| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
Vash
Joined: 18 Sep 2003
Posts: 20
|
 Posted: Sun Oct 19, 2003 3:55 am Post subject: No money for Customs...problem? |
 |
|
Hi everyone!
I've received a nice job offer in Japan, and will be heading off within the week. However, I have NO money (maybe a few hundred). This is not a problem with my employer, who will float me an advance, but I am concerned about getting through Customs.
The last time I was in Japan, they stamped a three month tourist visa in my passport, no questions asked. This time, I'll be flying over with a one month return ticket...and a passport filled with past work visas (extended and expired, sadly) so I'm a little worried about scrutiny.
Do they ever ask for proof of funds? If so, can I just flash them my Mastercard/Visa and a few travellers cheques?
Perhaps these are just last minute jitters, if so, I apologize.
Cheers!
Vash
(ps This job opportunity came a little quicker than I had intended, hence the somewhat hasty approach.)
(pps I still have my alien registration card, if that will help.) |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
homersimpson
Joined: 14 Feb 2003
Posts: 569
Location: Kagoshima
|
| Posted: Sun Oct 19, 2003 5:25 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: |
| (pps I still have my alien registration card, if that will help.) |
I don't think I'd show them that if I were you. When you leave the country for good (which customs officers will think you did since your last work visa expired) you are "supposed to" hand in your alien card at your ward/city office. Showing your card might prompt the officer (depending on the kind of day he/she is having) to berate you with a serious of questions inquiring why you don't know the rules since you spent time in Japan in the past. Regarding the money issue, I doubt they'll ask specifically how much you have on your person. The usual question is to ask the address of the place you are staying. I guess if you said you were staying at Hotel Nikko where rooms start at 32,000 a night, they might look at you a little suspiciously. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Shonai Ben
Joined: 15 Feb 2003
Posts: 617
|
| Posted: Sun Oct 19, 2003 7:22 am Post subject: |
|
|
I don't think they will ask you about your funds either.In my experiences coming into Japan,they never asked me anything.
Just be polite and answer any questions,if any at all.Don't volunteer any information or give too much info if you are asked a question.
Keep it simple. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Gordon
Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Posts: 5309
Location: Japan
|
| Posted: Sun Oct 19, 2003 1:37 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Also dress well. You know what the Japanese think of appearance.
Just curious, will you be getting a work visa eventually? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Vash
Joined: 18 Sep 2003
Posts: 20
|
| Posted: Sun Oct 19, 2003 8:32 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Thanks guys!
Jitters put to rest (with alien card firmly placed in sock...)
| Gordon wrote: |
| Just curious, will you be getting a work visa eventually? |
Yup, actually my employer is already doing some of the paperwork. Hopefully, things will be sussed out by the time I get there. Regardless, it's a good company with 9-5 work (weekends free!), so I figured I'd grab it and let the red tape sort itself out.
Cheers!
Vash |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Glenski
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Posts: 12844
Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN
|
| Posted: Sun Oct 19, 2003 9:00 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: |
| Yup, actually my employer is already doing some of the paperwork. Hopefully, things will be sussed out by the time I get there. |
I hope so, too, for your sake. You might still be asked to leave the country to process the final stages of your work visa. (There goes your few hundred bucks.) There is no guarantee that you can do this while remaining in Japan. Has your employer assured you of this? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Vash
Joined: 18 Sep 2003
Posts: 20
|
| Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2003 4:18 am Post subject: |
|
|
[quote="Glenski"]
| Quote: |
| You might still be asked to leave the country to process the final stages of your work visa. (There goes your few hundred bucks.) There is no guarantee that you can do this while remaining in Japan. Has your employer assured you of this? |
In a word...
Nope.
But I am prepared. In a similiar vibe to that wacky guy who bulked up before sitting in a glass box for 44 days with no food...I, too, now lace all my food with mass quantities of lard and peanut butter.
I am building up reserve storages in preparation for lean times.
Ah...Japan is truly lucky to have me.
Now if you'll excuse me, a spoonfull of butter is calling.
Cheers!
Vash |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Canuck2112
Joined: 13 Jun 2003
Posts: 239
|
| Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2003 2:26 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Would you advise wearing a shirt and tie on the flight over? Do you think it would make a much better impression with customs?
| Gordon wrote: |
Also dress well. You know what the Japanese think of appearance.
|
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Shonai Ben
Joined: 15 Feb 2003
Posts: 617
|
| Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2003 4:12 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Just dress casually.You don't need a shirt & tie.
Relax & enjoy the trip. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Gordon
Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Posts: 5309
Location: Japan
|
| Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2003 11:39 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| You don't need to wear a tie, but a decent collared shirt can't hurt and some khakis. Jeans aren't appreciated much in Japan. Be comfortable on the flight, you can even change just before you land if you want. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
homersimpson
Joined: 14 Feb 2003
Posts: 569
Location: Kagoshima
|
| Posted: Sat Oct 25, 2003 4:38 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: |
| Be comfortable on the flight, you can even change just before you land if you want. |
Good advice. The only time I've ever been hassled was on a return from Hawaii. I was decked out in (I know, stereotypical) a Hawaiian shirt and shorts (but I was wearing socks!). Among the many pleasant questions I was asked, "Do you enjoy smoking marijuana?" You don't have to wear a suit and tie, but you will stick out - even more - depending on your choice of fashion. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
