Choosing a credit card that eliminates foreign transaction fees can lead to substantial savings. If you spend several thousand dollars abroad or on foreign currency purchases, you could save over a hundred dollars in fees alone. These cards often come with additional travel perks, making them a practical choice for Canadians who travel internationally or shop across borders.

The best no foreign transaction fee credit cards in canada

Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite* Card

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• $150 annual fee
• 40,000 Scene+ points when spending $2,000 in the first 3 months
• 10,000 points when spending $10,000 in the first six months
• Earn 3 Scene+ points per $1 spent at Empire owned supermarkets
• Earn 2 Scene+ points per $1 spent on eligible grocery stores, dining, entertainment, and daily transit purchases
• Earn 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
• Visa Airport Companion Program membership + 6 passes per year
• No foreign transaction fees

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card stands out as a comprehensive option for travellers who prefer carrying a single card. This card charges an annual fee of $150 but delivers substantial value through its rewards program and travel perks.

You earn 3 Scene+ points per dollar at Empire-owned supermarkets, 2 points at eligible grocery stores, restaurants, entertainment venues, and on daily transit, plus 1 point on everything else. The bonus earning categories apply even when making purchases abroad in foreign currencies.

Travel benefits form the core appeal of this card. You receive a complimentary membership to the Visa Airport Companion Program through DragonPass, which includes six free lounge visits annually. Standard airport lounge access typically costs around US$99 yearly plus US$32 per visit, making this benefit valuable for frequent travellers.

The travel insurance package covers trips up to 31 days and includes medical emergencies, trip cancellation, trip interruption, lost baggage, and flight delay coverage. Additional perks include concierge services available 24/7, access to the Visa Infinite Hotel Collection with room upgrades and complimentary breakfast, and membership in the Dining and Wine Country program.

You also get a free Avis Preferred Plus membership, which provides faster rental car service and the ability to choose your vehicle. Priority Pass membership is not included, but the DragonPass access serves a similar purpose.

Eligibility: A minimum personal income of $60,000 or a household income of $100,000 or at least $250,000 in assets under management. A credit score of 700 is also recommended.
Welcome bonus: You’ll typically get 35,000 to 50,000 Scene+ points as the welcome offer. In most cases, you’ll need to spend a minimum amount in the first three months and another in the first 12 months for the full bonus.

Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card

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• $120 annual fee
• 30,000 Scene+ points when you spend $2,000 in the first 3 months
• 20,000 Scene+ points when you spend $7,500 in the first year
• Earn 6 Scene+ points per $1 spent at Empire owned supermarkets
• Earn 5 Scene+ points per $1 spent on grocery, dining, and entertainment
• Earn 3 Scene+ points per $1 spent on gas, and daily transit purchases
• Earn 1 Scene+ point on all other purchases
• No foreign transaction fees

The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card delivers exceptional earn rates that rival top-tier rewards cards in Canada. The annual fee sits at $120, making it slightly more affordable than the Passport card while still offering premium benefits.

Earning potential is where this card excels. You collect 6 Scene+ points per dollar at Empire-owned grocery stores, 5 points at other grocery stores, plus dining and entertainment purchases, 3 points on gas, public transit, rideshares, and streaming services, and 1 point on all other spending.

One important distinction exists with foreign transactions. While you won’t pay foreign transaction fees, purchases made in currencies other than Canadian dollars only earn the base rate of 1 point per dollar. The bonus categories don’t apply to international spending.

The card provides a comprehensive travel insurance package covering trips up to 25 days, including emergency medical coverage, trip cancellation and interruption, baggage loss and delay, and rental car coverage. Mobile device insurance protects your phone or tablet against damage and theft when you purchase the device with your card.

You also receive airport lounge access, though unlike the Passport card, you don’t get complimentary passes. You’ll need to pay per visit or purchase a membership separately if you want to use this benefit.

Eligibility: There’s no minimum income requirement. A credit score of at least 700 is recommended.
Welcome bonus: Typically worth between 40,000 and 60,000 Scene+ points when. To get the full bonus, you usually need to meet multiple minimum spending requirements.

EQ Bank Card

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• $20 referral bonus (must fund account with $100 within 30 days)
• No monthly fees
• 0.5% cash back on all purchases
• Free withdrawals from any ATM in Canada
• No foreign transaction fees
• Earn 2.50% interest until you spend

The EQ Bank Card functions as a prepaid card with unique advantages for travellers. There’s no annual fee, and you earn 0.5% cash back on all purchases regardless of currency.

What makes this card particularly useful is that any balance loaded onto the card earns interest at a competitive rate. Your money grows even when you’re not spending it, which is uncommon for prepaid cards.

The standout feature is the ATM policy. You won’t pay foreign transaction fees when withdrawing cash from ATMs abroad. EQ Bank even reimburses ATM fees charged by other financial institutions in Canada. However, one-time fees charged by foreign ATM operators are not covered.

This approach gives you flexibility when travelling. Instead of exchanging currency before departure or upon arrival, you can withdraw local currency as needed. You can load additional funds to your card while abroad by sending yourself an e-transfer.

Since this is a prepaid card, you can only spend what you’ve loaded. This helps with budgeting and eliminates the risk of overspending. Prepaid cards don’t require a credit check or minimum income, making them accessible to nearly everyone.

Eligibility: Must have an EQ Bank account. No income or credit history is required.
Welcome bonus: You get a $20 cash bonus when signing up with a referral link and funding your account with $100 within 30 days of account opening.

Home Trust Preferred Visa Card

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• No annual fee
• No foreign transaction fees
• 1% cash back on Canadian purchases
• Purchase protection

The Home Trust Preferred Visa offers a straightforward approach with no annual fee and no foreign exchange fees. You earn 1% cash back on purchases made in Canadian dollars, but it doesn’t apply to foreign-currency transactions.

This card functions as a traditional credit card rather than a prepaid option. You don’t need to load funds in advance, and you receive a credit line based on your creditworthiness. This makes it more convenient than prepaid alternatives for those who qualify.

Benefits are minimal beyond the no forex fee feature. You get purchase security coverage for 90 days against theft, loss, or damage. No travel insurance, airport lounge access, or concierge services are included.

One quirk to note: customer service has historically blocked transactions made outside Canada for security reasons. Call before you travel to notify them of your plans and avoid having your card declined.

Eligibility: No minimum income is required. A credit score of at least 660 is recommended.
Welcome bonus: None.

Wealthsimple Cash Card

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• No annual fee
• Up to $3,000 welcome bouns
• 1% back in cash, stocks, or crypto on all purchases
• 4% interest on deposited funds
• No foreign transaction fees on purchases or ATM withdrawals
• CDIC insurance protection

Another prepaid credit card with no foreign transaction fees is the Wealthsimple Cash Card. All purchases earn you 1% back in cash, stock, or crypto. In addition, any funds you have loaded to your card earn interest. That means your money always grows even when you’re not spending it.

As a no fee, prepaid card, there aren’t any other benefits. The main draw here is the cash back earned and the no foreign transaction fees. You also won’t pay foreign transaction fees on ATM withdrawals. That said, most foreign ATM operators will charge you a one-time fee, and Wealthsimple limits your withdrawals to $500 CAD a transaction. There’s also a daily withdrawal limit of $1,000 CAD per day.

This card is very similar to the EQ Bank Card. Many people prefer the EQ Bank Card because you get $20 when signing up with a referral link. However, Wealthsimple does give you a higher cash back and savings interest rate.

Eligibility: Must have a Wealthsimple Cash account, but no income or credit history is required.
Welcome bonus: Up to $3,000 (it’s random)

Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard

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• No annual fee
• $50 Amazon gift card at sign up
• 5% back at Amazon.ca, grocery stores and restaurants for six months after your account is opened
• 2.5% back at Amazon.ca, Whole Foods Market in Canada and foreign currency transactions
• 1% back per dollar spent on all other purchases

The Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard is one of the best no foreign transaction fee credit cards in Canada, but it flies under the radar. You’ll earn 2.5% back at Amazon.ca, Whole Foods and foreign transactions. All other purchases earn you 1% back. However, you must be an Amazon Prime member to get this rate. Non-Prime members earn 1.5% back at Amazon.ca and Whole Foods, and 1% on foreign transaction fees. 

The cash back works like this. Once you’ve earned 2,000 points, a $20 Amazon.ca gift card is deposited into your account. Other benefits with the card include discounts at Avis and Budget Rent a Car, purchase assurance, extended warranty, and zero liability insurance. 

This card is only worth considering if you’re an Amazon Prime member and you do a lot of shopping on Amazon. The good news is that there’s no annual fee.

Eligibility: Must be an Amazon Prime member for the increased earning rate. No minimum income or credit score is listed.
Welcome bonus: A $35 Amazon.ca gift card is given instantly upon approval.

What are foreign transaction fees?

When you make a purchase in any currency other than Canadian dollars, an additional charge gets applied to the exchange rate. This applies to all international transactions, including online shopping in US dollars.

Even if you’re buying from a Canadian business, paying in a foreign currency typically triggers these charges. The fee is embedded directly in the exchange rate, making it difficult to spot on your credit card statement.

Charges from your card provider

Your credit card provider typically adds a 2.5% foreign transaction fee to international purchases. Some providers charge up to 3.5%, depending on the card you hold.

Here’s what these forex fees mean for your spending:

• $1,000 in foreign purchases = $25 to $35 in fees
• $2,000 in foreign purchases = $50 to $70 in fees
• $5,000 in foreign purchases = $125 to $175 in fees

These currency conversion fees accumulate quickly, especially if you travel frequently or shop internationally online.

Charges from payment networks

Visa, Mastercard, and American Express apply their own small fees for currency conversion. These charges are much smaller than provider fees.

The payment networks use slightly different exchange rates than the official rate available to financial institutions. Here’s a comparison when converting 1 CAD to USD:

• Official exchange rate – 0.77118
• Visa exchange rate – 0.77333
• Mastercard exchange rate – 0.77255

Mastercard offers marginally better rates than Visa, though the difference is minimal in practice. American Express uses comparable rates but doesn’t publish them publicly.

You can check current conversion rates through xe.com, along with Visa and Mastercard’s websites. Understanding both types of fees helps you calculate the true cost of foreign currency transactions.

How Are Foreign Transaction Fees Calculated?

Your credit card company sets the foreign transaction fee, which typically appears in your cardholder agreement. The fee structure combines two main components: the currency conversion fee and the network’s exchange rate.

Visa and Mastercard each apply their own exchange rates when processing international purchases. These rates differ from the mid-market rate, which represents the true wholesale price between currencies. The gap between what you pay and the mid-market rate contributes to the total cost of your foreign purchase.

Exchange rates fluctuate based on currency market conditions. Economic events, political stability, and supply and demand for specific currencies all influence these rates daily. Your card issuer applies the rate that’s active when your transaction processes, not necessarily when you make the purchase.

Most Canadian credit cards add a 2.5% fee on top of the exchange rate used for currency conversion, though some cards charge between 1% and 3%.

Should I Pay in the Local Currency or CAD?

When making purchases abroad, merchants may offer you the choice between paying in the local currency or Canadian dollars through dynamic currency conversion. You should always select the local currency option. Your credit card issuer will convert the transaction using their exchange rate, which is typically more favourable than the payment processor’s.

Choosing to pay in CAD means accepting the merchant’s conversion rate, which includes a markup. This additional cost varies by processor but consistently exceeds the conversion rate your card provider uses. Even if your card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, paying in local currency remains the better option because you avoid the inflated merchant conversion rates.

Credit cards without foreign exchange fees make this choice even more advantageous. You receive competitive exchange rates without any percentage-based surcharges, maximizing your purchasing power overseas.

Do Foreign Transaction Fees Apply to ATMs?

Using a credit card at an ATM abroad triggers a cash advance, which means you’ll face immediate interest charges exceeding 22%. A foreign transaction fee also applies on top of this, and the ATM operator may charge their own service fee. This combination makes traditional credit cards a poor choice for withdrawing cash overseas.

Prepaid cards offer a better alternative. Cards like the Wealthsimple Cash Card and EQ Bank Card function like debit cards and don’t charge foreign transaction fees or interest on ATM withdrawals abroad. These cards provide access to cash without the costly charges associated with credit card advances.

Standard debit cards aren’t ideal either. Banks typically charge foreign transaction fees between 2.5% and 3.5% when you use your debit card at an international ATM. Both your bank and the ATM provider will likely apply one-time usage fees.

Is a No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Card Worth It?

You should strongly consider getting a no foreign transaction fee credit card to avoid paying unnecessary charges on international purchases. Most cards charge 2.5% on foreign currency transactions, which accumulates quickly when you travel or shop online from international retailers.

Consider this scenario: if you spend $4,000 during a vacation abroad using a card that charges foreign exchange fees, you’ll pay an extra $100 in fees alone. That amount could cover a quality restaurant experience or another activity during your trip.

Numerous credit cards waive these fees entirely, so you can select one that aligns with your spending habits and preferences. Even if you only use the card occasionally throughout the year for international transactions, you’ll save money every time you avoid foreign transaction fees. There’s no compelling reason to pay extra when alternatives exist that eliminate these charges completely.

The savings become more significant if you travel frequently or regularly purchase from foreign websites. Choosing a card without foreign transaction fees makes financial sense for anyone who makes purchases in currencies other than Canadian dollars.

How to Select a Credit Card Without Foreign Transaction Fees

When comparing cards from your shortlist, several factors will help you identify the right option for your needs.

Consider whether you prefer a no-fee credit card or are comfortable paying an annual fee in exchange for premium perks. Cards with annual fees often offer added benefits such as airport lounge access, car rental discounts, and travel insurance coverage.

Key factors to evaluate:

• Card benefits – Review what extra features matter to you, such as travel insurance or rental vehicle protection
• ATM withdrawal costs – Some cards waive fees when you take out cash abroad
• Rewards structure – Certain cards offer cash back that can offset other costs, while others simply don’t charge foreign transaction fees
• Welcome bonuses – New cardholders may receive promotional offers worth considering
• Purchase APR – Check the interest rate if you plan to carry a balance

Your spending habits and travel frequency should guide your decision. A card with an annual fee might deliver better value if you travel regularly and use the included benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are foreign transaction fees refunded?

Foreign transaction fees are generally not refundable once charged to your account. These fees become part of your transaction total and are processed immediately with your purchase.

If you notice an incorrect fee on your statement, you can contact your card issuer to dispute it. Document the transaction details and explain why you believe the charge is wrong. Your issuer will investigate and may credit your account if they find an error.

The most effective approach is to avoid these fees altogether by using a card that doesn’t charge them. Prevention saves you the time and effort of seeking refunds that may not be granted.

What Makes US Dollar Cards Different from No-FX-Fee Cards?

US dollar credit cards and no foreign transaction fee cards serve different purposes. A US dollar card bills your purchases in American currency, which you then pay in USD from a US dollar account.

No foreign transaction fee cards bill in Canadian dollars but don’t charge the standard 2.5% conversion fee. You still pay in CAD, but the exchange rate is applied without an additional markup.

US Dollar Cards:

• Require a US dollar bank account for payments
• Best for frequent US travellers
• Avoid conversion fees on USD purchases only
• Still charge fees for other currencies

No Foreign Transaction Fee Cards:

• Bill in Canadian dollars
• Work for all foreign currencies
• No extra account needed
• Apply exchange rates without added fees

If you primarily travel to the United States and maintain USD accounts, a US dollar card may suit you. For worldwide travel or varied currency use, a no-fee card offers more flexibility.

What Other Options Exist Besides No-FX-Fee Cards?

Prepaid travel cards provide an alternative for managing foreign currency expenses. You load these cards with funds before travelling and use them like debit cards abroad. Many charge lower fees than traditional cards, though they may have loading and ATM withdrawal costs.

Digital payment services and mobile wallets sometimes offer competitive exchange rates. However, their acceptance varies by location and merchant, limiting their reliability as your sole payment method.

Alternative options include:

• Multi-currency prepaid cards
• Online payment platforms with international features
• Traveller’s cheques (largely outdated)
• Cash withdrawn from low-fee bank accounts

Each alternative has trade-offs in cost, security, and acceptance. No foreign transaction fee credit cards typically offer the best combination of convenience, protection, and value for most travellers. They work everywhere credit cards are accepted and require no advance planning or currency loading.

The good news is that Japan remains an accessible destination if you approach it with realistic expectations. Airfare will likely be your largest expense, but you can find reasonably priced lodging and affordable dining options throughout the country. Rather than attempting to travel on an unrealistic budget, focus on creating a practical spending plan that allows you to experience Japan comfortably while managing your expenses effectively.

Airfare

Flights to Japan from Canada typically range between $800 and $1,500 for a round-trip ticket. You can find lower prices during off-peak months like January, when fares average around $848, while December tends to be the most expensive time to book at approximately $1,703.

Booking early generally secures better rates, and some travellers have recently found round-trip flights starting at $500. Your final cost depends on factors such as departure city, airline, stopovers, and travel dates.

Airport Selection Matters

Tokyo operates two main international airports. Haneda sits closer to the city centre, while Narita is located about 60 minutes away by train. Choose Haneda when possible for convenience, though many international routes only serve Narita.

Kansai International Airport (KIX) is the other major airport in Japan that sees the most international flights. It’s located near Osaka and offers direct trains to Kyoto. Often, travellers will fly into Tokyo and out of Kansai to minimize backtracking.

