs in their respective countries of residence.

However, in this article, we have compiled the safest countries in the world in 2021 for expats. Not only that, but we will walk you through the reasons why we’ve selected these countries as the safest ones for expat. Would you like to know more about the safest countries today? Read further to get the details.

Factors to Consider in Choosing a Safe Country

There are many factors to consider when it comes to choosing the safest countries. Moreover, if you live in a safe country, you’re more likely to enjoy spending time outside gardening or watching your kids play around. However, if the country is unsafe, you’re likely to keep the doors and windows shut all the time. Without further ado, let’s quickly take a look at the factors to consider in choosing the country.

Low Crime Rate in the Country

Crime rates are often a great option to consider when choosing the safest countries. Meanwhile, it’s not always easy to spot the crime, but there are crime-spotting tools that could give you an idea of what’s going on in your area. Aside from this fact, you can also check out the city’s website for police engagement activities in the country.

As an extra safety measure, you can also contact the police station to know more information about the country’s security measures. And if you’re planning to move to a new location, you need to check out resources like America’s safest cities to see if the country made a list.

Thriving local Businesses in the Country

Businesses prosperity is another thing to consider when you’re choosing the safest country. If you notice a variety of shops around your country, like family-friendly restaurants, coffee shops, bookstores, and many others, it could be a good sign that the country is safe.

When people are financially secure, they’re more likely to spend money beyond necessities and splurge from time to hang out with family and friends. With that being said, it’s worth noticing the types of businesses in your area and the people who frequent them.

Do your Personal Research

Before you travel to any country of your choice, you must research the particular culture’s customs before you step across their border. Understanding what might be offensive or insulting can help keep you safe in a country. In Asia, for instance, feet are considered unclean, and you should not direct the soles of your feet at anyone else.

However, you’ll need to recognize in advance how your own culture differs from the one you’re visiting. So, to choose a safe country, do your research, and make findings of the country’s culture, rank, and the benefits of relocating to the country.

Check Government Travel Advisories

Government advisories are as well important when trying to know whether a country is safe or not. While the government is legally required to tell you everything bad that’s happening in their country, you should make your findings as stated earlier. This means; you should be aware and be informed, but don’t let a government-issued statement scare you from visiting or entering a particular country.

10 Safest Countries in the World Today

As we all know, safety is one of the top priorities for nations worldwide. Be it better protecting its citizens on the streets, guarding them against wrongdoing, or even safeguarding them against crime. Besides, safety has taken on special meaning in the age of the global pandemic and traveling process.

Again, it’s only a handful of countries have no reported COVID-19 cases, according to the World Health Organization. Additionally, European countries dominate this category in the 2021 Best Countries report. However, Canada, Australia, and the Netherlands perform better in the category. Read further!

1.    Switzerland

From our research and endless survey, we found out that Switzerland has made it to the top. There’s much more to this country than just fine chocolate and picturesque snow-capped mountains. This is because; the country is a hub for foreigners from all over the world. And its central European location makes it ideal as a home base for exploring neighboring countries while living in the country.

Switzerland Livability

There are both pros and cons to living or relocating to Switzerland in today’s world. Some of the positive aspects include the ease of finding a community to fit into, excellent healthcare system, proximity to other European countries, and bustling outdoor activity, including some of the best skiing conditions.

In Switzerland, education and ease of starting a business are also simple, even for expats. Moreover, any emigrants can start a business if they can meet certain conditions, including establishing a local office and hiring a Swiss director. On the flip side, some of the downsides include; a slight bias towards emigrants and the high cost of living, which rivals New York and London.

Switzerland Crime and Violence

It’s undoubtedly ironic that Switzerland ranks very high among the world’s safest countries, yet it is seen as the highest weapons export industry. Nonetheless, Numbeo rates of crime in the country are considered as low to very low. On the other hand, the safest city starts at Lausanne, followed by Geneva, Basel, Bern, and many others, to mention a few.

Switzerland Economic Reliance

Switzerland’s economy is renowned for boasting one of the most advanced ones in the world. Making up a majority of this is the services, and tourism as well as the banking industry. Aside from this fact, Switzerland is the leading exporter of high-end watches and clocks around the world. More so, its industrial sector includes major companies such as Nestle and robot manufacturers such as ABB.

Switzerland Food and Natural Resources

Switzerland is highly protective when it comes to the domestic food production industry, which accounts for 60 percent of the food consumed in the country. With that being said, you should know that domestic production in this country is highly encouraged. Besides, the region grows its own vegetables and veal.

