Five Smart Tips When Traveling to the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo
- Use cash instead of cards.
- Be aware of Japan’s rules.
- Always bring the essentials.
- Use public transportation.
- Download the necessary apps.
The 2020 Summer Olympics will be taking place in Tokyo, Japan which hasn’t been done since 1964. With this highly anticipated event right around the corner, many people will need to travel abroad to experience history in the making. To make the process a bit easier, here are five tips for those traveling to the Tokyo Olympic games.
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Download the Necessary Apps
When traveling to Japan, it’s important to have a way to communicate, access to wifi, and a way to connect to the things going on around you. Using a hotspot service like Skyroam or eConnect coupled with a VPN will allow the device to connect to the wifi which can be useful for navigating a new city. Downloading a translation app like Google Translate can help a non-Japanese speaker to communicate with the locals. Having a QR code scanning app could also be very helpful to view different promotions and events around the city.
Use Public Transportation
The most affordable way to travel quickly through the city is by using the trains and buses available to the public. Rechargeable transportation cards are available at the train stations and can be purchased at the electronic kiosks. These ticket machines have an English option which will make the process much easier. There are several rules to obey while using public transportation, including keeping cell phones silenced, not speaking on cell phones during the ride, and to make seats available for young children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
Be Aware of Rules
According to the HuffPost, there are several rules in Japan that westerners should be aware of before traveling to the country. Westerners must remember to avoid tipping because it can be seen as an insult to the worker. Small trays are used to exchange money for goods or services which means that money shouldn’t be handed directly to the cashier. Bikes have free reign in Japan, so there’s a need to be cautious when crossing the streets. It’s also important to stand on the left and walk on the right to avoid disrupting foot traffic.
Use Cash Instead of Cards
Many places in Japan don’t accept credit or debit cards. According to Boutique Japan, this country is a very cash-oriented society. Even some of the larger international retailers will only accept cash purchases. If you only have cards and need to get cash, there are ATMs available in the 7- elevens. Once the card is entered, enter the pin as usual and select the amount of Japanese Yen to withdraw. Using a card with no foreign transaction fees are ideal for traveling abroad and can save money. Because everything from 1 to 500 Yen is distributed in coins, it might be useful to carry a small coin purse.
Always Carry the Essentials
Public toilets in Japan may vary by location. Some will have the standard western toilets but others may have the traditional squat toilets and they don’t always supply toilet paper, soap, paper towels. Keeping hand sanitizer and paper towels on hand at all times may prove to be beneficial on multiple occasions. Public trash cans can also be rare to come by so keep a plastic bag handy to dispose of your trash until a trash can presents itself.
Knowledge is the first step to a successful trip abroad. With these five tips, traveling to the Tokyo Olympic Games can be the trip of a lifetime.
