Originally Posted by
joshwex90
Is skimming where I steal the credit card info from the magnetic strip so I can use it on my own or that I just charge the credit card multiple times?
The former and it is copied into a blank card. You can watch a youtube video on how credit card skimming works; it's been up since 5 years ago:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0w_ktMotlo
Originally Posted by
joshwex90
That's absolutely insane! So how would someone who doesn't have a Japanese credit card use a credit card in Japan?
Fortunately it's only for ATM and debit cards when withdrawing large amounts of cash at Japanese banks so not much to worry about there. Unless you live in Japan or have some big business deals going on there that involves cash, you are not likely to be withdrawing $10,000 worth of Japanese yen in a single withdraw.
Credit card use is still the normal Swipe-and-Sign (i.e.
Japan issued AMEX and
Citibank Japan credit cards doesn't have a chip) or if it has an EMV chip (which is the case with most Japanese bank issued credit cards as well as JCB cards), Chip-and-Sign or Chip-and-PIN applies (whichever the merchant has chosen). Cash withdraws with foreign ATM cards can be done at convenience store ATMs via mag-stripe and PIN. Common sense applies when entering PIN: don't share your PIN with anyone, cover your PIN, be aware of any hidden cameras and skimming devices etc.