Couple of questions about Japan?

[sarge 0]

1. What is the language barrier like. Do many people speak English, are major signs in English.

2. What is the best form of currency in the resorts. ie cash, travelers cheques or credit/eftpos cards.

3. Where could I find an english street map of Sapporo

4. Where abouts in Sapporo is the Ice Festival held

 

Thanks

[mogski 0]

1. Do ducks? Well it is not that bad, but be warned! Most signs in the Major centers are in English, but get into the country and you are on your own. Don't count on the level of English of the general population to be anywhere near competent. People in the big cities eg. Tokyo will pass you over, but in the country they are only too happy to help even if you cannot communicate with them. Just be patient and nice and you will do fine!

 

2. This is probably the only country in the world we people actually do keep money under the mattress because the "banking system" does not even deserve the honour of being called this.

**What 24 hour ATM's there are are closed for three days from Jan 1st!

**People still carry wads of cash in JPY300,000 cause many places still don't understand the value of the plastic fantastic.

**Tavellers cheques? If you wanna spend an hour in the bank cashing them in - the only place that will cash them for you outside of a hotel - then bring'em along!

 

3. Can't help you with this one. Anybody?

 

4. Held in the center city area I beleive.

 

Hope this helps.

 

[This message has been edited by mogski (edited 18 December 2001).]

 

[This message has been edited by mogski (edited 18 December 2001).]

[danz 0]

1) Agree with Mogski...but know this...

if you speak 1 word of japanese (anything

will do, domo, arigatoo) you will be bombarded with what seems like an endless stream of japanese...they assume you can speak after that one word...so be patient...

 

2) Agreed...carry cash...plastic

does not exist in japan...pain in the

ass

 

3) JR station...tourist/info center will

have everything you need...probably

[dez 0]

1 Quite big, but drop any attitude and you are nearly there

 

2 Definitely cash

 

3 ?

 

4 Right in the center of the city, the main boulevard or whatever they call it.

[ivo 0]

the post in japan started to have new withdraw machines!!

forget your visa and mastercard in banks, look for the post offices, you can get cash there with them and with cirrus and maestro too!

otherwise is japan verry safe to have alot of cash in your wallet, just don't fool arround with your money (as you wouldn't do in your hometown too...)

[Guest]

1. You'll get by better than you expect. but do learn a couple of words before you go, like arigato, hai

 

2. Take cash, cash, cash

 

3. Try the Japan National Tourist Organisation - in Australia:02-232-4522. Level33, The Chifley Tower, 2 Chifley Square, Sydney, NSW, 2000.

If all else fails, I have a small map of Sapporo main city area in English but only a few of the main streets are named. Tourist attractions are named though.

 

4. In centre of city, along most of Odori Promenade.

[Guest]

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmMaybe.