Useful travel tips for Hawaii, including how to tip and how to use SIM cards

1. How to pay tips when paying with a credit card

One thing that always confuses me when traveling to Hawaii is paying tips, which are not a Japanese custom.

A tip is a gratuity given to a store clerk or staff member who has provided you with a service. It can also be expressed as a "gratuity" in English, so be sure to remember it. There is no need to be extravagant, but it is good to pay an appropriate amount smartly so as not to violate etiquette.

One thing that is surprisingly little known is the smart way to pay tips when paying with a credit card. Generally, it is considered good manners to leave a tip, but when paying with a credit card, the standard is to pay twice.

Although accounting systems that automatically calculate tips by handing out tablets or similar devices are becoming more common, most local restaurants still use the traditional "two-step payment system," in which you calculate the tip yourself and write it on the receipt. For those who are still not used to this system, we will explain the procedure for paying tips.

[How to pay a tip 1] Ask for the bill and when it comes, check the amount and insert your credit card into the bill.

The bill usually includes the details of your order, so check it and prepare to pay if it's correct. In most cases, the bill will be placed in a file. This file will have a small pocket where you can insert your card. This will catch the staff's eye and signal that you are ready to pay.

[How to pay a tip 2] The employee will take the bill and card to the cash register and make a provisional settlement.

[How to pay a tip 3] The two receipts will be returned to you together with your credit card.

It may look like there are two of the same receipts, but if you look closely you will see that one is for the store (Merchant Copy) and the other is for you (Customer Copy).

[How to pay a tip 4] Write the tip and the total amount on the store receipt and sign it.

Fill in the amount charged, the tip, and the total amount and sign.

If you are unsure of how much to tip, look at the bottom of your receipt. In many cases, the approximate tip amount or percentage will be written, so you can use that as a reference. Or, if you want to add a percentage or amount as a tip, you can calculate it yourself.

For example, in this bill, the amount spent at the restaurant is $142.41. If you decide to give a 15% tip, the total amount will be $20.40.

The total amount due is the bill plus the tip amount.

Once you have decided on the amount, sign your name. Sign the same way you signed the back of your credit card. If you signed in kanji, sign it in kanji here too. It is important that it matches the back of the card.

You only need to fill out the form for the store, but we recommend that you also fill it out for yourself and keep it as a record of how much you paid later. (Take this one home with you.)

This completes the payment.
Leave the store receipt along with the bill in a file on the table before leaving.

After the customer leaves, the staff will check the amount on the receipt (including the tip) and re-settle any pending bills to complete the transaction.

Alternatively, you can pay the bill with a credit card and the tip with cash. In that case, write 0 in the Tip column, write the total amount exactly as it is written in the Amount column, and then sign. When you leave the bill, just put the cash for the tip in between the bill and the bill. It's recommended to adopt this style when you are about to return home, as it will help you save on coins efficiently.

By the way, when you calculate the tip, the amount will be displayed in cents, but you don't have to pay that exact amount. You can write it down roughly in dollars. It may seem difficult, but once you get used to it, you'll be able to pay smoothly and with peace of mind.

2. Withdraw the amount of cash you need from a local ATM. This is safer and more efficient than exchanging money in advance.

Next, I would like to introduce something surprisingly little known about cash.

Many people exchange the amount they expect to need during their trip in advance in Japan.

However, bringing large amounts of money from Japan can be a worry. Also, some people may live a cashless lifestyle and want to avoid carrying cash as much as possible. For those people, we have a recommended method. In fact, you can easily withdraw cash from local ATMs.

What you need is a cash card with a debit card function, such as Visa or Mastercard, or a credit card with a cash advance function, issued by a major Japanese bank.

[ATM locations]

There are ATMs all over Waikiki, but we recommend using bank ATMs or ATMs in hotels and shopping centers as they are more secure.

Some ABC Stores may also have them installed.