Japan Accommodations

Japan offers diverse lodging options to suit every budget and preference. Expect to allocate approximately $200 nightly for standard accommodation. Space is often limited across most Japanese properties, resulting in compact rooms. Where North American hotels might provide two queen beds, Japanese rooms typically feature twin or single beds. Families of four should expect to book two separate rooms, but a few family-style hotels have opened as of late.

Hostels

Dormitory-style lodging represents the most economical choice for travellers, with nightly rates ranging from $40 to $60. Tokyo properties command higher prices than destinations such as Kyoto or other regional cities.

The shared accommodation model helps keep costs down while providing essential amenities and opportunities to meet fellow travellers.

Japan hostel recommendations:

• Book and Bed Tokyo (Tokyo)
• Gojo Guesthouse (Kyoto/Kansai)
• WeBase Hiroshima (Hiroshima)

Capsule hotels

These compact sleeping quarters have evolved from novelty to mainstream accommodation. Each pod includes essential amenities efficiently organized within a small space. Nightly costs range from $30 to $75 per person.

Prices can match or exceed hostel rates, and in certain cases, basic hotel rooms may cost similar amounts. Compare options carefully before booking.

Japan capsule hotel recommendations:

• Shinjuku Kuyakusho-mae Capsule Hotel (Tokyo)
• Sauna & Capsule Hotel Rumor Plaza(Kyoto)
• Capsule Hotel Cube Hiroshima (Hiroshima)

Mid-range hotels

Standard hotels typically cost around $150 per night. Significant savings are possible by choosing smaller chains or locations outside prime tourist districts. Japan’s excellent transit system makes staying in peripheral areas practical and convenient.

Japan mid-range hotel recommendations:

• Odakyu Hotel Century Southern Tower (Tokyo)
• Ibis Styles Kyoto Station (Kyoto)
• RIHGA Royal Hotel Hiroshima (Hiroshima)

Luxury hotels

nternational brand hotels are readily available in major cities for travellers seeking upscale accommodation. Nightly rates start at $400 and climb substantially higher for premium rooms and suites.

Properties like Hyatt Regency Kyoto offer refined service and amenities expected from established luxury brands.

Japan luxury hotel recommendations:

• The Ritz-Carlton (Tokyo)
• Four Seasons Hotel (Kyoto)
• Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel (Hiroshima)

Tradtional Japanese Inns (Ryokans)

Traditional inns provide an authentic cultural experience with tatami mat rooms and Japanese-style bedding. Most facilities feature shared bathing areas and washrooms, though some offer private facilities. Pricing varies considerably by amenities and location, ranging from $80 to $200 per night.

Rates are typically calculated per person rather than per room. Many properties include simple meals featuring rice and vegetables as part of the stay.

Japan ryokan recommendations:

• Kimi Ryokan (Tokyo)
• Ebisu Ryokan (Kyoto)
• Sansui Ryokan (Hiroshima)

Vacation rentals

Rental regulations in Japan restrict short-term lettings and require owners to obtain proper licensing. While platforms like Airbnb operate in Japan, legitimate listings must comply with local laws. Properties requesting that guests avoid contact with neighbours should raise concerns.

Licensed rentals or hotel rooms with kitchenettes offer better alternatives, particularly for groups or families requiring additional space. Costs vary significantly based on location, size, and amenities.

Japan apartment recommendations: 

• Akihabara Luxury Cityhouse (Tokyo)
• Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo (Tokyo)

Getting Around Locally

Japan has one of the best public transportation systems in the world. However, what confuses tourists is the number of options available. The best way to navigate is to review your options and choose the ones that make the most sense for your trip.

City Trains and Buses

Urban transit in Japanese cities is operated by multiple private companies. JR controls most surface rail lines, while separate operators manage subway systems. You’ll need to pay each operator separately unless you have a specific pass.

Prepaid IC cards such as Suica, Pasmo, and ICOCA simplify payments across transit systems. These cards are interchangeable across major metropolitan areas. You can tap them at ticket gates and reload them at station machines. Many convenience stores, vending machines, and restaurants also accept IC cards for purchases.

Transit fares in cities are distance-based and reasonably priced. A typical subway ride costs between 170 and 320 yen, depending on how far you travel. Buses usually charge flat rates within central zones. Taxis are available but cost significantly more than public transit options.

JR National Pass

The JR Pass grants unlimited access to Japan Rail trains, including most Shinkansen bullet trains, for consecutive periods of 7, 14, or 21 days. Recent price increases have reduced its value considerably compared to previous years.

The 7-day pass makes financial sense if you’re planning a return journey between Tokyo and Hiroshima or similar long-distance routes. For shorter trips or slower travel patterns, individual tickets often cost less than a pass.

The 14-day and 21-day passes rarely provide good value unless you’re travelling extensively between distant cities every few days. Calculate your planned routes before purchasing to ensure you’ll recoup the pass cost.

Area Transit Passes

Many cities and regions sell their own transportation passes that can offer better value than the JR Pass for localized travel. Kyoto sells passes specifically for its Raku bus network, which connects major tourist sites. These passes typically cover unlimited rides within a set area for one or multiple days.

Some regions offer combination passes that bundle transportation between major cities with local travel. The Hakone Free Pass and Koyasan World Heritage Ticket are examples that include both intercity transport and unlimited local travel. Research available passes for your planned destinations before arrival.

Major train stations have service counters where English-speaking staff can explain pass options and help you purchase the most suitable ticket. Bring your itinerary details to get accurate recommendations.

Food and drink

Meals in Japan don’t have to drain your wallet, though costs vary depending on your dining choices. A practical daily budget is about $55, covering breakfast at $8, lunch at $17, and dinner at $30. That said, you may end up snacking a lot, as street food and vending machines are everywhere.

Many accommodations include breakfast, offering a simple meal to start your day. Bakeries provide fresh buns for about $2, making them ideal for quick morning bites or snacks between meals. Convenience stores stock surprisingly good options, with bento boxes and sandwiches available for under $5.

A solid bowl of ramen will cost you about $15 and that’s a filling meal good at any time of the day.

Budget-Friendly Options

You’ll find authentic bowls of ramen, curry, udon, or soba at popular chains for less than $10. Fast-food combo meals typically cost around $10. These options let you experience Japanese cuisine without overspending.

Regional Specialties

Different regions offer distinct local delicacies worth trying. Kyoto is known for matcha treats, while Hiroshima specializes in okonomiyaki. Fresh sushi, Kobe beef, and takoyaki are just a fraction of the culinary experiences available nationwide.

Evening Dining

An izakaya offers an excellent way to sample a variety of dishes at reasonable prices. These Japanese bars offer affordable small plates alongside beer and sake, both of which remain reasonably priced nationwide. Of course, every major city in Japan is very multicultural, so you won’t have any issues finding different kinds of cuisine.

Remember that tipping isn’t practised in Japan, and all displayed prices include tax. This transparency makes budgeting straightforward, as the price you see is the price you pay. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or sitting down for a proper meal, you’ll find options at every price point that deliver quality and authenticity.

Attractions

While Japan offers numerous complimentary sites to explore, paid experiences will require a portion of your travel budget. Religious sites typically charge only a few hundred yen for entry, while museums demand slightly higher fees. However, costs escalate quickly if you attend sumo wrestling matches or visit entertainment complexes.

Major theme parks like Universal Studios Japan or Tokyo Disneyland represent significant expenses, potentially consuming several hundred dollars of your budget. Japanese theme parks remain competitively priced compared to international counterparts, though observation deck fees can feel steep.

Purchasing tickets ahead of your visit allows you to bypass queues, which proves valuable during peak periods like cherry blossom season when crowds surge.

Consider advance bookings for these popular destinations:

• Tokyo Skytree
• Tokyo Sanrio Puroland
• Legoland
• Osaka Castle
• Tokyo National Museum
• Mt. Fuji and Hakone Day trip from Tokyo
• Go karting in Akihabara, Tokyo
• Owl Cafe Akiba Fukurou

Your attraction spending depends heavily on your itinerary preferences. If theme parks aren’t part of your plans, allocate approximately $200 for various paid sites throughout your journey. Including two major theme parks requires increasing your budget to roughly $350.

Entry fees for standard museums and historical sites typically range from $5 to $20, making cultural exploration relatively affordable when spread across your trip duration.

Random spending

Travellers often overlook this category when planning their finances, yet it accounts for a significant share of actual expenses. Shopping happens naturally during any trip, whether purchasing souvenirs, selecting gifts for loved ones, or acquiring items for personal use. Allocating approximately $400 for miscellaneous purchases provides reasonable coverage for these unplanned expenses.

Japan offers unique retail experiences that differ markedly from those in other destinations. You’ll encounter products and merchandise unavailable elsewhere, creating temptation to purchase items despite uncertain practical value back home.