2.    Denmark

Denmark is the second safest country on our list. As of 2021, the country ranks third in the world for the Global Peace Index. Not only that but it has long been considered one of the safest and happiest countries to live in. Thanks to the country’s robust sense of community, life balance, and welfare support for the citizens.

Denmark Livability

As of today, Denmark has carried all the hallmarks of a highly progressive and successful nation. The country’s real drawbacks include; learning Danish even though English is a second language, higher expenses, higher tax, and the predominantly grey weather that runs throughout the year. Beyond these factors, there are strong reasons to live in Denmark, and it includes; affordable healthcare and free education.

Denmark Crime and Violence

The crime rates in Denmark are extremely low, according to the Numbeo statistics. More so, corruption in business and politics is extremely low as honesty and trust are a high priority in the country. Moreover, the capital of Copenhagen has also been ranked as the country’s safest city.

Denmark economic Reliance

Denmark boasts a mixed economy of government services alongside a high reliance on international trade. Meanwhile, the services sector makes up 80 percent of the country’s jobs, with the rest in engineering, manufacturing, as well as agriculture.

Denmark Food and Natural Resources

Denmark is no doubt a small agriculture industry, which includes animal and organic food production. While not expansive, Denmark has some oil and natural gas reserves in the North Sea. On the other hand, food prices can be a challenging factor because the country is ranked the most expensive when it comes to food and drink across the European Union.

3.    Canada

It’s no surprise to see Canada among the world’s safest countries in 2021.  In fact, the country has continued to be ranked as one of the world’s most peaceful countries, coming in at sixth on the Global Peace Index. We have compiled a good reason why this country was ranked as the safest. Check it out.

Canada Livability

The country’s livability and the benefits of living in Canada in today’s digital world cannot be overemphasized.  With everything from low violence and crime to the world’s friendliest citizens to job opportunities and political stability, Canada remains one of the safest countries for expat in 2021. However, the country’s access to universal healthcare is also a win over the neighboring US. When further compared to the United States, Canada can be cheaper or more expensive to live for expat, depending on your location and the service you crave for.

Canada Crime and Violence

Research has revealed that the country’s crime rate stands at about one-third of the US, with the majority of Canadian residence feeling safe in their country. While the past three years have seen an increase in crime, Numbeo still finds its crime levels between low to moderate.

Canada Economic Reliance

Canada boasts a highly diverse and developed mixed economy. With that being said, the country also has a huge portion of an economy driven by the services sector that employs three-quarters of Canadians. Some of the country’s main key industries include real estate, manufacturing, oil and gas, finance, and construction.

Canada Food and Natural Resources

As of 2021, Canada still holds the third-highest total estimated value of the world’s natural resources, which is valued at USD33.2 trillion. Aside from this fact, the country also boasts the world’s third-largest petroleum reserves and ranks as the fourth largest exporter of petroleum and natural gas. Moreover, the country’s significant agriculture industry is bolstered with wheat and grain production, which is exported to the US and Asia.

4.    New Zealand

New Zealand has also made it to the top five safest countries on the list. It has a low crime rate, stunning natural scenery, and a thriving tourism scene.  More so, friendly locals make New Zealand a special place to live, and there’s more to it. Let’s quickly walk you through the facts.

New Zealand Livability

This country is generally seen as a peaceful place to live. Contributing to this is its multicultural population of roughly five million, temperature climate, stunning hidden beaches, and generally progressive society that’s set against the backdrop of major developed cities. New Zealand has also been held in terms of its high standard of living, home affordability, and stable employment opportunity.

New Zealand Crime and Violence

New Zealand is known to have a low crime rate. Besides, its main crime statistics usually revolve around theft, while Numbeo rates its overall crime as low to moderate in recent years. However, the locals are mostly open-minded and have laws protecting citizens’ freedom of speech and expression. Surprisingly, the standard police in this country do not carry firearms around.

New Zealand Economic Reliance

New Zealand’s economy is propped up by a sizeable services sector. This sector accounts for a large part of the country’s gross domestic product activity. Other large industries in New Zealand include; metal fabrication, aluminum production, and many others. Meanwhile, food processing also forms the economy and segments of manufacturing, gas, water waste services, and export.

