#Japan #Study Abroad #College Students #Chiyoda #Travel Payment

Survey Overview

In April 2025, Knowledge Society Co., Ltd., a company specializing in virtual and shared office spaces, conducted a survey targeting students regarding their overseas travel habits. The survey aimed to understand payment methods and currency exchange practices among college students, yielding fascinating insights into their travel experiences.

Survey Details:

• - Conducted by: Knowledge Society Co., Ltd.
• - Method: Online questionnaire
• - Period: April 16–21, 2025
• - Participants: Current students at universities, junior colleges, and vocational schools aged up to 32
• - Responses Collected: 100, with an effective response rate of 100%.
• - Read the full results here: Student Credit Card.com

Key Findings

1. Most Visited Countries While in College

The survey revealed the top three destinations for college students during their studies:

• - 1st Place: South Korea
• - 2nd Place: Taiwan
• - 3rd Place: Mainland USA

These countries are frequently chosen for their proximity to Japan, making them ideal for first-time travelers since travel time is short and time zone differences are minimal.

Recent reports also align with these findings, revealing that during February 2025, the number of Japanese travelers to these countries echoed the survey results:

• - 1st: South Korea
• - 2nd: Taiwan
• - 3rd: Hong Kong

(Source: JTB Comprehensive Research Institute)

2. Number of Trips Taken During College

A significant 72% of participants reported having traveled internationally between 1 to 3 times while in college. Notably, 19% of students indicated that they had traveled five times or more, demonstrating that a dedicated group of students engages in frequent travel.

3. Travel Expenditure

When asked about their international travel budget, 54% of respondents indicated that their expenses fell between 50,000 and 200,000 yen. Alongside destinations like the mainland USA, the responses also included countries such as France, the UK, and Hawaii, contributing to the 6% of respondents who reported costs exceeding 510,000 yen.

4. Credit Card Usage in Travel

Approximately 78% of students stated they took a credit card with them during their travels. Thanks to changes in legal age limits in April 2022, students 18 and older can now obtain credit cards without parental consent, which enhances their financial independence during college.

5. Preferred Payment Method

Surprisingly, even though most students traveled with a credit card, over 60% reported that they primarily used cash (local currency) for transactions during their trips. Cash payments are universally accepted regardless of store size, yet students should be cautious about the risks associated with cash handling, such as theft or loss. In contrast, credit cards offer features like theft protection, which is particularly beneficial during international travel.

6. Currency Exchange Preferences

The survey found that nearly 50% of respondents opted to exchange currency prior to their trip. 29% exchanged their money at specialized currency exchange shops in Japan, while 20% utilized domestic banks. However, only 10% relied on credit cards for cash withdrawals abroad.

7. Awareness of Travel Insurance Benefits

Interestingly, about 70% of students were aware that certain credit cards come with travel accident insurance. This insurance can cover high medical expenses incurred while traveling, making it vital for students to consider carrying credit cards or obtaining travel insurance for better protection.

Conclusion

The results from Knowledge Society’s survey shed light on the evolving financial behaviors of college students during their international travels. With credit cards being a common companion, students still favor cash for daily transactions. Understanding these trends is essential for financial service providers, travel agencies, and students planning their study abroad experiences.

For more information about student-oriented credit cards and additional resources for safe travel practices, check out Student Credit Card.com.