Job Discussion Forums

[Sauceboy]

Hello. This is my first post so please don't eat me alive.
I am going to go to Japan for the first time, to work for a small school, on the 26th of August. I currently live in Florida, U.S. I have some random questions.

What should I do about my phone? I currently have an Iphone 6 and my carrier is AT&T. I wouldn't mind switching services because their service is mediocre. I would like to have international texting and a data plan for relativity cheap. What carriers have the best service in Japan? If they include International texting that would be a huge bonus.

What sort of little gifts or food would be good to take over to Japan? I want to bring something small that might be sort of rare that I can give to my students and staff.

Lastly, what would be the most cost effective way to convert currency? What banks are popular in Japan? I plan on starting a bank account over there.

Thank you for your time.

[2buckets]

"What sort of little gifts or food would be good to take over to Japan? I want to bring something small that might be sort of rare that I can give to my students and staff."

I know the Japanese like Rolex watches, or most anything made in Switzerland.

[TokyoLiz]

Caviar would go down well

I'm sure your workplace will appreciate a gift. It's an old-fashioned and thoughtful thing. Keep in mind how many people you may have to give to - a school staff room may have 25 teachers and staff.

As for rare, cookies or chocolates from your home town are the best choice, and something from Florida will likely put smiles on people's faces.

[Nemu_Yoake]

Things to eat. Nicely wrapped sweets. Some specialities from your state. I don't recommend chocolates because of the temperatures in August.

For the bank, choose Japan Post Bank. They're everywhere in Japan, so it'll be easier for you if you move around or go to an other prefecture (you don't know if you'll have this job for more than one year).

[TokyoLiz]

Also consider Shinsei Bank since banking online in English (well, Engurish) is available.

[Sauceboy]

[Inflames]

I second Shinsei Bank - you can use the card at the post office for free as well. You can have the forms for opening an account sent to your home easily, although going to the bank does have its advantages (namely you can go there right away and they will check the forms - doing it by mail means if there's a mistake, it'll get sent back and that'll add a week or two).

Don't bring anything too sweet - I went home in December last year and got some See's peanut brittle - I tried a bit then realized I made a huge mistake as it was too sweet.

Is your iPhone 6 locked to AT&T?

[Sauceboy]

[Rooster.]

I like Shinsei. I've never had a problem with them and can use the 7-11 ATMs 24/7 7 days a week and they are everywhere.

[2buckets]

I think there are third party phone shops (in the USA), that can unlock your phone for a small fee.

[TokyoLiz]

Many helpful guides on how to get started are available online. Check out http://www.thejapanguy.com/how-to-open-a-japan-post-bank-account/

I've been around a while and am conversant in Japanese, but I still go to this guide for those who need language help - http://www.survivingnjapan.com/

Also, I second what Rooster says about banking. Shinsei Bank has no fees as long as you access them through 7-11 or Shinsei Bank ATMs.

[kzjohn]

Japan post is good for its domestic universality.

I'd second shinsei for some other things (for 'balance'--you'll eventually want more than one bank acct). Looks like the closest branch to shimonoseki is fukuoka:
http://www.shinseibank.com/english/atm/tempo/pdf/branch_code.pdf

I'm not sure which of the two (or something else) is best for power/water bills, etc., and some landlords have bank accounts at smaller, local banks, which can be a bit of hassle when paying rent.