Traveler’s cheques versus real dollars

I have bought a lot of Traveler's Checks but just read in the archives where they are harder to cash in. Is that still true? Should I bring real dollars to Japan instead?

Get about 10 000 to 20 000 yen in the USA then use your ATM in Japan to get cash for small expenses, like meals, snacks, small purchases, ..then use credit card to pay for hotels etc.

I don't use ATM-never have so it would not be something I would begin to use now :) To buy Yen in the US at this time only gives me about 80 yen per dollar. Once I get to Japan I want to convert to yen-using either TC or dollars.

Someone told me I may get a better rate using my credit card! Is thatright?

I usually take my yen into Japan when I travel so I don't know what would be simpler in terms of exchanging cheques/cash for yen. I assume cash would be easier. Just a reminder, however, that when you use your credit card in an international transaction, you will probably be charged (by your credit card company) a 3% international transaction fee.

My last 2 trips, I used TC,ATM and CC. Upon arrival at the airport I changed some TC to last me a couple of days. Half way through my vacation I used ATM to last me for the remainder of trip. Paid Hotel with Credit card. The problem is, no matter what you're using, there's a fee involve.

You can easily exchange TCs at the airport or postoffice all over Japan. No worries. TC give you the best exchange rate. Bring TC in USD.

http://www.narita-airport.or.jp/exchange_e/index.html