By the way, the bank in Hawaii is "First Hawaiian Bank" or "Bank of Hawaii". I recommend it in terms of security and fees.

[Available ATMs]

There are ATMs in Hawaii that accept JCB and American Express, but the two major international brands, Visa and MasterCard, are by far the most widely accepted. You can use ATMs with credit cards, debit cards, and prepaid cards issued by financial institutions licensed by these brands.

Visa or Visa PLUS

Mastercard®, Maestro® or Cirrus®

Please make sure to check that the product you are using does not have the above mark.

[How to use the ATM]

Recently, more and more ATMs are available that support Japanese, and you may be asked to select the language first.

If you are using a debit card, select "account type", and if you are using a credit card, select "credit card", and the rest of the process is the same as at a Japanese ATM, so you can rest assured.

Unfortunately, there are not many ATMs that support Japanese.
Here we will show you how to use ATMs that do not support Japanese.

[How to withdraw cash from an ATM 1] Insert your card into the card slot.

[How to withdraw cash from an ATM 2] Enter your PIN and then press Enter.

When you see “Enter Your PIN” or “Enter Your Secret Code”, that means it’s time to enter your PIN.

[How to withdraw cash from an ATM 3] Select “Withdrawal” from the transaction options.

You will be asked to "Select The Type Of Transaction". There will be various options, but choose "Withdrawal" which means cash withdrawal. Other options may be "Saving Withdrawal" or "Get Cash".

[How to withdraw cash from an ATM 4] Select the type of card or account.

The message "Please Select Account Type" will be displayed, with three options: Checking, Savings, and Credit Card. If you have a debit card, select the account type. If you have a credit card, select the credit card option. In addition to Credit Card, you may also see "Credit-Card Withdrawal" or "Credit-Account."

[How to withdraw cash from an ATM 5] Enter the desired amount.

ATMs in Hawaii generally dispense cash in $20 bills. Therefore, you can only withdraw in $20 increments. For example, if you want $150, you will have to withdraw $140 or $160.

[How to withdraw cash from an ATM 6] Receive the cash.

A message will appear saying “Please Take Your Cash” and cash will be dispensed, so please take it.

[How to withdraw cash from an ATM 7] Get a receipt.

When the receipt comes, take it.

[How to Withdraw Cash from an ATM 8] Select whether you want to continue the transaction.

Depending on the ATM, you may be asked "Do You Want Another Transaction?" In that case, select No.

In addition to credit cards, you can also purchase international cash cards or prepaid cards before your trip, which can be used at ATMs in the same way.

If you know how to use an ATM, you won't have to carry large amounts of cash around with you, and it will come in handy in emergencies or when you're short on cash just before returning home.

By the way, there may be cases where a fee is charged depending on the amount withdrawn, but there may also be cases where the fee is charged per transaction, so rather than using it blindly, it is best to use it in a planned manner.

Please note that depending on the card company's regulations and contract details, you may not be able to withdraw cash overseas. If it is your first time using a card overseas, be sure to check with your card company or financial institution.

3. A SIM card that lets you use your smartphone as if you were in Japan

Smartphones are now an essential item when traveling. Many people rent Wi-Fi routers to use overseas. However, you need to carry not only your smartphone, but also the router and charger, which can add to your luggage and cause stress. Furthermore, you can only use it if you are near the router, so when sharing with friends or family, it can be inconvenient to have to always be with it.

A SIM card can solve all of these problems. For smartphone users who are staying in Hawaii for more than four days, it is often more cost-effective to use a local Hawaii SIM card. Although it depends on the store and brand, the general rate is just under 3,000 yen for five days with unlimited high-speed data communication. Lycamobile, which can be purchased at ABC Store, comes with 5GB of data communication for $29, but this plan can be used for 30 days. You can choose a plan based on how often you use your smartphone and the length of your stay.

[What is a SIM card?]

