New Guy - Japan Questions
Sep 30, 2014, 10:37 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 14
New Guy - Japan Questions
Hello,
I never was part of any frequent flyer programs until just a couple days ago. I booked a trip LAX-NRT on American. The return flight is NRT-SAN-LAX and it says Japan Airlines operated by American Airlines.
I decided to sign up for Aadvantage and put the number in when I booked the trip. Since the return trip is on Japan airlines will I get miles for the trip on the way back?
Also, this is my first time to Japan. Will I have a problem using credit cards for normal purchases in Japan? I prefer to not use cash but I will carry some just in case.
Sorry for the noob questions, but thanks for your help.
I never was part of any frequent flyer programs until just a couple days ago. I booked a trip LAX-NRT on American. The return flight is NRT-SAN-LAX and it says Japan Airlines operated by American Airlines.
I decided to sign up for Aadvantage and put the number in when I booked the trip. Since the return trip is on Japan airlines will I get miles for the trip on the way back?
Also, this is my first time to Japan. Will I have a problem using credit cards for normal purchases in Japan? I prefer to not use cash but I will carry some just in case.
Sorry for the noob questions, but thanks for your help.
Sep 30, 2014, 11:24 pm
#2
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Join Date: Sep 2009
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JAL and AA are oneworld partners, so you earn miles if your fare class is eligible. This means that cheap tickets could earn no or reduced miles. However, IIRC oneworld convention is that the AA flight number is what matters, so I suspect you'll earn 100% for the JAL operated flight. (This would be different on Star alliance.)
Most places in Japan accept credit cards, but there's a tradition of carrying (by USA standards) a lot of cash there. Some very expensive restaurants and bars are cash only. You'll also want some cash for small purchases from street vendors, local transportation, very simple authentic meals, etc.
Most places in Japan accept credit cards, but there's a tradition of carrying (by USA standards) a lot of cash there. Some very expensive restaurants and bars are cash only. You'll also want some cash for small purchases from street vendors, local transportation, very simple authentic meals, etc.
Oct 1, 2014, 2:46 am
#4
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: FRA
Programs: M&M, A3*G, Flying Blue, HHonors
Posts: 110
re credit cards vs. cash:
as MSPeconomist said, Japan is a cash society. You'll be able to use your credit card, but not everywhere, and not for small amounts like it seems to be common in the US. My advice: do carry enough cash. Especially since, depending on the credit card you use, you might be unable to use some or most ATMs. Crime in Japan is low, pickpockets are virtually unheard of, so nothing to worry about on that side.
as MSPeconomist said, Japan is a cash society. You'll be able to use your credit card, but not everywhere, and not for small amounts like it seems to be common in the US. My advice: do carry enough cash. Especially since, depending on the credit card you use, you might be unable to use some or most ATMs. Crime in Japan is low, pickpockets are virtually unheard of, so nothing to worry about on that side.
Oct 1, 2014, 3:59 am
#5
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Washington, DC
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Posts: 7,326
New Guy - Japan Questions
If you go to the "Travel and Dining" section of this website, as opposed to "miles and points", you will find a forum dedicated to Japan. There, experts will be able to answer all your questions about visiting the country.
Oct 1, 2014, 2:03 pm
#6
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http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan...ash-japan.html
Oct 4, 2014, 7:29 pm
#7
formerly ltabi
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: LAX
Programs: AA PLT, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 202
I had no problems using my credit card making large purchases (hotels and bullet train tickets) but I also carried my debit card. The 7-Eleven ATMs are plentiful and I don't believe they charge any fees to use. I was only charged my bank's 1% foreign transaction fee.