Notable shopping destinations include:

• Official brand stores for gaming companies
• Character-themed merchandise shops
• Specialty retail locations

You may also visit distinctive themed establishments, such as cosplay cafes, anime-themed venues, or animal-interaction cafes. These experiences come with costs beyond standard dining. Setting aside dedicated funds for spontaneous purchases and unique experiences prevents budget strain and allows you to engage with Japan’s distinctive retail culture without financial stress.

Final Thoughts

When planning your journey, budget approximately $6,000 for a two-week visit to ensure you can fully experience the country. Without proper financial planning, you risk missing memorable activities and attractions.

Having a clear understanding of Japan trip cost elements – from accommodation and transport to dining and entertainment – allows you to make informed decisions throughout your travels. Research additional money-saving strategies before departure to stretch your budget further.

Alternatively, read my guides on Hong Kong, Vietnam, Southeast Asia and Malaysia for more inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What budget should you plan for a 14-day journey to Japan?

For a two-week visit to Japan, your budget will depend significantly on your spending preferences. If you’re travelling solo on a modest budget, plan for approximately $4,000 to $5,000. This covers basic hostels, economical meals, and standard transportation.

Couples should expect to spend between $7,000 and $8,500 for the same duration. Families of four will need to allocate roughly $10,000 to $12,000, accounting for larger accommodation requirements and additional meal expenses.

Your daily expenditure typically ranges from $150 to $400 per person. Budget-conscious travellers can manage on $150 to $200 daily by staying in hostels and choosing affordable dining options. Mid-range travellers should expect to spend $250 to $350 per day for comfortable hotels and varied dining experiences.

What should you expect to pay for lodging in Japan’s main urban centres?

Accommodation costs vary widely across Japan’s major cities. You’ll find hostels and budget guesthouses starting at $50 per night for a basic dormitory bed. Private rooms in budget properties range from $80 nightly.

Mid-range hotels in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto typically cost between $150 and $200 per night for a standard double room. These often include essential amenities and convenient locations near public transport.

Higher-end hotels and ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) typically start at $200 per night and can exceed $500. The average daily accommodation expense for two people is approximately $200, though this varies by location and season. Peak travel periods, such as cherry blossom season and autumn foliage, will command premium rates.

How much will you spend daily on meals whilst exploring Japan?

Your daily food budget in Japan depends on your dining choices. Budget travellers can eat well for $25 to $40 per day by frequenting convenience stores, casual ramen shops, and standing sushi bars.

Mid-range dining typically costs $50 to $80 per person per day. This allows for restaurant lunches, sit-down dinners, and occasional café visits. You can enjoy quality meals at casual restaurants for $8 to $15 at lunch and $15 to $30 at dinner.

Higher-end dining experiences will increase your daily budget to $100 or more. The general estimate is approximately $150 per person per day, covering all meals, snacks, beverages, and occasional treats. Convenience stores offer excellent value, with fresh, quality-prepared meals often costing less than $8.

What are the transportation expenses you’ll encounter throughout Japan?

Transportation costs depend on your travel patterns and distances covered. Local transport within cities averages $10 to $15 per person per day for subway and bus fares. Single subway trips typically cost $2 to $4.

For inter-city travel, you have several options:

Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)

• 7-day pass: approximately $280 to $310
• 14-day pass: approximately $450 to $500
• 21-day pass: approximately $580 to $640

Individual bullet train tickets are expensive. A one-way journey from Tokyo to Kyoto costs around $130, while a one-way journey from Tokyo to Osaka costs about $140. The JR Pass becomes worthwhile if you’re making multiple long-distance trips.

For two people, daily transportation expenses average about $30 per person, though this increases with longer journeys. Taxis are costly, with base fares starting at $7 and rising quickly in urban areas.

What strategies can reduce your travel expenses in Japan?

Several practical approaches can reduce your travel costs in Japan without sacrificing the quality of your experience. Purchase a JR Pass before departure if you plan multiple intercity trips, as it offers substantial savings on bullet train travel.

Stay in hostels, guesthouses, or capsule hotels rather than traditional hotels. These options provide clean, comfortable accommodation at significantly reduced rates. Consider vacation rentals with kitchen facilities for longer stays, allowing you to prepare some meals yourself.

Eat like locals by visiting convenience stores, supermarkets, and casual eateries. Lunch sets at restaurants cost considerably less than dinner menus, whilst offering similar quality. Look for temples and parks, as many charge minimal or no entrance fees despite offering remarkable experiences.

Travel during shoulder seasons (March to early April, late May to June, September to November, excluding peak autumn) for better accommodation rates and fewer crowds. Purchase a prepaid IC card, such as Suica or Pasmo, for convenient local transport and small discounts. Many cities offer day passes for unlimited subway and bus travel.

Take advantage of tax-free shopping at designated stores by presenting your passport. Free walking tours in major cities offer excellent orientation and cultural insights at no cost.

What visa and entry charges apply when visiting Japan?

Most Western nationalities enjoy visa-free entry to Japan for tourism purposes. Visitors from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and most European Union countries can stay up to 90 days without a visa. You simply receive a temporary visitor status stamp upon arrival at no charge.

There are no entry fees or tourist taxes when entering Japan at airports or seaports. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your intended stay. Upon arrival, immigration officers may ask about your accommodation arrangements and return flight details.

You will need to complete a customs declaration form, but there are no associated fees. Ensure you have proof of onward travel and sufficient funds for your stay, though these are rarely checked for short-term tourists from visa-exempt countries.

If your nationality requires a visa, fees vary by country and visa type. Contact the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country well before departure to determine specific requirements and associated costs.

Travel insurance, often referred to as trip insurance, covers you for unexpected events (such as a hurricane) when you’re travelling (or about to travel). What some people don’t realize is that travel insurance isn’t just for your health. A comprehensive travel insurance package will cover you for other things, including if your luggage is lost, if you need to return home due to an emergency, and more. Trip insurance could even cover you if you fall while hiking and need a helicopter to take you to a hospital.

To be clear, it doesn’t matter if you’re travelling overseas, taking a cruise, or crossing the border for some last-minute shopping. Having travel insurance is a must.

The benefits of travel insurance are obvious, and the cost is relatively low. Yet, many people don’t bother getting it for one reason or another. Travelling without insurance is a huge risk that’s just not worth taking (unless you like paying things out of your own pockets). Here’s everything you need to know about what is travel insurance.

What does travel insurance cover?

The first thing to understand is that travel insurance plans covers many different things. There can easily be about ten different things that fall under travel insurance, but not every policy covers everything. The more coverage you get, the more it’ll cost you, but overall, trip insurance does not cost that much. Here are the types of travel insurance you need to know about.

Travel medical

Travel medical emergency insurance is an absolute must-have when travelling since it covers the basics, such as a visit to the doctor or hospital for an illness or sickness. It also covers emergency services such as ambulance rides and emergency evacuations. Never travel without travel medical coverage since medical expenses can add up fast. Note that your provincial health insurance does not cover you for much when you travel outside of Canada.

Trip cancellation/interruption (trip delay)

Unfortunately, sometimes things happen that leave us with no choice but to cancel our travel plans. Assuming it’s for a qualifying reason (such as jury duty), trip cancellation insurance will reimburse your travel costs. To clarify, trip cancellation coverage refers to before you depart, while interruption applies if you need to end your trip early. With trip interruption coverage, you can get some money back if you need to return home due to a qualifying reason.

Flight delay

If your flight is delayed, you’ll usually get up to a certain amount to spend on things to keep you comfortable. For example, if your travel delay was for 4 hours, you could get up to $1,000 to spend on food, hotels, and even entertainment.

Baggage insurance

Delayed baggage insurance is often overlooked, but you’ll be glad you have it if yours is ever delayed, lost, or stolen. Every policy is different, but if your luggage is delayed for a certain amount of time (usually 4-6 hours), you’ll qualify for a set amount of money that you can use to make purchases. Baggage loss is one of the most frustrating things. That’s why you need to have insurance.

Rental car 

If you rent a car, you’re going to need insurance. Many travel insurance policies or even your regular auto insurance policy already include this coverage. Be aware that to qualify for this insurance, you usually need to decline the optional insurance that the rental car company offers.

Hotel/motel burglary 

This one is pretty straightforward. If your personal belongings are stolen from your hotel, you’ll be entitled to make a claim if you’re insured. Keep in mind that your regular home insurance often covers any lost or stolen personal items while you travel.

Accidental death & dismemberment

AD&D (sometimes known as travel accident) gives you (or your next of kin) a set amount if you lose one of your limbs or pass away while travelling. Obviously, this is something you would prefer not to make a claim on.

What does travel insurance coverage not cover?

Every travel insurance policy is different, so don’t assume you’re covered for all of the above when purchasing a plan. There are always exclusions and restrictions. You’ll need to read the formal paperwork so you’ll know exactly what you’re covered for. There are also limits to how much you can claim. For example, trip cancellation might only cover up to $10,000 in total. Or, lost luggage is only good, up to $500 per person. In other words, it’s possible that travel insurance won’t cover your trip.

