Page 40 - South Korea & Japan: Temples, Shrines & Seaside Treasures

Japan: ATMs are common, but not every ATM will take a U.S. card. Your best bet is to try a
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However, please note that using a credit card in an ATM for a cash advance may or may not
work—even if the ATM has credit card logos.

China: ATMs are very common in cities and towns, but may not be available in rural villages.

Credit & Debit Cards

Even if you don’t plan on using a credit card during your trip, we still suggest that you bring
one or two as a backup, especially if you are planning a large purchase (artwork, jewelry).
We also suggest that you bring more than one brand of card (i.e. Visa, MasterCard, American
Express) if possible, because not every shop will take every card. For example, although the
Discover card is accepted in some countries outside the U.S., it is not widely adopted, so other
brands will work at a much larger range of stores, restaurants, etc.

South Korea: Credit cards are common but may not be accepted by street vendors or at small
restaurants.

Japan: Credit cards can be used at department stores, hotels, and businesses that cater to
tourists, but most other shops and restaurants will want cash.

China: Credit card use is common at hotels and shops, although many restaurants are still
“cash only”. Credit card use is less common in rural villages or remote areas, like Tibet or
Inner Mongolia.

Notify Card Providers
Many credit card companies and banks have fraud alert departments that will freeze your card
if they see suspicious charges—such as charges or withdrawals from another country. To avoid
an accidental security block, it is a good idea to notify your credit card company and/or bank
you will be using your cards abroad. You can do this by calling their customer service number
a week or two before your departure. Some banks or credit card companies will also let you do
this online.

You should also double-check what phone number you could call if you have a problem with a
card while you are abroad. Don’t assume you can use the 1-800 number printed on the back of
your card—most 1 800 numbers don’t work outside of the U.S.!

Tipping Guidelines

Of course, whether you tip, and how much, is always at your own discretion. Listed below are
our recommendations for the tips that are not included in your tour price:

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