Japan: Credit cards or Coins?

I must admit, before moving to Japan I imagined an electronic metropolis full of Wi-Fi hotspots and cool gadgets/gizmos. Even though some of what I imagined is true, much of this eastern nation is still catching up to the 21st century.

While Tokyo is full of neon lights, talking vending machines and dancing robots, other areas of Japan don’t offer high speed internet access or cell phone coverage. Much of the country is still a cash-based culture where debit and credit cards are supplemented by paper money and an array of coins ranging in value from one cent to five dollars. It took me a while to realize that with a coin the size of quarter, I could get coffee and a newspaper at Starbucks, but after a few iced-lattes I got the hang of it.

One benefit of a cash-based society that I’ve grown to love, is the convenience of coin-accepting vending machines. The lighted machines’ glow beckons anyone nearby. The 24-hour convenience makes getting anything from iced-coffee, beer, or Gatorade a breeze. Most items cost around a dollar and are always cool and refreshing. In addition to drinks, you can also buy calling cards, cigarattes, and food.