Do I need to notify my domestic banks, credit card companies, and other financial institutions before departure?

Okay, no problem! Let me break down in plain language whether you need to notify your bank before going to Japan.

---

Strongly Recommend Notifying Them!

Hey there! Based on experience, I strongly recommend taking a few minutes before you leave to call your bank and credit card company back home.

It's not complicated, but doing it upfront can save you a lot of potential hassle.

Why do this? Simple, mainly three reasons:

Think of it as flagging your account – telling the bank's "security system": "Hey boss, I'm heading to Japan to spend money. Don't freak out when you see transactions from Japan; that's really me!"

• 1. Prevent Your Card Being Mistakenly Frozen as "Fraudulent"

  • Banks have sophisticated risk control systems (often called "fraud detection"). If your card is usually used domestically and suddenly shows a charge at a Tokyo convenience store, the system might instantly go on "high alert," thinking your card was stolen. To protect your funds, it might freeze your card immediately.
  • Imagine being at a store ready to pay, and your card gets declined – super awkward.

• 2. Ensure Smooth Usage Overseas

  • By notifying them in advance, there's a note on your account. When your card is used in Japan, the system sees, "Oh, the owner gave us a heads-up," and won't overreact. Your spending and cash withdrawals will go much smoother.

• 3. Update Contact Info (Especially for Long-Term Stays)

  • If you're moving there, you can also update your contact details. For example, tell them you'll be using a Japanese phone number. This way, if the bank needs to send you a verification code or contact you urgently, they can reach you. Otherwise, they'll keep sending messages to your old, inactive Chinese number, and you won't get them.

How to Do It? Super Simple!

1. Credit Cards:

   • The most direct way is to call the customer service number on the back of your card.
   • Speak to a representative and tell them about your travel plans.

2. Debit Cards:

   • Similarly, call your bank's official customer service number.
   • Some bank mobile apps might have an "Overseas Card Usage Setting" option – you can check there too – but calling is the most reliable method.

What to Say When You Call?

Don't stress, just say directly:

"Hi, my name is XXX, ID number is... I plan to be in Japan from [Date] to [Date] (or say 'will be residing in Japan long-term' if moving). I might use my credit/debit card during this time, card number is... Could you please make a note on my account to prevent the fraud detection system from freezing my card? Thank you!"

The representative will understand immediately and make the note for you. The whole process usually takes just a few minutes.

What If You Forget to Notify Them?

Don't panic too much; the sky won't fall.

• Often, especially with international card networks like Visa or Mastercard, your card might still work fine and not get frozen.
• But if you are "unlucky" and it gets frozen, you'll have to find a way to contact your bank's customer service from abroad. This might involve international calls and dealing with time zones, which can be a hassle. So, notifying them beforehand is the most worry-free approach.

Some Tips from Experience:

• Bring Multiple Cards: Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Bring one from ICBC, another from China Merchants Bank, etc. If one has issues, you have a backup.
• Cash is King: Japan, especially small shops, ramen joints, or rural areas, still heavily relies on cash. Exchange some Japanese Yen beforehand and carry it with you – definitely the right move.
• Know the Fees: Ask about the fees for overseas withdrawals and transactions on your cards so you know what to expect.
• Save Customer Service Numbers: Save the overseas helpline numbers for your banks in your phone, just in case.
• Mobile Payments: Many large stores and convenience stores in Japan now also accept Alipay and WeChat Pay, which can be useful backup payment methods.

In short, spending ten or twenty minutes making a few calls can make your spending and cash access in Japan much more worry-free. It's absolutely a high-value preparation step!

Wishing you a smooth and successful trip to Japan!