The 8th International Fair Trade Towns Conference in Kumamoto: Official Site

＊Currency and Credit Card

Currency in Japan is the “yen.” Exchanging your currency to the yen is highly recommended since traveler’s checks and foreign currencies are accepted in limited number of shops in Kumamoto. You can exchange your currency at major airports, post offices, and banks. The post offices are mostly open till 4:00pm and the banks are mostly open till 3:00pm. For the location of post offices and banks at the city centre or around the conference venue, go to ( LINK ).

Most hotels, departments stores, restaurants, super markets accept VISA, Master, JCB, Amex and Diners. However, it is advisable to carry a certain amount of cash since small shops, vending machines, buses, city trams and train tickets for short distances do not accept credit cards.

 

 

＊ATM

You can withdraw cash by credit cards issued outside of Japan at ATMs at post offices and 7-Eleven convenience stores. ATMs at post offices accept Visa, Plus, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrcus, American Express, JCB, Union Pay and Discover cards.

 

ATMs at 7-Eleven stores accept Visa, Plus, American Express, JCB, Union Pay and Discover cards. Please note that on April 19, 2013, ATMs at 7-Eleven stores stopped accepting Mastercard, Maestro and Cirrus cards issued outside of Japan. Similarly, international ATMs across Japan, including postal ATMs, stopped accepting Maestro cards with EMV chips.

 

In addition to the ATMs at post offices and 7-Eleven convenience stores, ATM machines can be found at international airports throughout Japan.

 

 

＊Electricity

The voltage used throughout Japan is uniformly 100 volts, A.C., and 2-flat-pin plugs are used. The frequency of electric current is 50 Hertz in Eastern Japan (including Tokyo, Tohoku and Hokkaido) and 60 Hertz in Western Japan (including Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto and Kumamoto), however this frequency difference affects only sensitive equipment.

 

If you are intend to purchase electric appliances in Japan for the use outside of Japan, you are advised to look for equipment made for oversea use at big electric shops.

 

 

＊Water

Tap water in Japan is usually safe to drink. Kumamoto is especially famous for its high quality water in Japan. You can also purchase various kinds of bottled water at supermarkets, convenience stores, vending machines and station kiosks.

 

 

＊Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in public places including stations, hotels, the conference venue and most paths for pedestrians. ＊Mobile PhonesSome foreign mobile phones may not work in Japan due to different technologies. Please check if your mobile phone can be used in Japan beforehand. You can find further information at http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2223.htmlUseful Information＊EmergenciesThe nationwide emergency phone numbers are:Police 110Ambulance/Fire 119For a list of hospitals and doctor’s offices with English speakers in Kumamoto City, go to http://kumanago.jp/en/benris/emergencycontacts.html

 

 

＊Wi-Fi Spots

 

 

＊Banks and Post Offices

LinksKumamoto Nagomi Tourism Site 　http://kumanago.jp/en/

Japan guide.com 　http://www.japan-guide.com/

Japan: the official guide 　http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/