Keep in mind that having a policy doesn’t guarantee you coverage. For example, most travel insurance policies are void if you travel to a country with a travel advisory from the Canadian government, such as Afghanistan. It may also not cover you if you do something extreme such as bungee jumping or skydiving.

It’s also worth noting that if you’re relying on credit card travel insurance, it usually has strict conditions such as the length of the travel, the age of passengers, and what you’re entitled to. You may also have to charge a certain amount of your trip expenses to your card to be insured. For example, some credit cards require you to charge 100% of your trip expenses for your policy to be valid. Again, always read the paperwork so you know what you’re entitled to.

Other things that may not be covered include the following:

• Pre-existing medical conditions
• Travel assistance services that have a fee
• Amounts paid out by refund policies
• Exotic vehicles and trucks
• Coronavirus (depends on the insurance provider)
• Any extended family member (brother, parents)
• Acts of war or terrorism

Evaluating your needs

At the very least, you need to have travel medical insurance whenever you travel. Basically, if you ever leave your home province, travel insurance is a must. Your provincial healthcare will cover you for some basic medical attention, but only up to the amount that’s approved in your home province. It won’t cover any emergency services, so if you need a helicopter medical evacuation, you’re out of luck.

Even if you’re going to the U.S. for a weekend trip or a day trip for shopping, you’ll need proper insurance. A trip to the doctor will easily cost you $100. If you need more serious medical attention, you could end up spending thousands.

Trip Cancellation/Interruption is technically optional, but it’s something I prefer to have. With most policies, if you’re delayed for 4 hours, you’ll be entitled to a hotel and possibly some spending money. As weird as it sounds, insurance companies are a lot easier to deal with than airlines when there are delays, so I prefer to have peace of mind.

Baggage insurance is another optional insurance that is often hotly debated. Technically speaking, your home insurance covers any valuables that are damaged or lost in your luggage, but that doesn’t help you at the moment. I personally like having baggage insurance since it’s pretty cheap, but I can see why some people would not bother with it.

Can I cancel for any reason?

In most cases, travel insurance can only be claimed when you meet specific conditions. Let’s say you’re set to travel in a week, but you’re suddenly laid off. Most travel insurance policies would allow you to cancel your trip and get your money back (up to the limits outlined in your policy). Now let’s say a day before the trip, you’re just feeling nervous and don’t want to go. You couldn’t just cancel your trip and expect all your money back.

That said, there are cancel for any reason (CFAR) policies available from some insurance providers. They’re rare, and they often cost 50% – 75% of your trip cost. For most people, if you can afford the cost of a CFAR policy, you can likely afford to lose the entire cost of your trip.

Even if you need to cancel your trip and your trip insurance won’t cover you, you may not be completely out of luck. Many airlines will give you a credit, and some hotels don’t charge you until you arrive. You might have to pay some cancellation fees, but it’s unlikely you’d lose everything.

COVID-19 Travel insurance

COVID-19 travel insurance is something that’s still not very common. Not many insurance providers are covering COVID-19. That said, some airlines and hotels have their own insurance policies that would cover you. Of course, this policy only applies when flying specific airlines or staying at specific hotels.

Eventually, the world will be vaccinated, but I wouldn’t be surprised if COVID-19 is not included in future policies. I’m guessing many insurance providers would expect people to get the vaccine, but some people may not get it before they have to travel.

How much does travel insurance cost?

Generally speaking, travel medical insurance only costs a few dollars a day. If you want a comprehensive package that covers all the extras, such as trip cancellation and lost luggage, it’ll cost you a bit more. Keep in mind that your age and medical history could affect the cost.

Instead of buying travel insurance for a single trip, you can just buy an annual multi-trip insurance plan. The cost is about the same as buying two 14-day insurance plans, so if you travel a lot, it could be of good value. Generally speaking, the premiums for a yearly plan will cost you less than $200. You should always shop around and get multiple quotes.

Another advantage of buying a yearly plan is the underwriting process. With yearly plans, your medical condition is assessed at the time of purchase. That means you’ll know what you’re covered for until the policy expires.

If you’re relying on credit card insurance, the underwriting process happens at the time of the claim. Let’s say you have a heart attack while travelling, and you get rushed to the hospital. When the insurance companies do their underwriting, they find out you visited your doctor about chest pains 3 months prior. They could potentially deny your insurance claim and call it a preexisting condition. It may sound extreme, but it can happen.

You might already have travel insurance

The great thing about travel insurance is the fact that you might already have a policy. If you have benefits through your employer, take a look to see if you have travel medical insurance included. Most major employers will have travel medical insurance as a standard policy, but it’s rare that they’ll offer trip cancellation/interruption or anything else.

There are also quite a few credit cards with travel insurance that will usually include travel medical insurance, trip cancellation/interruption, baggage insurance, and accidental death & dismemberment. Travel medical insurance always applies, but to qualify for the other types of insurance. You usually need to charge a certain amount of your travel expenses to your credit card for the policy to be valid.

Keep in mind that credit card travel insurance usually only covers a set period of time, e.g. 10 to 21 days, and it may only cover those under the age of 65. If you’re travelling longer or you’re older than 65, you may need to extend your coverage or purchase a separate policy. Remember, every insurance policy is different. Always read the fine print to find out exactly what you’re covered for.

Making a claim

Every insurer has different requirements when making a claim, so do read the details of your policy to figure out the proper steps. Generally speaking, you should do the following:

Travel medical insurance

• Call your insurance provider as soon as possible, preferably before any procedure is done (this may not be possible)
• Get any documentation possible, e.g. medical records, procedures done, receipts
• If your insurance provider didn’t make the payments directly for your medical care, submit your receipts as soon as possible

Trip cancellation

• Contact your insurance provider and provide evidence that your reason for cancelling your trip falls under your policy details

Trip interruption / baggage insurance

• Contact your insurance provider
• Get documentation from your airline about the delay or lost luggage
• Make your purchases and save all your receipts
• Submit receipts as soon as you can

Rental car insurance insurance

• Decline any insurance from the car rental company
• If you’re in an accident, get the insurance information from the other party involved
• Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible
• Collect anything that will help with your claim, e.g. photos of the accident, police report, witness contact information

Generally speaking, every travel insurance company will have their own method of processing claims. These days, you can usually do things online. Just submit your receipts or medical bills and your travel details (departure dates, flight numbers, etc.), and your claim will be processed. Once your claim has been approved, reimbursement will usually be done by direct deposit, e-transfer, or cheque.

Final thoughts

Now you know what is travel insurance. It’s pretty straightforward once you understand how it works. Look at your employee and credit card benefits first before buying a policy. If you still require coverage, speak to an insurance broker, travel agent or tour operator, as they may be able to find the right travel insurance policy for you. Travel insurance is a must; never travel without it.

Check out other parts of the series below

Part 1: Budgeting for a trip
Part 2: How to pick a vacation destination
Part 3: How to find cheap flights
Part 4: How to save money on hotels
Part 5: How to eat cheap when travelling
Part 6: The best way to exchange money
Part 7: The basics of travel insurance
Part 8: Sticking to your travel budget

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Referral Code for TourRadar

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Since this is a referral code, I do get up to 5% in credit with every signup, but Tourradar is a company I believe helps travellers.

Admittedly, most mobile providers now offer international data plans, but depending on where you’re coming from, it can still be expensive. For example, as a Canadian, our roaming plans are not cost-effective at all. Plus, unless you have an unlimited data plan, there’s always the worry that you may go over your limit, which would result in massive charges.

In my KnowRoaming review, I’ll go over how KnowRoaming works, what it costs, and the differences between the KnowRoaming SIM card and KnowRoaming SIM sticker.

How KnowRoaming benefits

• Inexpensive roaming data
• Available in multiple SIM sizes

Don’t worry if the KnowRoaming benefits seem limited. The only thing that matters is that you can get data while you’re travelling for a reasonable price.

KnowRoaming is pretty easy to use. You purchase one of the three SIM card options, download the app, and purchase data plans. When you’re abroad, you switch to KnowRoaming’s network and you’re good to go. You get a free US number as an account holder and you can also purchase a local number when travelling to other countries.

This shouldn’t surprise anyone, but having data on your phone when you travel is a life changer. The first time I visited Japan, data phones didn’t exist. I had to rely on paper maps to get around. However, when I returned to the country a few years later, I had maps, instant directions, and even a translator thanks to data.

Admittedly, KnowRoaming can be more expensive compared to getting a plan with a local carrier, but it’s more convenient. With KnowRoaming, your SIM will pretty much work all over the world, so there’s no need to worry about switching SIMs. This is especially important when visiting multiple countries.

KnowRoaming SIM options

Depending on the SIM you choose, you may also have the option to have calls to your home number forwarded to you while you’re abroad. Which SIM you choose is a personal preference since you’ll have access to cheap voice and data plans regardless.

