Why Japan has so many ‘never travelers’

Post by EE84M3i » Fri, Aug 18, 2023, 10:49 PM UTC

traceroute66 wrote: post #96

gadilif wrote: post #64

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I don't know. Personal opinion follows, YMMV: I've been to Tokyo recently. The subway system is much less convenient than, let's say, NYC. There are multiple operators, you need to purchase tickets separately to each one, it's not obvious for a tourist to understand the reasoning, and you can't pay with credit card (in 2023...), You need to either purchase a special card from a desk, or pay cash. In 2023. I consider…

> you can't pay with credit card (in 2023...), You need to either purchase a special card from a desk, or pay cash. In 2023 Erm, mate "in 2023" you can ALSO put a SUICA card on your phone's electronic wallet. ;-p Frankly, give me Japan's rail system any day of the week. You can get across Tokyo, with multiple changes, and plan your arrival to the minute. Try that in NYC, London or any other city ! And as for the Shin…

Post by nikau » Sat, Aug 19, 2023, 1:13 AM UTC

makeitdouble wrote: post #37

Brajeshwar wrote: post #8

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Isn't the "Lack of English skills" easily solved with the plethora of translator devices and apps these days? About a decade+ ago (I think 2010-11), I remember a woman who sat next to me after Narita, traveling "to explore India." She carried a tiny device the size of a typical compact (make-up thing for person who wants/needs to make up). She had no idea about English but can communicate via her device and it was pr…

It's nice if you don't have to use it much. Otherwise it's a device that makes all your communication lag, and you'te also putting a lot of faith in the translation when you're alone in a foreign country. For ordering at a restaurant it's fine. For trying to find a way to go to the consulate because your bag was stolen, it's not ideal.

Post by nikau » Sat, Aug 19, 2023, 1:19 AM UTC

thaumasiotes wrote: post #46

bombcar wrote: post #25

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That is my understanding also, numerous internal destinations that are considered appropriate for various vacation lengths and prices; after all, airline prices get high when crossing the ocean.

I don't think prices are much of a barrier for visiting e.g. Korea. A flight between HND and ICN appears to cost about $120.

Post by nikau » Sat, Aug 19, 2023, 2:23 AM UTC

fragmede wrote: post #126

nikau wrote: post #124

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Sounds like they are just making life hard for themselves, I always check prepaid-data-sim-card.fandom.com before the trip and get the most suitable sim card at the airport.

I find purchasing an eSim from an app on my phone while waiting at the departing airport for my flight is even easier and time efficient than buying a sim card at the destination airport. And cheaper, last I bothered to look at the airport sim card stands. (I'm quite obviously a tourist.)

Post by mikhailfranco » Sat, Aug 19, 2023, 5:41 AM UTC

makeitdouble wrote: post #116

midasuni wrote: post #90

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Most cities where intercontinental tourists go to have Uber. And while I use Apple Maps rather than google I’ve used it in dozens of cities in dozens of countries on 6 continents with limited problems. Or of course I’ve just hailed taxied and shown them the hotel business card or location I’m going to. China is probably the main tricky part, last time I went about 5 years ago I had issues paying with cash, although a…

Japan doesn't have Uber, neither does Thailand. Korea also kicked Uber in 2022. Basically, the shenanigans they pulled to get a foothold in the local markets didn't work everywhere. You'll find local alternatives, but that means local account registration etc.