Yes, absolutely correct!
Did you mention getting some menchi katsu while you’re in Asakusa in your itinerary? Those things were just DA BOMB!!! I kept going back for more…
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From memory (I think one of Japanese blitzers can confirm) there are now laws in Japan that those people who want you to go into there store / restaurant / service place (hawkers?) aren’t allow to follow you down the street anymore. Makes it much more comfortable.
I know that one courtesy of being a wrestling fan.
I’ve not mentioned food really. Somethings you need to try yourself. It’s really all good but some foods really need some instructions for example which fish to eat head to tail, bones and all, vs those fish you couldn’t do that with!
I have not done it, but I have close friends who go to Japan every year and stay are the Japanese equivalent of AirBnB, whatever that is. they reckon the prices ar ealways good and the places are great. Most are attached to the Owners family home, so you get help with transport and all those other Touristy things.
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One tip for transport on the trains / subways as well. Buy yourself a Pasmo or equivalent. Don’t be those tourists who spend 30 minutes outside a station buying tickets everytime they need to get on a train.
You can refund the balance on the card when you leave, or spend all the credit on it at vending machines or places like familymart / 7 eleven etc…
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AirBnB is pretty good in Japan because you need to be licenced like a normal hotel to be able to offer your property.
Same with Uber taxis. You need a taxi licence to still be able to operate.
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So much to read and take in…thanks everyone. Have just made an initial booking in Utsunomiya for our Motogp stay. Near the station where the bus will leave. Much of the area is booked out already as happens in Motogp areas. I’m going to need to copy all the good advice and make a real plan now for the rest of the trip. Thank you!
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My Citibank travel debit card is apparently being discontinued.
I’ve got my (unfortunately Latitude Financial) 28 Degrees credit card still - but like to have a travel debit card.
Looking online seems to be pretty 50/50 split between Wise and Revolut.
Anyone have experience with either that would recommend one over the other?
Have you received some kind of communication from Citi?
I have a Citi debit card which I use for travel but have not heard anything.
Same
I hold that Citibank global currency travel debit card that was very popular. Meant I could transfer AUD into other FX denominated wallets (like most travel debit cards). Unless I’m reading it wrong, looks like they are stripping out all of the FX accounts from the service (i.e. just making it a plain debit card).
OK. That’s not the account I have.
Mine’s a standard debit card that I use at O/S ATMs, converted to local currency at the time of withdrawal. None of the usual conversion fees, however.
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I have used Wise for a few years now with no problems at all
Any blitzers care to share their luggage tips?
I need to purchase a piece of luggage to carry the 23 kilos checked overseas later this year. I’m still relatively able(or like to think so) and am therefore considering a duffle bag instead of a suitcase with wheels.
what do you use? what are some good brands and any general tips?
im heading to South America as the destination and aim to be gone for some time.
Tip: don’t take anything near 23kg.
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Over the last 50 years I have tried them all. I do not travel heavy, but I reckon a medium good quality case withy 4 good wheels is the way to go.
I prefer a hard shell as it protects everything inside it and you can put a laptop in with a good chance it will get to the other side ok.
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Ill have gifts in there and back
You might laugh but the Antler range is top notch. I have a set of Antler Stamford’s and they are superb. The wife prefers Samsonite though and has a set of those. Our backpacking days are long gone and we travel pretty heavily so often 2x 23kgs or more plus carry on luggage each