Re: traveling to beijing and osaka/tokyo this spring break
Tsundere, or ツンデレ, is actually a 4 year old word, but it was last year when it was widely recognized even by the general internet public. It's probably fair to say that it's not longer a boom, but ツンデレ is already "settled." However, there are not many ツンデレ things around any more, as compared to last year or maybe a year before when it was hottest.
Instead, I think the newest boom not only for otaku but also to general public is "erokawa," or "erotic and cute (kawaii)," 2 things that don't seem to coexist. I'll leave the further explanation to this link, as I simply don't understand this lol
As for the ATM card, yes, you can use it at some ATM's, as long as your ATM card is affiliated w/ either Plus or Cirrus. Check the back side of your card for their logos. Normal bank ATM's, however, aren't capable of handling those cards, but ATM's by Japan Postal Service, Citibank, and Shinsei Bank can. The attached pic shows the symbol for Japan Postal Service, so look for this logo when you want their ATM's. (Citibank and Shinsei Bank don't have many branch offices nor ATM's, so it's easier to look for the post office; all post officies are equipped w/ at least 1 ATM machine.) Note that some convenience stores show this logo to indicate that they sell stamps/postcards, but their ATM's won't take Plus nor Cirrus cards. Also note that some of them may display VISA logo while not displaying Plus nor Cirrus, but that's limited to Japanese issued VISA cards so yours can't be used. Always look for Plus and Cirrus logos.
Be aware that cash withdrawals will cost a lot. It depends on the banks, but when I used my ATM card from Fleet Bank of Boston, MA, I was charged $5 for the transaction, and also the VISA exchange rate was used so I was "charged" for extra 2 cents or so per dollar. It should only be used as a last resort. Not to mention if it's a VISA/Mastercard debit card also, you'll save more buy using it as a debit, if the merchant takes it.
Nevertheless, it's good to bring it if it's Plus or Cirrus affiliated. Also, unlike some other parts of the world, ATM's are safe in Japan. Very unlikely someone's gonna knock you down from behind.
Last of all, if your current PIN number isn't 4 digit, change that to 4 digit numbers before you leave. Many ATM's here can't accept any longer or shorter numbers.
Originally posted by Thrasher
View Post
Instead, I think the newest boom not only for otaku but also to general public is "erokawa," or "erotic and cute (kawaii)," 2 things that don't seem to coexist. I'll leave the further explanation to this link, as I simply don't understand this lol
As for the ATM card, yes, you can use it at some ATM's, as long as your ATM card is affiliated w/ either Plus or Cirrus. Check the back side of your card for their logos. Normal bank ATM's, however, aren't capable of handling those cards, but ATM's by Japan Postal Service, Citibank, and Shinsei Bank can. The attached pic shows the symbol for Japan Postal Service, so look for this logo when you want their ATM's. (Citibank and Shinsei Bank don't have many branch offices nor ATM's, so it's easier to look for the post office; all post officies are equipped w/ at least 1 ATM machine.) Note that some convenience stores show this logo to indicate that they sell stamps/postcards, but their ATM's won't take Plus nor Cirrus cards. Also note that some of them may display VISA logo while not displaying Plus nor Cirrus, but that's limited to Japanese issued VISA cards so yours can't be used. Always look for Plus and Cirrus logos.
Be aware that cash withdrawals will cost a lot. It depends on the banks, but when I used my ATM card from Fleet Bank of Boston, MA, I was charged $5 for the transaction, and also the VISA exchange rate was used so I was "charged" for extra 2 cents or so per dollar. It should only be used as a last resort. Not to mention if it's a VISA/Mastercard debit card also, you'll save more buy using it as a debit, if the merchant takes it.
Nevertheless, it's good to bring it if it's Plus or Cirrus affiliated. Also, unlike some other parts of the world, ATM's are safe in Japan. Very unlikely someone's gonna knock you down from behind.
Last of all, if your current PIN number isn't 4 digit, change that to 4 digit numbers before you leave. Many ATM's here can't accept any longer or shorter numbers.
Comment