New Zealand Food and Natural Resources

The Country’s robust farming sector delivers a range of food produce from high-quality dairy to meat, and they are being exported and consumed locally. In addition to this, natural resources such as coal, iron ore, limestone, and gold are all in abundance, making New Zealand ranks in the top 30 countries for iron ore and gold production.

5.    Portugal

Aside from the countries we’ve been mentioning, Portugal has also made it to the list. They are considered the world’s third most peaceful country to live in, but it’s not just the rabid football culture that’s a highlight. In recent years, Portugal has been ranking moving closer to the top. And thanks to an increased police presence that keeps the crime rate low in the country. Below is what makes Portugal unique.

Portugal Livability

According to international living terms, Portugal offers arguably the lowest cost of living in Western Europe. This is due to the fact that everything is affordable, from groceries to temporary accommodation to rent, and others. In fact, eating out can be an affordable option if you choose to forego the more premium options. Also, in 2020, Portugal has ranked the best country for retirement.

Portugal Crime and Violence

Portugal’s police are armed, but their wide presence has resulted in its low crime rate. All the violent crimes remain low, with bribery and corruption rating the highest while Lisbon ranks the country’s safest city, followed by Amadora and Porto.

Portugal Economic Reliance

Before the pandemic hit globally, Portugal’s economy was ranked 34^th in the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report. However, the country features a diverse range of industries propping it up, including the largest tertiary sector, followed by agriculture, fisheries, energy, and many more.

Portugal Food and Natural Resources

You’ll definitely be amazed to see the wonderful food and natural resources in this country.  The foods and wines are affordable, and the natural resources also include an abundance of forest, which supplies half of the world’s cork. Other mined natural resources include lithium, tin, uranium, and others.7

6.    Singapore

Singapore and its 5.7 million citizens enjoy some of the highest levels of personal security in the world. While the general quality of living is high, it’s no doubt that living in Singapore falls on the more expensive side. Now, let’s quickly walk you through the things that made Singapore a great nation.

Singapore Livability

Singapore as a nation has been known to be a technology hub. If you follow the rules in this country, you won’t have any issues with the law enforcement in the country. While the country’s rigidity might deter some of the more adventurous, it’s the reason why Singapore has been able to flourish to become the most open free market economy in the world today.

Moreover, it’s a hub for professional expats meaning a diverse cultural mix of people can be found from all corners of the world. With that being said, expats can, however, opt for simple lifestyle changes like living more like the locals to save money in a country with world-class amenities.

Singapore Crime and Violence

Singapore has benefited from some of the lowest crime rates in the world. Also, the government and the country’s police have strict gun control laws, making violence rare in the country. Aside from that, the country is also ranked first for infrastructures security and personal security. And digital security is ranked second in the world and eighth for health security.

Singapore’s Economic Reliance

When it comes to economic reliance, Singapore’s reputable economy is made up of several state-owned enterprises. Beyond this option, Singapore is a major foreign direct investment outflow financier and attracts inward international investors. Not only that, but Singapore also exports goods in the form of electronics, wealth management, electronics, and other services.

Singapore Food and Natural Resources

The food in Singapore is extremely wonderful and delicious. Also, natural water resources are scarce, with the country getting most of its supply from a mix of local catchments, high-grade reclaimed water, and desalinated water.

7.    Japan

Japan has long been an appeal for the home of wonders. The convenience stores in this country are awesome. And you can even find almost anything there because they’re clean, well serviced, and safe. Their foods are great, and getting a job could be the easiest thing for expats in the country. Take a look at the things that made Japan a great nation.

Japan Livability

The 2019 Global Peace Index ranked Japan as the world’s ninth safest country in the world. Since then, the country has been emerging top 10, and thanks to the low crime rate, that makes Japan one of the best destinations for expat. Although Japan’s immigration policy is quite difficult for foreigners and one must have lived in the country for 10 years before getting the permanent residency.

Japan Crime and Violence

As said earlier, the crime rates in Japan are relatively low. This ranking includes ranking first place in cyber security, second place in health security, and fourth place in personal security and infrastructure. Again, gun ownership in Japan is extremely low compared to other European countries.

Japan Economic Reliance

As a highly developed nation, Japan stands as the world’s second-largest developed economy. Japan’s main sectors of the economy include finance, diverse industrial sector, and several airline services. Moreover, Japan’s mountainous and volcanic landscape has minimal natural resources to support an expanding population and economy. Again, it is also the largest single national importer of fish and fishery-based products.