A SIM is an IC card that is always installed in a smartphone. When you sign a new contract for a smartphone, the mobile phone company issues a new SIM card, which contains information such as the subscriber's (user's) identification number, phone number, and email address (in the case of SIMs from major mobile phone companies), and the smartphone is used with the SIM card installed. If you replace the SIM card you normally use in Japan with a Hawaii SIM card, you will be able to use your smartphone in Hawaii as is.

You don't have to carry around a router or charger, and you can use each person's smartphone, so it's no problem when you go out with your friends. Also, since the SIM card is linked to a phone number, you can get a number starting with the local Hawaiian area code 808, which is very convenient when booking restaurants and activities.

On the other hand, there is the disadvantage that you will no longer be able to use the phone number you use in Japan, but you can communicate with Japan without stress by using chat and messenger calling functions.

[Things to check before purchasing a SIM card 1] Make sure the SIM card is unlocked

Most smartphones purchased from a telecommunications company are "SIM locked," meaning you cannot use a Hawaii SIM card in that state.

Therefore, you need to apply for SIM unlocking in advance. You can do so at your contracted carrier's store, by phone, or via their website.

Electronics retailers, Amazon, Apple Stores, etc. sell "SIM-free" devices (devices that are not SIM-locked from the start). SIM-free devices do not need to be unlocked, and can be used simply by replacing the SIM card. If you are not sure which type of smartphone you have, you can check from the settings screen of your smartphone, so it is a good idea to check the method on the device manufacturer's website.

[Things to check before purchasing a SIM card 2] SIM card size

There are three main sizes of SIM cards: standard SIM (miniSIM), microSIM, and nanoSIM. You need to prepare a SIM of the same size to match the size of the SIM slot in your smartphone. If you want to check the size of your card, check the website of the smartphone manufacturer or carrier. It will be written in the "Specifications" column on the introduction page of the same device (model) as yours, so check it out.

[Stores where you can purchase SIM cards in Hawaii]

There are no stores selling SIM cards at Hawaii airports (as of the end of 2019). You can buy SIM cards at the following shops (English only).

- Hoku Wireless (T-Mobile/Verizon/AT&T) on the 1st floor of Ohana Waikiki East
・Ala Moana Center 1st floor Mobile phone shop AT&T (AT&T)
・ABC Store (Lycamobile)

If you buy a SIM card from Hoku Wireless or AT&T, the staff will set up the SIM card for you. If you buy a Lycamobile SIM card from ABC Store, you will have to set it up yourself, so if you are a first-time customer, we recommend that you research how to set it up in Japan beforehand.

If you are worried about going to a local store from the airport to buy a ticket, you can also buy it online in Japan beforehand. This is also recommended for those who are worried about English or using a smartphone. When applying, if there is a field to enter a US ZIP code, enter the Waikiki ZIP code "96815".

4. Use the "biki" for quick trips around Waikiki

Have you ever been walking around Waikiki and thought, "My destination is farther than I thought it would be"? In times like these, biki is a convenient bicycle sharing system. From Diamond Head to Chinatown, there are over 1,300 bicycles and about 130 biki stations, and it is a self-service system where you can rent and return bikes between these stations. There are instructions in Japanese for how to operate the machines, so you can use it with no worries. All you need is a credit card.

[First, download the app]

First, download the biki app in advance.

You can check the location of biki stations, the number of rental units available at each station, and the number of units available for return in real time.

【Rate plan】

Here are some plans for tourists.

・Single Ride $4/30 minutes: A pay-per-use plan. This is convenient for when you just want to ride 3 blocks away.

・Multi-Stop Plan $25/300 minutes: This plan allows you to get on and off the bike as many times as you like within 300 minutes (5 hours). It is ideal for sightseeing in the city without taking a bus or car. It is also recommended for long-term stays! The pass is valid for one year.

Note
Extra Time Charges: $4.50/30 minutes: If you exceed your usage time, you will be charged an extra time charge of $4.50 per 30 minutes, regardless of the plan.
(All prices current as of February 2020)

[What age range is available?]