KnowRoaming sticker

The KnowRoaming sticker is arguably the most popular product since you’ll get voice and data access on your mobile phone without physically having to switch your SIM. As the name implies, the KnowRoaming sticker is a sticker. It literally sticks onto your existing SIM card.

The main advantage of the KnowRoaming sticker is that you can have your calls forwarded to you when you’re abroad via their ReachMe service. This is obviously handy for anyone who needs to take calls regardless of where they are.

KnowRoaming SIM card

The KnowRoaming SIM card is like any other SIM card. You replace your regular SIM with the KnowRoaming SIM card when you’re abroad and you’re good to go. You can’t have calls forwarded to you when using the KnowRoaming SIM.

With both options, you can not have any text messages forwarded to you. You’re better off using WhatsApp, or you can even purchase a local number if you need to talk to someone locally a lot.

KnowRoaming eSIM

You can also use KnowRoaming without worrying about a SIM card or sticker. With eSIMs, you scan a QR code to purchase a local or global data plan. The eSIM is an affordable option, but it’s only good for data.

I used to use the KnowRoaming SIM sticker, but I had a few times where my home carrier needed me to get a new SIM. Admittedly, this has only happened twice in the last six years, but since the SIM sticker can’t be reused, I had to repurchase them.

I’ve now switched to the KnowRoaming SIM card. Yes, it requires me to physically swap cards and I can no longer forward my calls, but no one calls my phone number anyways. If someone is going to call me, they can do it via WhatsApp.

Is KnowRoaming reliable?

Many travellers who have used global SIM cards in the past might be concerned about reliability. I’ll admit that I’ve had more than one experience where the product I’ve tested was barely useful. If the data speeds are slow or you have a hard time connecting to the network, then a global SIM card is useless.

With KnowRoaming, you can get data access in 200+ countries. The company has agreements with local carriers so your speeds should be decent. Throughout the years, I’ve mostly had access to 4G data speeds. On a few occasions, it’s been 3G but that was some time ago. 5G has just started to roll out throughout the world, and I haven’t travelled much recently due to COVID-19, so I haven’t been able to test things.

Admittedly, there were a few occasions over the years where I wasn’t able to connect to the network when arriving in a new country. That said, this issue was always resolved quickly by reaching out to customer service. All it really required was for me to manually connect to the proper network. As soon as I did that, I was good to go.

KnowRoaming rates

One problem with many roaming plans is that you have no idea how much you’ve spent until you return home. With the KnowRoaming app, you can manage your services and monitor your account making it easy to avoid roaming charges since you’ll know exactly how much you’re spending.

You would buy data plans in advance and then activate them when you’re abroad. Some of the data plan prices are as follows:

• Global unlimited data 1 day – $3.99 USD
• Global unlimited data 3 days – $9.99 USD
• Europe/Asia 1GB – $9.99 USD
• Europe/Asia 5GB – $39.99 USD
• Global 1GB – $24.99 USD
• Global 5GB – $99.99 USD

KnowRoaming does have pay as you go rates, but it’ll almost always be more expensive compared to buying a data plan. Pay as you go is turned off by default.

For reference, both the KnowRoaming SIM card and KnowRoaming sticker are $9.99 USD.

KnowRoaming promo code

If you’re looking for a KnowRoaming promo code, I’ve got you covered. Use KnowRoaming referral code BARRY18 when you check out and you’ll get 50% off the KnowRoaming SIM Sticker & receive a free $10 credit. This deal is only available when ordering directly through knowroaming.com.

The discount applies to SIM cards only and not data plans.

Alternative options

While KnowRoaming is incredibly convenient and has reasonable prices, getting a local SIM card will usually be the cheapest option since you can get a local plan. That said, if you get a local SIM, you won’t be able to take calls from your home phone number.

Also, if you’re going to be travelling to multiple countries in one trip, a local SIM may not be compatible once you change countries. KnowRoaming is great since you can visit multiple destinations and still get low rates. For example, their Asia data plans cover all of Asia.

You could also check with your regular mobile provider to see what kind of roaming voice and data plans they offer. Depending on where you reside, an international plan might not be that expensive. That said, I’m Canadian and the cost of roaming packages is insanely high which is why I use KnowRoaming.

In many Asian countries renting a pocket Wi-Fi is cheaper than KnowRoaming’s data plans but they’re only good for data. You won’t be able to make voice calls at the cheaper rate, nor will you be able to accept calls from your home number, so there are definitely pros and cons to each option. Of course, you could always make calls via WhatsApp if you really wanted.

Final thoughts

My KnowRoaming review is positive. Fast speeds and healthy data packages that are cheap are perfect for all types of travellers. If you need to make voice calls, the sound quality is excellent with no delays. KnowRoaming is a great choice for travellers who are looking for a single product that will allow them to stay connected while travelling.

It’s like you can avoid all of these fees, but if you can reduce the amount that you’re paying, that’s more money you can spend on your trip. Once you know about the fees and charges below, you can take the steps to avoid them. Always take the time to look over your trip details so you’re not paying more than you have to.

Foreign transaction fees 

A lot of travellers don’t realize that they’re likely getting charged 2.5% whenever they use their credit card to make a purchase in a foreign currency. What makes this foreign transaction fee even more annoying is that it can go as high as 3.5% when you use an ATM. Plus, you still need to pay any one-time fees. As you can imagine those

The good thing is that you can avoid this fee if you use a credit card without foreign transaction fees. If you need to get cash, I recommend using STACK, this prepaid card doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees or ATM fees (although some foreign ATM fees may charge a one-time fee). Best of all, if you sign up with my referral link, you’ll get $5 for free! You must click the link via your mobile device for it to work.

Dynamic currency exchange 

Here’s another fee that is hidden in plain sight. Sometimes when using your credit card abroad, you’re given the option to pay in your home currency or the local currency. Always select the local currency since the home currency option (known formally as the dynamic currency exchange) is set by the merchant.

It’s not uncommon to see the dynamic currency exchange set at a higher rate compared to the formal exchange rate set by the credit card issuer (Amex, Visa, Mastercard). Even if you have a credit card without foreign transaction fees, you’ll be charged extra if you select to pay in Canadian dollars (since the fee is baked in already). Keep in mind that quite often the prompt for your home currency or the local currency is in the local language, so don’t let the sales rep just keep pressing OK or continue for you.

Roaming charges 

International data plans have become cheaper over the years, but there are still ways to save. Generally speaking, you should never just roam with your regular plan. You need to purchase an international plan with your home carrier or get a vice and data plan with a different provider such as KnowRoaming.

The best part about KnowRoaming is that they use a sticker that attaches to your home SIM card so you can still take calls from your home number when abroad. Alternatively, they have a SIM card option which might be more convenient for some users. If you’re interested in KnowRoaming, my referral code gets you 50% off the SIM sticker and a $10 credit. The referral code is also good for the SIM card, but you don’t get additional credit.

Checked baggage fees 

Just about every airline now charges for checked baggage when flying within North America so it’s your best interest to pack carry-on luggage only. Packing may seem impossible at first but it’s easier than you think. Remember, you’re technically allowed to carry on 2 items; one standard article, and one personal article, plus there’s nothing stopping you from wearing layers onto the plane. A family of 4 who uses carry-on luggage only can avoid this travel fee and instantly save $200 on their trip.

If you fly WestJet a lot, the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard gives the primary cardholder and up to 8 additional people on the same itinerary their first bag checked free. Both TD and American Express have announced that their new Aeroplan credit cards will also come with free checked bags on Air Canada flights.

Car rental insurance 

You obviously need auto insurance when renting a car, but you may already have it. If you own a car at home, your standard insurance policy usually carries over to rental cards which means you can decline any insurance that the car rental agency offers you.

Even if you don’t own a car, you might still have car rental insurance. Many of the best travel credit cards in Canada offer travel insurance as a standard benefit, so when you make your reservation, be sure to use a credit card that will cover you in the event of an accident. Keep in mind that to qualify for your credit card insurance, you need to decline any insurance offered by the car rental agency. Don’t forget to read your own car rental insurance policy before you depart just so you know what you’re covered for. For example, it may or may not include third-party liability insurance.

Toll fees 

Tolls aren’t very expensive but if you’re renting a car you really need to be mindful of them. Many highways and bridges no longer have a physical person collecting tolls, instead, a transponder is required, or they’ll take a picture of the license plate and invoice the owner later.

When you can, use the cash fare lanes. It may also be worthwhile to get a rental car that includes a transponder (which may cost extra). Some car rental agencies will allow you to pay for your tolls after you’ve returned your car, but that requires you to keep a detailed log of your travels. If you fail to inform them, you’ll be sent a bill later and you’ll likely have to pay an additional administration fee.

Resort fees

Let’s be clear, the only way to avoid resort fees is to book a property that doesn’t charge them. I’ve only listed resort fees in this article as they are something that can surprise you if you weren’t expecting it.