Conclusion

Safety is one of the first things to consider when traveling to a new country. As an expat, it’s quite essential to research well about the country before planning your relocation. If you’re looking to travel to the safest countries in the world, refer to this guide. Nonetheless, follow our platform to get more information about the countries mentioned above.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

Many foreigners have a hard time making credit and debit card transactions in Japan. My experience as an expat, despite being married to Japanese, has permanent residence, have a stable income, and staying more than 15 years in Japan, I was rejected from a basic card, and that seems unbelievable to me.

The good news is that nowadays, there are some alternatives options to the major banks in Japan. But as we discovered, the best credit and debit card in Japan is the one that will accept you. If you hail from a Western country or just somewhere with a less idiosyncratic financial system, you’re probably used to credit card companies. As a foreigner in Japan, the most important thing is to choose the best.

Now, why do you think it’s hard for a foreigner to get a credit/debit card in Japan? Well, if you’re new to Japan or looking to settle and build a credit or debit history as a foreign resident, this platform is always the best for you. In fact, we’ll take a look at some of the best credit/debit cards in Japan for expats.

At a glance, you’ll always need a photo ID card, such as your passport, and may also need to verify your address, visa application, and residency status. Surprisingly, if you apply online, you’ll find that you’re asked a broad range of questions about your life, including your family situation, employment, and more.

However, we have compiled this article to meet your requirements and provide answers to what you’ve been looking for. We will walk you through the concept of debit and credit cards options in Japan. In addition, we’ve also explained some of the pros and cons of living in Japan. Read further to know more!

Best Credit Cards for Foreigners in Japan

As research made it known, the best credit card for expat depends on your personal preferences and how you expect to use the card. Of course, it is pretty essential to do some research but worry less, as we’ve got you covered in this article. Without further ado, below are the best credit cards in Japan.

Rakuten Card

The Rakuten card is among the giant corporations often known as the Amazon of Japan. They offer eCommerce services and also a global service covering a range of online banking and fintech interests. Also, Rakuten credit cards come with a range of different perks and partnerships. While you might choose a card that offers free airport lounge access or Airmiles, Rakuten extends its benefit to students.

While you’re using a Rakuten card, always know that it’s a must when you drive or hire a car. More so, if you use the card to purchase a tour organized by a travel agency, you might get up to JPY20 million coverage for overseas accidents. Below is a detailed description of how the Rakuten card measures.

Orico card

Orico offers credit cards alongside a range of other financial services, including loans and guarantee products. However, nearly 11 million Orico credit cards have been issued in recent years. Moreover, there are a number of different cards it offers, but one of the most popular is the Orico Card THE POINT. And this offers good rewards to potential customers with no annual fee. Let’s quickly glance through it.

JCB Card

JCB is a Japanese payment brand operating within Japan and beyond. Expats can get JCB cards through other banks and card providers or choose to take one of the credit cards JCB promotes themselves. Moreover, there are several types of cards, including one aimed at women, especially for those under the age of 39. With this in mind, you can also choose JCB premium cards that come with an annual fee.

For this comparison, we will walk you through the JCB general card, which is available to anyone over the age of 18, subject to fulfilling application requirements. At the time of our research, there are new offers available for expats using this type of card. Below is what you need to know about the JCB general card.

EPOS Card

The EPOS cards are issued by the firm behind Marui department stores in Japan. Here, you can either apply online or apply in a sore, and many even find the application is approved the same day. Not only that, but getting a card in-store may also mean you get bonus points or a discount as a thank you.

Besides, these cards are available with a variety of features and designs. There are different cashback structures for the different cards; therefore, it’s worth checking which one will fit your spending patterns best. Meanwhile, you may have to pay an extra charge to customize the design of your cards. For this comparison, below is a detailed description of what EPOS cards seem like.

Saison Card International

Saison is one of Japan’s leading card companies and has a decent point system with an online platform. To access this kind of credit/debit card, you must have a valid identity card. Aside from this fact, Saison Card has multiple ATMs in Japan, and you can pay the balance regardless of the date. So, it’s a very convenient card if you need a little budget or want to pay as soon as possible.

Your Local Bank

If you’ve been in Japan for several years and are in good standing at your bank, it’s not a bad idea to ask your local bank for their affiliated credit card. This is because; they’re much easier to get than other cards since it’s a smaller pool of applicants. Moreover, different banks offer different perks to their credit card. Mizuho, for example, offers a card with an auto-refill Suica option, so expats will never be caught with too little money on the subway.

