Site Search:
 
Get TEFL Certified & Start Your Adventure Today!
Teach English Abroad and Get Paid to see the World!
Job Discussion Forums Forum Index Job Discussion Forums
"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Students and Teachers from Around the World!"
 
 FAQFAQ   SearchSearch   MemberlistMemberlist   UsergroupsUsergroups   RegisterRegister 
 ProfileProfile   Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages   Log inLog in 

Why is a cup of coffee so expensive in Japan?
Goto page Previous  1, 2, 3, 4, 5
 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Job Discussion Forums Forum Index -> Japan
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
gaijinalways



Joined: 29 Nov 2005
Posts: 2279

PostPosted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 2:03 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
However most of us just jump on a cheap weekend flight and pick up the bargains ourselves; it saves waiting in for the delivery man.

Really, do pray tell where you are flying from? I know in February you can fly from Tokyo to LA for 20,000 yen (cheaper than going to Hokkaido or Okinawa), but I'm not sure how that would make your shopping that cheap when you factor in hotels, etc.

Even if you are getting a equivalent airfare from Europe, it doesn't seem to factor in these other expenses. Running a little import/export business?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
stillnosheep



Joined: 01 Mar 2004
Posts: 2068
Location: eslcafe

PostPosted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 2:28 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

gaijinalways wrote:
Quote:
At my local French bread shop the morning set is a really nice cappuccino, latte, or espresso with a pastry for 300 yen. Tokyo doesn't have to be expensive, you just have to go to the right places.


Where is this place? I'd love to check it out.


Quote:
In fact many Europeans are buying their goods online from the US because it's so damn cheap.


With the shipping costs, I kind of doubt it. Rolling Eyes

No need for import export. Many Europeans fly across to NY to pick up bargains as the cost of the air fare plus goods is, thanks to the ailing dollar, cheaper than (eg) train to London plus same goods. Admittedly the hotel price needs to be factored in but one would have to pay for a hotel wherever one went for one's long weekend break, would one not?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
canuck



Joined: 11 May 2003
Posts: 1921
Location: Japan

PostPosted: Tue Jan 30, 2007 5:12 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0NTN/is_49/ai_110807927
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
gaijinalways



Joined: 29 Nov 2005
Posts: 2279

PostPosted: Tue Jan 30, 2007 4:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for the article Canuck, good read!

Quote:
Many Europeans fly across to NY to pick up bargains as the cost of the air fare plus goods is, thanks to the ailing dollar, cheaper than (eg) train to London plus same goods. Admittedly the hotel price needs to be factored in but one would have to pay for a hotel wherever one went for one's long weekend break, would one not?


Still hardly think it's many, but certainly it's more than used to do it, though recently with the airline fuel tax they may have to think twice. And I'm wondering what kinds of goods, luxary stuff? Might be better off with an Easy Jet flight to Italy, France, or Switzerland?! Wink
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
G Cthulhu



Joined: 07 Feb 2003
Posts: 1373
Location: Way, way off course.

PostPosted: Tue Jan 30, 2007 9:37 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

gaijinalways wrote:

Still hardly think it's many, but certainly it's more than used to do it, though recently with the airline fuel tax they may have to think twice.


With the invasive, arbitrary, and excessive US immigration routines and standards I would have thought anyone with any sense would think twice about a jaunt to the US for shopping! It would seem that the plummet in US visitor numbers over the last four years would support that argument too! And then there's US airports themselves...! :evil:
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
gaijinalways



Joined: 29 Nov 2005
Posts: 2279

PostPosted: Wed Jan 31, 2007 2:43 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I agree, the immigration process can be tiring, but I have had worse treatment in Europe, but that doesn't stop me from going there.

But why would the airports be evil (and specifically the US airports) Confused ?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
womblingfree



Joined: 04 Mar 2006
Posts: 826

PostPosted: Thu Feb 01, 2007 12:42 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

gaijinalways wrote:
With the shipping costs, I kind of doubt it. Rolling Eyes


I buy stuff from the US and Canada online all the time, mostly videogames, DVD's and Blu Ray discs.

Shipping is free at many online stores and the prices are often 50% cheaper than the UK.

I bought a video camera online from the US and saved �900 on the total price. Even if you are using the most expensive shipping available and pay import tax that is still one hell of a saving!!!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
gaijinalways



Joined: 29 Nov 2005
Posts: 2279

PostPosted: Thu Feb 01, 2007 12:52 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sounds good, though I am surprised as I have bought some things in the UK that were not overpriced, though I do buy most of my clothes still in the US.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
womblingfree



Joined: 04 Mar 2006
Posts: 826

PostPosted: Thu Feb 01, 2007 1:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

gaijinalways wrote:
Sounds good, though I am surprised as I have bought some things in the UK that were not overpriced, though I do buy most of my clothes still in the US.


There are certainly bargains to be had in the UK as well, particularly now we've imported TK Maxx from the US.

Not sure what it's called over there?

Electronics are regularly overpriced though, companies usually just replace the $ with a �. Sad
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
canuck



Joined: 11 May 2003
Posts: 1921
Location: Japan

PostPosted: Fri Feb 02, 2007 2:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

For those that don't like coffee, try this:
http://mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jp/national/news/20070131p2a00m0na026000c.html

Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
madeira



Joined: 13 Jun 2004
Posts: 182
Location: Oppama

PostPosted: Fri Feb 02, 2007 2:08 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

TK Max has the same name in London.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Job Discussion Forums Forum Index -> Japan All times are GMT
Goto page Previous  1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Page 5 of 5

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum


This page is maintained by the one and only Dave Sperling.
Contact Dave's ESL Cafe
Copyright © 2018 Dave Sperling. All Rights Reserved.

Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2002 phpBB Group

Teaching Jobs in China
Teaching Jobs in China