Biki can only be used by people aged 18 or over. People aged 16 or over can use it if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Please note that people under 16 cannot use it at all, even if accompanied by an adult.

[How to borrow biki]

Check before you rent!

To avoid wasting time, first decide which bike you want to rent before making payment, and check that there are no punctures, air in the tires, or any other damage to the gears. Also, adjust the saddle to your height.

[Screen operation]

When you actually borrow a book, you will need to register on the screen.

1. Touch the screen to wake it up.

2. Touch the flag icon in the upper left and select "Japanese".

3. Touch "Purchase License."

4. Select a plan.

5. Insert your credit card for payment and withdraw it instantly.

6. Enter your phone number and postal code (Japanese numbers are OK for both).

7. Check the fee and touch "I agree to the fee terms" at the bottom right.

It says "One-time Security Deposit = $50" which means that you have to pay $50 in advance as a security deposit for any single ride longer than 30 minutes. This deposit will be refunded if you return the bike without any issues.

8. Check the contents and touch "Confirm" if there are no problems.

Once the payment is complete, a 5-digit ride code will be displayed. This is the code you will need to remove the bike from the dock, so if you want to print it, touch "Print." If you don't need it, touch "Remember."

9. Go to the bike you want to rent and enter the ride code.

10. Once you enter the code, the yellow light will turn green.

This is the signal that it is OK to remove the bicycle.

If the light turns red, it means that either the code you entered is incorrect or the boarding code's validity period of 5 minutes has expired (we will explain what to do if the expiration date has passed later).

Grab your bike and head out!

[How to return the biki]

1. Find the nearest biki station in the app.

You can return it to any station.

2. Push the bike forward into an available dock.

3. Make sure the light on the keypad under the left handlebar turns green.

Please be careful, because if the light does not turn green, it will be considered "not returned" and an extension fee will be charged.

What should I do if such a problem occurs?

If the boarding code's validity period of 5 minutes has expired

Operate the screen again and proceed to step ④, where you will see the message "You have a license," so touch it. Next, touch "Get a new boarding code" and a new code will be issued.

If the station is full and you are unable to park when returning the car

If the station is full, you will be given a 15-minute grace period to return the bike.

Go to the touch screen and touch "I have a permit" on the screen in step 4. Next, touch "Time credit."

Then touch "Request time credit". This will give you 15 minutes of grace time to return the bike. If you want to change the return location, touch "Nearby biki stop" to see the availability of the nearest station, and return the bike to a different station.

If your rented bicycle is stolen

If your bike is stolen, you will be charged a $1200 fine. Please contact customer service.

[Notes when using biki]

Understand Hawaii's Traffic Rules

・Bicycles must generally be ridden on the road.

・On roads with bike lanes (lanes reserved for bicycles), ride in the bike lanes.

・Bicycles are prohibited on sidewalks. If you wish to use the sidewalk, you must dismount and push your bike while walking.

・Traffic regulations are the same as for cars. Ride in the same direction as cars. One-way streets are the same as for cars. Riding in the wrong direction on a bicycle is a violation.

・Even if you are riding with friends or family, riding side-by-side is prohibited. Always ride in a vertical line.

Biki's bikes do not have locks.

This is basically a transfer system between stations, so even if you want to stop somewhere, you must return the bike to a station first.

Please wear clothes that are easy to move in. We recommend a backpack or shoulder bag.

There is a simple basket on the bicycle, but the fasteners are a little loose, so avoid putting a bag containing valuables in it.

Biki

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Although some of the tips are a bit more advanced, they are all useful information to know in order to enjoy your trip to Hawaii to the fullest. If things that have previously been stressful or inconvenient can go smoothly, you will be able to enjoy your stay even more. By preparing well in advance, you can spend your time in Hawaii as stress-free as if you were in Japan.

Interview and text: Miki Kabat
Photo by Kaz Tanabe