Pros and Cons of Living in Japan (Expat Guide)

As explained in our previous blog post, moving to Japan expat guide that many expats are attracted to Japan because of the high whooping salaries. Undoubtedly, that’s the fact, but there are more to explore in Japan. This way, we’ve compiled the pros and cons that’d help your relocation better. Check it out!

Pros

In any Japanese lover’s life, there comes a time when we find ourselves considering the inevitable; should I settle in Japan? How much is Japan’s cost of living compared to other countries? Well, you don’t have to worry anymore because Japan really has a great factor to consider. Now, below are the pros.

1.    Quality and Sound Education

Japan is no doubt the country that has one of the best quality and sound education. It is renowned for providing all students with a world-class education, whether they attend free public school or private international school. In Japan, when students complete their education, they’re kept to high-performance levels, and the US News and World Report has recently rated the country’s school system among the best in the world.

2.    Excellent Healthcare System

Japan is very affordable with its public healthcare system. In this country, everyone is protected, and out-of-pocket expenses are capped to keep the cost of healthcare manageable. Nonetheless, this great nation is making a concerted effort to keep healthcare costs under check, and they rarely create any problems for people living there.

3.    Exclusive Shopping Experience

Supermarkets in Japan are world-famous for being, well, convenient. Aside from this fact, you can buy almost anything, and they are always clean, safe, and well-staffed. Meanwhile, many visitors from other countries would not even recognize a convenience store in Japan when compared to their own. Likewise, Japan’s cities are known to be the home to major shopping centers where expats can find about everything they want at any time.

4.    Delicious Cuisine

Tokyo’s restaurants were given more Michelin stars than those in Paris, but Japanese foods or cuisines have more to say than sushi.  Besides, these foods are healthy and scrumptious. Not only that but there’s an array of fresh seafood and world-class dishes, including melt-in-your-mouth Kobe beef, teppanyaki. This cuisine is cooked on an iron grid and tonkatsu, which is a breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet.

5.    Job Opportunities for Expat

In Japan, there’s a constant demand for people to teach the English language to students. So, if you’re a fluent English-speaking westerner, you can easily get a job as a teacher in Japan. However, the pay for teachers is steady, and they are provided with living quarters in many cases to facilitate the transition to living in a new culture. With that being said, it could be an easy way to make Japan your new home if you enjoy working with children.

6.    Public Transportation Network

In most of the articles you’ll see online, public transportation network has mostly come under the cons, but in the case of Japan. This is due to the fact that it has excellent, comfortable, clean, fast, and reliable subways, trains, and buses. In fact, the public transportation system makes it very easy to get where you wish to go, even between cities. Meanwhile, the use of public transport in Japanese life is so ingrained that you could comfortably live in Japan without owning a car.

7.    Clean Communities/Environments

As aforementioned, Japan is clean, and nobody would dispute that fact. It may be an Asian country, but there is plenty to find in Western conveniences, including modern toilets, stores, free waters, and many others. Also, with its lovely garden and environment, the houses in this country are also well kept.

8.    Application for Work Visa

Application for a work visa is fairly easy for an expat that wants to relocate. Japan provides many different forms of work visas, including a temporary visa that one can get if you’re doing paper signing research or other work that isn’t paid for. While this process can be complicated and time-consuming to apply, Japan is usually fairly open to encouraging foreign talent to work within its borders.

Cons of Living in Japan

Usually, you’ll definitely see a country with a disadvantage. It’s not that the country isn’t okay for an expat, but you should understand it. Japan, for example,e has a lot of benefits that could make foreigners want to live in the country. However, there are certain disadvantages you need to be wary about. Without further ado, below are the few cons of living in Japan in today’s digital age.

1.    High Cost of Living

The high cost of living is one of the factors to put into consideration. For a country that has an excellent healthcare system, good social amenities, delicious cuisine, and an excellent shopping experience, you should at least expect a whopping high cost of living.

Moreover, you can expect to shell out big bucks for rent if you want to live anywhere near a Japanese city center. Also, the living costs in Japan have long been one of the highest in the world, and while in recent years the country has become more affordable, but it’s still not a cheap place to call home.

2.    Stressful Work-Life Balance

Japan has an incredibly hard-working lifestyle and culture. In this country, individuals are only supposed to turn up early to work and stay late, no matter what position they are in. this could be more stressful if you’re not from a country that practice the same work ethics. In fact, if you’re sick, you’re expected to use vacation time rather than sick leave.

