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I think rumour, that it was once that way but not any longer.
ETC cards?
Finally got an ETC machine, but the bank's still jerking me around for a card.
I heard a rumor that pre-paid ETC cards can be had at select PAs.
Truth or rumor?
I think rumour, that it was once that way but not any longer.
If you've ever seen a one armed man standing, punching at the breeze,
If you've ever seen a one armed man then you've seen me........
Best way that I know for Gaijin with no Japanese Bank Credit Card is to get a Debit Card. Most Banks will give you one as it's based on how much money you maintain in your account. They have a system now through ETC that will allow you to get a Line Of Credit on a Debit Card that will qualify you for an ETC Card. You have to put down a 50,000 yen refundable deposit and maintain a minimum balance in the account but well worth it if you're riding the toll ways often especially on weekends. Call the ETC Hotline for info (they only speak Japanese and the application is also in Japanese). I personally know three people who have succesfully received there ETC Card going this route.
My only note on this is that you'll kill a lot of birds with the stone of getting a credit card here in JP. I got one from Citibank no trouble, and Shinesi keep asking me to take one (I only ever have one). You might want to try them. Citibank sent me an ETC card purely from clicking the button on the website from the online banking page of my account.
The above said, I work with a few people who have been turned down for cards, and (as you can expect) have never found out why.
Only been riding since 2006. Bike: 2006 Honda CB400 SF. Have JP Chuugata and Oogata license. @nanikore on Twitter
One reason people get rejected is not having a land line phone.
This is also a reason for mortgage applications to get turned down - well spotted!Originally Posted by zenbiker1
A good friend will help you move.
A GREAT friend will help you move a body.
Racing into the 21st century!!
Another good one is having a wife who was previously North Korean!
Ah... I remember 'buying' a landline from a friend when he left, years ago, for 18,000yen when they were 70,000 (?) 'brand new'. When I recently moved to the 'Sawa, and 'moved' it, I got a gushing thankyou from the NTT lady on the phone (even more than the normal one) and everyone was really helpful. I suppose there are fewer suckers now. I mean customers.
On topic, my friend sent me this link for ETC discounts http://www.go-etc.jp/waribiki/pdf/etc_waribiki_book.pdf
Only been riding since 2006. Bike: 2006 Honda CB400 SF. Have JP Chuugata and Oogata license. @nanikore on Twitter
We use an IP phone provided by JCOM. No issues with bank loans or ETC cards.
If you've ever seen a one armed man standing, punching at the breeze,
If you've ever seen a one armed man then you've seen me........
I haven't heard the phone line one before, but I can believe it, but then again, I think you need more ID now to get a keitai than a house phone!
Only been riding since 2006. Bike: 2006 Honda CB400 SF. Have JP Chuugata and Oogata license. @nanikore on Twitter
JCB credit cards are easy to get I got one within a few months of being in Japan a few years back, just filled in a form at one of the credit card stands you see in the stations from time to time, got it in the mail about a week later with a 250g limit. Handy for automatic payments / direct debit / incremented payments and didnt need any credit history in Japan.
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