Currency Exchange

Japan is mostly a cash based society. Since I will not have a Japanese bank account setup until about two weeks after being there everyone told me I should exchange some Dollars into Yen before leaving. The currency exchange rates and fees will be better they said. What you need to know is the international currency exchange converter that shows the daily rates does not apply to the average person, only the gornment and banks gets those rates. Then they decide what rate they are going to offer us.  After making tons of calls and internet researching, I was disappointed how much the difference between the two amounts were but at least I found the best rate available from my bank. I ordered my Yen yesterday and it came today.  Feeling richer than I really am. 

This looks like a lot of money, right?  Don't get too excited it equals less than $200 US Dollars.