But using vacation time is also frowned on, and your ability to get a job in the future could be negatively impacted. Again, Japan has an insanely hard-working culture, which means a lot of stress and time, which is even hard to get a break.

3.    Japan’s Natural Disasters

Natural disasters could be a great reason not to live in Japan. This is because; they experience earthquakes within their boundaries on a relatively regular basis. And those factors can cause tsunamis which can later devastate the island country. However, you cannot do anything to avoid them because natural disasters in Japan are just a part of their life.

4.    Opening a Bank Account is Hard

Opening a bank account is quite a complicated issue as an expat moving to Japan for the first time. This is because; you’ll have to be a citizen and nearly have proof of your residence, as well as your passport and Japanese visa, to open a bank account in the country. You would also need to have a hand-carved Hanko seal, which is considered a stamp used on official documents instead of a signature.

On the other hand, it’s unnecessary to open a Japanese bank account overseas due to the complicated visa processes and requirements. This means you’ll have to jump through some hoops when you first arrive in Japan to get all your documentation in order before you can open a bank account.

5.    Always a Foreigner

Unfortunately, this could be one of the main reasons why a lot of people avoid traveling to Japan. Additionally, no matter how hard you seek to blend in and integrate into the culture, you’re never going to be accepted as a local individual. Do you see that living in Japan could sometimes be hectic!

Moreover, you’ll always feel isolated and called ‘gaijin,’ meaning an outsider. So, being an emigrant does have its advantages but comes with some obstacles. As an expat, you should beware of that because you might even get questioned about when you’re returning to your home country.

6.    Male Chauvinism in Japan

Gender inequality in Japan is a huge problem, as its till strongly embedded in Japanese minds, education, politics, and economics at all levels. Again, this could be a major drawback in this community, and sadly this comes from ancient samurai times and their bushido code, both historically and culturally.

Furthermore, the gender disparity in Japan is usually so high to the extent that you can compare it to Muslim countries. Meanwhile, you’ll get incredibly depressed at some point as an independent female expat living in Japan, and inevitably you’ll start losing gender equality in society.

Money Tips before Traveling to Japan

Whether you want to live in Japan, or you’re trying to go for a visit. Should you take cash or debit cards? What about an automated teller machine? Avoid being caught out with no cash or access to money on your trip to Japan before you go. With these tips from our team of experts, you’ll surely get what you’re looking for.

Cash is Essential

Well, as mentioned above, Japan is very much a cash-driven economy, with a lot of places still only accepting cash. The national currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen. And it’s best to get some cash converted before you leave home, so you have the change to catch the train to your destination. Otherwise, you can access cash exchange places at the airport.

Besides, keep in mind that while some larger companies in Japan accept credit, debit, and travel money cards, many places (including hostels and small restaurants) will still only accept cash. Therefore, make sure you plan ahead so that you will have enough money on you for the rest of the day.

Using Card is Easy

Using a card in Japan would definitely make your trip easy. There are three main options when it comes to cards in Japan. Some of these cards include; debit cards, credit cards, or travel money cards. So, having at least one on you is essential for ease of access to your money. Also, it’s an alternative to carrying wads of cash, which could easily be stolen, lost, or just spent too quickly.

Take International Run Flight

If you’re traveling to Japan for the first time, it’s quite essential to take a run flight. On the way to Japan, we took a United Airlines flight, which was exactly like any domestic flight except that it was nearly 13 hours long. So, we advise you to take an internationally run flight while moving to Japan for the first time.

Book Your Accommodation

Booking your accommodation is another essential thing to talk about. More so, it’s always better to research well about your accommodation before traveling to the country. Meanwhile, make sure you book 2-3 months ahead to get the best deal. You can refer to this platform for more information.

Always take a pocket WiFi

Pocket WiFi is quite beneficial when you’re traveling to a new country. This is because; it’s a wireless modem that connects up to 5 Wi-Fi-enabled devices. Moreover, they are so convenient, and it’s a necessity for expat in Japan. Besides, you can also rent a pocket Wi-Fi as the country is getting better about providing more free Wi-Fi locations in the country.

Conclusion

If you’re traveling to Japan for the first time, kindly refer to our previous article for more information. On the flip side, we have compiled the best debit and credit cards in the country. So, understand the right one that meets your requirements, and follow the due process to own a card as an expat in Japan.