Quite often the resort fees are charged the day you check out and they can cost you $25 – 50 a day which is no small amount. You can obviously charge it to your credit cards, but imagine you’re ready to go home and then you find out you need to pay $200+ in fees? That would just be annoying so look into them before you make any reservations.

Medical bills 

Once you leave home, the cost of healthcare can be quite expensive. A quick trip to the emergency room in the U.S. could you hundreds, if thousands of dollars, so make sure you have travel medical insurance.

Interestingly enough, there’s a good chance you already have free travel insurance. Some employers offer travel medical insurance as a standard benefit. Alternatively, if you have a travel rewards credit card, make sure you book your holiday on that since it’ll usually have a comprehensive insurance policy which might include trip cancellation/interruption and lost/delayed baggage.

In a worst-case scenario, you can easily purchase travel insurance on your own for just a few dollars a day.

Final thoughts

Travel fees and charges are an absolute pain, heck anytime you need to pay something when it can be avoided sucks. When travelling many people tend to ignore their spending but that’s a huge mistake. Any money you’re able to save can be used towards your next vacation so try your best to avoid these travel charges whenever you can.

If you don’t know where to begin, or where to eat, I would recommend joining a food tour so you can get to sample different foods while learning about the local culture. Intrepid Travel offered me a free pass to their Urban Adventures: Tokyo After 5 Tour and it ended up being one of the highlights of my trip. We had a local guide who took us to Yakitori Alley, Ginza, and Tsukishima, 3 popular dining areas for locals where we had yakitori, monjayaki, and Japanese sweets.

What made this food tour great is that I got to try new foods that I may have not tried on my own while travelling through Japan. After the tour, I made a note to try Okonomiyaki in Hiroshima, and I visited 2 more Izakayas for Yakitori. Honestly, food in Japan is so diverse that you really can’t go wrong.

Japanese foods that must be tried

Sushi – Okay everyone knows what sushi is, but once you’ve had sushi at Tsukiji market in Tokyo; sushi will never be the same. Tsukiji Market is the largest fish and seafood market in the world; the morning tuna auction is a must see for many tourists. The sushi here doesn’t get any fresher since the fish is usually caught that morning.

Ramen – The origin of ramen is unclear, but it became popular in North America when celebrity chef David Chang opened his Momofuku restaurant in New York. Ramen is basically noodles, served with pork, in a hot broth. The broth comes in various flavours and you can now get dipping ramen (cold noodles, which you dip into a thicker hot broth). Ramen is so popular in Japan, that there’s a ramen museum in Yokohama.

Okonomiyaki – Okonomiyaki is kind of like a savory pancake and contains many different ingredients depending on where in Japan you’re having it. I had it in Hiroshima and it had noodles, cabbage, green onion, bacon, bean sprouts, and egg. It sounds really weird, but it was one of the better tasting things I had on my trip. It’s surprising that this food in Japan isn’t available in other parts of the world.

Monjayaki – Similar to okonomiyaki, but it has more a of a liquid dough texture. This version is popular in the Kantō region (around Tokyo). You can find the best monjayaki in the Tsukishima area of Tokyo.

Matcha – When green tea is finely ground into a powder, it’s known as matcha and it can be used it many different dishes. Matcha is most famous in Kyoto so you’ll find green tea infused food everywhere. This matcha “sundae” I had came with 5 different forms of matcha: matcha foam, matcha cake, matcha ice cream, and 2 different kinds of matcha jelly.

Yakitori – Grilled chicken skewers in Japan is known as Yakitori, but is often referred to all grilled skewers by foreigners. Yakitori or kushiyaki (grilled meats) can be found at any Izakaya (A Japanese bar), as well as at many restaurants. Grilled meat may sound pretty plain, but it’s almost an art in Japan where some restaurants specialize in  just yakitori.

Takoyaki – This food in Japan is very popular in Osaka so I was excited to give it a try. Takoyaki is made with batter, filled with octopus, tempura, and green onion cooked on a special pan. They come out as little balls and are then covered in takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. Sounds delicious right? I’m sad to report that it was my least favourite Japanese food. What they don’t tell you is that the batter on the inside is soft and runny– I was expecting deep fried balls. It wasn’t awful, I just prefer my food cooked through.

Kobe beef – If you’re a steak lover then you need to try Kobe beef, and there’s no better place to have than in Kobe. What makes the meat different is that it’s well-marbled, making it soft when chewing. Unlike in North America, the popular way of cooking Kobe beef is by Teppanyaki (a hot flat iron griddle).

Taiyaki – Taiyaki is a fish shaped cake which can also be found in pastry form. It’s usually filled with red bean paste, but also comes with other fillings like chocolate or custard, some shops even serve it with ice cream. It pretty much tastes like a red bean turnover, and can be found just about anywhere in Japan.

Tempura – Another common dish that is available all over the world, but tempura is a very popular food in Japan. The main difference I found with tempura in Japan is that the batter was always lighter. Obviously it’s still deep fried, but never did I get a heavy oil taste.

Omurice – I really wanted to try omurice but I just couldn’t convince my wife to give it a try. Omurice is a dish where east meets west; they basically take an omelette, fill it with fried rice, and then top it with ketchup or curry. Okay I admit, it does sound weird, but there were many packed restaurants that served it.

Tonkatsu – Tonkatsu is breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet or loin. It’s usually served with cabbage, or rice, on on noodles, with curry, or you can even get it in a sandwich. Just like every Japanese food, you can find Tonkatsu just about anywhere.

Shabu-shabu – This type of cooking is very popular in Japan. You basically get thin slices of beef (or other meats) and vegetables which you then cook in boiling water or soup. If you’ve ever done hot pot, it’s basically the same thing but for whatever reason you seem to get less options. The cooked meats are usually dipped in ponzu sauce (a citrus soy type of sauce) and eaten over white rice.

Final word

I can not stress how much I had on the Urban Adventures: Tokyo After 5 food tour, it was so much fun. Keep in mind that food in Japan is not limited to Japanese food, you can find any international cuisine in all the major cities. I had Indian food in Tokyo and Nara that rivaled anything I’ve had back home in Toronto. The Italian food in Osaka brought me back to my honeymoon where we dined in Tuscany, it was so good we went back to the same restaurant twice.

In most cases tax is already included in the menu price but a table charge, or otoshi in Japanese might be added to your bill. This charge is most common in bars and generally speaking it’s not very expensive e.g. ¥300, but higher end establishments might charge up to ¥2,000. Tipping however is considered rude in Japan, so don’t be surprised if someone chases you down the street to return money that you left on the table.

To learn more about Japan, check out my post: Japan travel blog: Endless discovery

To be fair, I’m sort of “happy” that I’ve been ripped off a few times because it allowed me to learn from experiences. Heck, some of the things you’ll read below are some of my fondest travel memories. That said, at the time, I was not impressed. Avoid the following travel ripoffs and you’ll save yourself some money and potential headaches.

Anything sold at a market

I’ll admit as a tourist, markets are a lot of fun. I love the idea of shopping amount locals and looking for souvenirs to bring home. The problem is, most popular markets are only visited by tourists and there’s typically no listed price. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you could end up paying much more than you have to.

At the night market in Bangkok, I wanted to buy paper lamps. While I was browsing, there were three different prices which were all based on the person’s haggling skills. The person who spent the most paid double of what the lowest person paid. Because I overheard this, I got a good price, but the lamp ended up being of low quality and broke quickly.

When I was in Dubai, I headed to the gold souq with my friend who’s a local. She was looking for something for her daughters so she got a quote from one of the vendors. Right away she knew it was a ripoff since it was 25% more than stores located outside of the souq.

Foreign exchange fees

Changing money at the airport, your hotel, or even your bank can cost you a small fortune. When I was headed to Brazil, I went to my bank to exchange some money, they quoted me a 10% markup! While I was at the airport in Barcelona, the spread was 7.5% above the current exchange rate. As you can imagine, those fees can add up quickly.

I find using ATMs to be the easiest and cheapest way to get cash. The usual cost is 2.5% on top of the spot rate, plus a one-time transaction fee. It’s best to withdraw your daily maximum when using ATMs since it’ll lower your overall transaction fees. Note that the STACK Mastercard doesn’t charge the exchange fee, you only pay the one-time transaction fee.

Alternatively, you can use one of the best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees in Canada. These cards don’t charge the standard 2.5% exchange fee so they’re perfect for travelling. Some even come with extra travel benefits such as lounge access. 

Hotel mini-fridge and Wi-Fi

I never really understood those who consume food and drink from the hotel mini-fridge.  How lazy are you that you’d rather pay double to triple the price for a can of Pepsi or some nuts? I understand that you’re paying for convenience, but how difficult would it be to go to a convenience or grocery store to load up on snacks when you arrive?

