If you are a foreigner, you are missing out if you don't check this out! The necessity of ETC cards

Buying a car is an expensive purchase. I think most foreigners want to keep the cost as low as possible when buying a car.
So what do you cut out when you want to make it cheaper? I get the impression that many people cut out the ETC setup (card issuance).
However, if you neglect ETC, it will be very inconvenient when using expressways and toll roads, and you will have to pay expensive expressway tolls.
Here we will explain in detail the importance of ETC, so if you are planning to buy a car, be sure to read on.

What is an ETC card?

ETC is an abbreviation for "Electronic Toll Collection System," which literally means an electronic toll collection system.
This system connects the onboard device installed in the car to the ETC gate at the toll booth via wireless communication, allowing you to pay tolls on expressways and toll roads without stopping your car. It became widespread in Japan in 2001, and is now used by 93.5% of drivers.

What you need to use ETC

There are two things you need to use ETC.

ETC card

ETC cannot be used unless the ETC card used for payment is inserted into the onboard unit.
This is a credit card specifically for ETC payments, and can be obtained immediately by applying for it from a credit card company.
ETC cards cannot be used like credit cards.

Vehicle-mounted device

The in-vehicle unit is an ETC-specific terminal that consists of three parts: an antenna for communications, a slot for inserting the ETC card, and the main body. It can be purchased at car dealerships or car accessory stores.
Prices vary depending on the type, but range from 4,000 to 30,000 yen. Installation costs about 5,000 yen in labor costs, and a setup fee of about 3,000 yen is required.
Setup involves registering the license plate information of the vehicle used for each in-vehicle unit, and requires the presentation of a vehicle inspection certificate and Driver's License. Since you cannot use ETC without completing this setup process, we recommend that you ask the store where you purchase your ETC to install and set it up for you.

What are the benefits of using ETC?

There are three advantages to using ETC.
First, cashless toll passage allows you to pass through toll gates smoothly.
It can be a bit of a hassle to take out coins and stop the car every time to pay, right? ETC is convenient because the machine reads the antenna attached to the car's onboard unit and the payment is made with the ETC card.

The second point is that holiday discounts and late-night discounts are available.
There is a special discount that offers a 30% discount on expressway tolls for those using regional expressways on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, and a 30% discount on expressway tolls if you use the expressway between midnight and 4am every day. This is great news for drivers who often use the expressways late at night!

The third point is that you can receive credit card benefits.
By using ETC, you can accumulate credit card points, and if you register for the ETC mileage service, you can accumulate mileage points when using your ETC card, which can be used as tolls.

What are the disadvantages of using ETC?

This may result in a state where communication cannot be performed normally and may result in a collision with the gate.
However, most of the reasons why ETC gates do not open are due to human error, such as the card not being inserted, being inserted in the wrong direction, or the card having expired.

ETC usage procedure

Now let's explain how to use ETC.

①Prepare your ETC card

First, apply for an ETC card at the same time as you apply for a credit card. Compare multiple ETC card companies based on annual fees, time until issuance, point redemption rates, and other benefits, and choose the ETC card with the best conditions. You can also apply for an ETC card online!

②Prepare an ETC vehicle unit

By installing an ETC on-board unit and inserting the ETC card you have prepared, you can pass through toll gates without stopping.

③Set up the ETC on-board unit in your car

To use an ETC in-vehicle unit, you will need to have it set up at a dealer or car accessory store. Bring your vehicle inspection certificate and ask them to set up your ETC.
*Prices vary depending on the store.
*3,000 to 6,000 yen

④Insert the ETC card into the ETC on-board unit.

After the setup is complete, you will need to insert the ETC card. Many people insert the ETC card the wrong way round or upside down, so please be careful when inserting it!

5. Use ETC to drive on expressways and toll roads

Once you are ready, try driving on the highway or toll road. The speed limit for driving through the ETC lane is 20km/h, so slow down.

Points to note when using ETC

① Check that the ETC is inserted before driving.

When driving in an ETC lane, you cannot pass through unless your ETC card is inserted. Therefore, it is not possible to check whether an ETC card is inserted or not. *Even if an ETC card is inserted, the radar may not be able to recognize it, and you may not be able to pass through.

② Issuance fees and annual fees apply

ETC card companies have different rules for annual fees and issuance fees. However, some card companies may offer free or cheaper fees the following year if you use your credit card a lot. It may be a good idea to check before signing up.

It may take some time to issue

Some cards can be issued on the same day, but in some cases it may take one to two weeks for the card to be issued.
If you need it right away, choose something that can be issued right away.

④ETC cards have an expiration date

ETC cards have an expiration date. Generally, it is between 3 and 5 years, but in some cases it may be as short as 1 year.
This also varies depending on the credit card company, so be sure to check in advance.

⑤ When leaving the car, remove the ETC card.

When you get home or leave your car for a long time, be sure to remove the ETC card. The ETC card may be misused or may become unusable due to the heat of the outside air, as the card itself is sensitive to heat. Make it a habit to remember to remove the card.

Frequently asked questions about ETC cards

1. Can foreign nationals get ETC cards?

→Yes, you can. However, if you are unemployed or have a history of credit card issues in Japan, you may not be able to get one.

②Can international students also receive this?

→Yes, you can. However, depending on your status of residence and period of stay, it may not be possible to get one. It cannot be issued to short-term international students.

③Can ETC cards be used on motorcycles?

→Yes, you can. However, the in-vehicle device must be specifically designed for motorcycles. You will need to purchase an in-vehicle device specifically designed for motorcycles at a motorcycle supplies store, etc., and have it set up.

4. Can ETC cards be used for everyday shopping?

→This is not possible as it is a separate card from a credit card. However, it can be used if it is combined with a shopping credit card.

⑤Can an ETC card be used even if there is no on-board unit?

→Yes, you can. You can pay by handing over your ETC card at the toll booth. However, you cannot drive through the ETC lane as it is, and you cannot apply ETC discounts, so it is better to have an on-board unit.

summary

Whether or not you use an ETC card is up to you, but having one will save you the trouble of getting on the highway and you can also receive credit card rebates, making driving more convenient. Most people have one added to the price of the car when they buy it. If you are a foreign national and have not yet acquired an ETC card, please consider it!