Job Discussion Forums

[macondo]

PAULH has some good posts at the top there, that include some things one might want to bring when moving to Japan.

I'll be moving in March for an ALT position, and I was wondering if anyone has anything to add, anything one should definitely not forget to bring, and/or anything they wished they'd brought once they got there.

If this topic has already been beaten to death in another thread, feel free to redirect me. Thanks for you help!

[earthmonkey]

I'd say clothes. They're much more expensive here. For example Levi's 501 are about $100US. Hit some after Christmas sales and stock up. Also, any personal products that you cant to without. For me, it's a brand of hand lotion that I like, and deoderant. Of course they are available here, but don't count on finding your favorite brand. I'm from the U.S., and have found almost nothing to be cheaper here, except cigarettes.

Good Luck!

[Glenski]

Read the FAQ link below.
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=3788

The item you're looking for (#5) is misnumbered as #6. Plenty of links there, too.

[macondo]

Thanks, guys, for your replies so far.

I'm definitely planning on bringing clothes and shoes aplenty, especially since I've been warned about the availability of clothes in my size.

Here's the beginning of a list of things I'm planning on bringing multiples of so as to delay or avoid buying them there:

toothpaste / floss (there's a particular kind that I like)
deodorant
"remedies" (cold, allergy, "intestinal distress," ibuprofen)
multivitamins
camera film (I'm hoping to be packing both film and digital cameras)
feminine products
razor blades

And also:
a set of bed sheets and a towel to get me started
laptop (hopefully)
books
antibiotic ointment (not sure I'd know it if I saw it there)

Is there anything random, not necessarily everyday stuff, that someone in my situation might not think of?

Or anything on my list that you'd say "Don't bother, save the luggage space"?

[Gordon]

You don't need camera film here. It's dirt cheap and readily available.

Bring makeup (if you use it)
Something from home, you can show the kids.
Int'l driver's license (good for the first year you're here)

[Glenski]

Bed sheets??? Doesn't your employer have housing provided for you with this simple necessity? Ask. He should.

Books. Well, you might want to bring a few, but they're heavy, so I recommend sending them a month ahead by sea/land mail, along with anything else heavy.

If you can get along with Bufferin or Tylenol, save the ibuprofen at home, too. B and T are here.

[gogolucky26]

Razor blades? I think you can not take razor blades on the plane, I would check the airline to make sure

[Hoser]

I work at a conversation school and I find that the students are genuinely interested in your life from back home. I wish I had have brought tons of pictures, maps, etc.

[Sweetsee]

Virgin bong?

[macondo]

[Sweetsee]

Oh yeah, I always bring some Carmex.

[chirp]

Sweetsee,

What is Carmex?

[Sweetsee]

Hi Chirp,

Carmex is a balm for capped lips, cold sores and fever blisters.
It's very effective and I like the taste. That and it's the very small things
we can't get here that I like to have.

My friend always brings me Tennis magazines and chewing gum, of course there is plenty of gum here but it doesn't compare. And I always bring a few pounds of coffee and chocolate from Trader Joe's.

One time, my father came here just before summer with a suitcase full of tri-tip beef, we were just Q'ing it up big time all summer!

Where are you at, mate?


Enjoy,
s

[chirp]

Thanks for the explanation and further suggestions Sweetsee!

I am a Canadian and still at home for the moment but I will be sure to bring my favourite lip balm and some Tim Horton's coffee!

[Sweetsee]

B.C.?