I hate to keep bashing hotels but why do some hotels still not have free Wi-Fi in the room? Admittedly, this is becoming rare. However, to get free Wi-Fi, the major hotel chains usually want you to join their loyalty program first. That’s not such a bad thing since programs such as Marriott Bonvoy are excellent. Smaller and independent hotels typically include free Wi-Fi as a standard benefit. 

Things sold on the street

I remember my first time in New York I saw people selling “designer bags” on a blanket, obviously the bags were fake, so why would you want to but them?

In Florence, I saw the same thing but instead of handbags they were selling tripods. I assumed there was no way there could be fake tripods, so I purchased one. Big mistake, after using it just twice the thing snapped.

When I was in Istanbul, I couldn’t walk 100 meters without being offered a tour of the Bosphorus. I did take a look at one of their tours, but I quickly realized the price was much higher than a similar cruise I could book online or through my hotel.

Carrier surcharge fees

When booking a flight on points/miles, many airlines charge a carrier fee, which is sometimes referred to as fuel surcharges. This is easily one of the biggest travel ripoffs since they’re only charged when you’re redeeming your points. Clearly airlines are doing this to recapture some revenue since you’re not paying for your ticket.

Not every airline charges this fee, and the good news is that the new Aeroplan is eliminating this fee completely. However, some airlines will continue to charge it which is why you should try to avoid those carriers when redeeming your points.

Final thoughts

Whenever you visit any destination that gets a lot of tourists, there are going to be a lot of things that are going to be a ripoff. It’s always best to do your research and never make any quick decisions if you’re looking to buy something. You’ll also want to avoid some travel gear as it’s not nearly as useful as they sound.

Many travellers have yet to commit to Budapest due to old fears. Its part of Eastern Europe so people tend to have misconceptions of what to expect. English is very commonly spoken, and I assure you there is no communism here. It’s a must visit for tourists looking for something a little off the beaten path.

Here are a few quick notes for those who are thinking about visiting Budapest, followed with my Budapest travel blog through pictures further below.

The Budapest basics

Accommodations – Although accommodations in Budapest are pretty reasonable, I recommend Airbnb since they offer incredible value. I was able to find an apartment in District V for about 50% of the cost of a hotel.

My preferred booking site is booking.com since it lists hotels, apartments, B&B’s, vacation homes and inns. In addition, they price match and you’re not required to pay until after your stay for almost all accommodations. After five bookings, you become a member of their Genius program which gets you an extra 10% off on selected properties.

Transportation – Budapest has an extensive transit network which features subways, trams, and buses. Public transportation is inexpensive and is quite easy to navigate. Since the city is relatively small, many attractions are within reasonable walking distance of The Deák Ferenc square e.g. 30 mins to get to Castle hill or Heroes’ Square

Eat and drink – I was amazed at how little it cost for meals and drinks. A spritzer was $1.50-2.50 Canadian, while a pint of beer was on average $2.50-4. We also had quite a few meals for under $20 per person. Cafes are very popular and a must do since some of them are like taking a step back in time.

Attractions – Budapest is home to a few UNESCO heritage sites so there are many things to see. Most of the attractions are bunched together making it easy to see the city in just a few days. The three main areas being; Castle Hill, Pest (east of the Daunbe), and Heroes’ Square.

Discount tickets – The 24hr/72hr Budapest card gives travellers unlimited use of  public transportation, free entry into 8 museums, and entry into the St Lukács Bath– purchase it through my affiliate link to save an extra €4.50. Check out the full list of tours you can purchase at a discount through my affiliate including: The Hop On Hop Off bus tour and the Budapest parliament tour.

Here’s my Budapest travel blog as told through pictures:

Buda Castle is the most famous landmark in Budapest

Chain bridge spans the river Danube and connects Buda to Pest

Castle Hill is the historic area of Budapest and overlooks the Pest side

Buda Castle is now home to the Budapest History Museum and Hungarian National Gallery

Matthias church is also located in castle hill and was originally built in 1015

Like many older Roman Catholic churches, the interior is stunning

located directly across from Matthias Church is Fisherman’s Bastion which was built in 1895

If you get tired, stop and have a drink , and enjoy the view

The Hungarian Parliament Building. It was built on the Pest side to give the city some balance

Coffee shops are very popular in Budapest and have stunning architecture. This one is Central Kavehaz

Budapest has a booming nightlife with many restaurants and bars

Plenty of ruin bars are in Budapest. Find an old building, add some art and cheap alcohol then watch the people come

Also famous in Budapest is the thermal baths. Here is Szechenyi bath where locals and tourist come year round

Heroes’ Square is a world heritage site and a popular gathering spot for locals whenever something political is going on

Vajdahunyad Castle is located close to Heroes’ Square and houses the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture

St. Stephen’s Basilica is considered the most important church in all of Hungary

The view from above the basilica offers sweeping views of Budapest

The Great Market Hall is popular for both locals and tourists but it really is just a market

On the 2nd level, there are many food stalls, here they are preparing a local delicacy called Lángo

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First you want to verify that your phone will even work overseas. Cellular phones operate on different bands around the world so a quad-band GSM phone will work pretty much anywhere; while a tri-band phone will still have pretty good coverage. All smartphones these days are multi-band so it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll have no problem using it abroad. However, if you’re hanging onto an old flip phone that doesn’t even have a SIM card then it’s time for an upgrade.

Finally, you want to make sure that your phone is unlocked. When you buy a cell phone from your wireless provider, it comes locked; what that means is that you can only use that phone on that carrier. In Canada, phones come automatically unlocked if you purchased it after December 1st, 2017. If you bought it before then, it’s likely locked. If you contact your carrier directly, they’ll be able to unlock your phone for a small fee (about $50), alternatively, many cellular stores offer unlocking services for half the price. With your cell phone unlocked, you now have plenty of more options available to you.

Using your mobile abroad

SIM Sticker – This is a relatively new product and has quickly become my preferred method for using my cell phone when travelling. With the KnowRoaming SIM sticker you can you can use your phone in 200+ countries and save up to 85% off voice and data charges. Through the app you’re able to apply credit to your account and see exactly how much you’ve spent; there are no surprises when your return home. The other major advantage is that the SIM sticker allows you to continue to receive calls from your regular number no matter where you are. No other option allows this convenience.

Exclusive to Money We Have readers: Save 50% off the KnowRoaming SIM Sticker & receive a free $5 credit by using my KnowRoaming referral code BARCHO18 at knowroaming.com

Local SIM – Getting a local SIM is usually the cheapest option. For $20-25 you can get a SIM with a local number that should last you the duration of your stay. Local wireless providers usually have a shop set up in the airport so it shouldn’t be too difficult to pick one up. Don’t forget that every provider has different plans so it’s worth doing a little research in advance.

The downside is, you won’t be reachable at your regular number and there’s no way of knowing if you have any messages unless you access your voicemail; which is a long distance call. Also, if you’re travelling to multiple countries, your newly purchased local SIM might not work once you depart your new “home” city or be cost effective.

Roam mobility – If you’re a Canadian who frequently travels to the U.S. then Roam mobility is for you. Roam Mobility is basically a local SIM card but you can buy it in Canada in advance. The rates for both the U.S. and Mexico are exceptional and the card never expires so you can hang onto it for as long as you want.

Global SIM card – Still popular with business travellers, global SIM cards are available from a few different companies. Each provider offers different features that appeal to different types of travellers. The prices are slightly higher compared to say a SIM sticker, but it’s still way cheaper compared to if you just paid regular roaming charges.

Pocket WiFi – In Asia, pocket WiFi is very common for both locals and tourists. It’s literally a portable WiFi spot that’s about the size of a small cell phone which you carry around with you to give you instant internet access. You won’t be able to make phone calls, but at $5-7 a day for unlimited internet, that’s a pretty reasonable deal. Since it is a WiFi spot, you can connect multiple devices to it which makes it very cost effective.

Prepaid cell phone – Purchasing a prepaid cell phone on arrival was a popular option for travellers who wanted a local phone while still being able to take calls from their regular phone. However as mentioned above, with the introduction of SIM stickers, there’s no real reason to be travelling with 2 phones when abroad anymore. That being said, if you prefer a prepaid phone, finding a reasonably priced, low end model phone shouldn’t be too difficult.

Roaming plans – Technically speaking you don’t have to unlock your phone to use it abroad, you’ll just end up paying roaming charges which ends up being $2-3 a minute. You don’t even want to know how much roaming data will cost you, trust me. If you’re going to the U.S. you could purchase a roaming plan directly from your cellular provider but it’s still a rip-off compared to other options. That being said, Rogers customers can use the Roam like Home plan in the U.S. and Europe which has slightly better rates.

Final word

If you so desire, using your mobile abroad doesn’t have to cost you anything. Data roaming is turned off by default so if you stick to WiFi, you won’t need to worry about any charges. With so many options available, and different providers offering their services, be sure to do your research before you take off.

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