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bob
Joined: 08 Feb 2003
Posts: 4
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 Posted: Fri May 09, 2003 4:01 pm Post subject: information relating to the Tohoku area. |
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Hello everyone! First of all, would like to say how much I enjoyed this site. It's the best!!! There are so many informations and everyone are so supportive and positive. Thanks.
With that said, I really would like to get some info. from everyone(those who are teaching in Japan and those that have taught there before). I am expected to sign a contract to start teaching in the Tohoku region of Japan in June or July. This being my first time to Japan, I really am feeling quite nervous about this. I have started doing some reading about this area and of course, have constantly been reading the useful discussion on this forum... but, I am still feeling very unprepared. Since the school that I will working for does not provide accomodation, although they did say they'll help in the search for one, I would still like to get more information from the rest of you on what is needed to be done upon my arrival. i.e, what's the best deal for a cell phone plan, internet, furnitures for the accomodation, setting a bank account... I know, that's a lot of questions to ask, but I would just really want to feel all prepare before heading over to this exciting country. So, to conclude, I guess any info or suggestion relating to living in the Tohoku area would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
p.s.- one further question, does anyone know what the Japanese income tax rate for a Canadian with a working visa is? Once again, many thanks to everyone on this discussion forum.  |
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Glenski
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Posts: 12844
Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN
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| Posted: Fri May 09, 2003 11:57 pm Post subject: |
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| the school that I will working for does not provide accomodation, although they did say they'll help in the search for one |
That's sometimes the tricky way schools/companies advertise. You should not expect a place to "provide" housing, meaning pay your rent. Provide means they often simply have a furnished place ready for you to move into. Yours is one that is at least friendly enough to help you look for something. Take this as a positive because you can at least pick and choose to some extent, rather than be forced to live in whatever the school may provide. Don't set your hope too high for quality places, however. Expect tiny rooms, little counter space, and low ceilings and doorways. The good news is that you can furnish fairly cheaply if need be by mining the garbage stations, going to secondhand stores, or going to the zillion 100yen shops. I hope the company/school will at least put up the key money. If not, I'd pass on them.
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| what's the best deal for a cell phone plan, internet, furnitures for the accomodation, setting a bank account |
Your school will set up your bank account for you. I suggest you make arrangements back home to plan for wire transfers if you think this will be feasible. Otherwise, a cheaper way to go is to send money by post office in a check in your home currency.
Cell phone plans vary considerably. Figure on 5000-10,000 yen to set up, 5000-8000 yen/month for basic charges, and add to that the cost of each phone call or email or Internet time. The cell phone itself can be cheap (free, 1 yen, 800 yen for last year's models). Japanese are fashion conscious and often want only this year's (more expensive) models.
Internet is equally variable. ADSL lines will run 10,000 - 15,000 to set up, then about 5000 yen/month in basic charges for phone and unlimited Internet use. Depends on the ISP, of course.
Any more specifics you need to know?
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| does anyone know what the Japanese income tax rate for a Canadian with a working visa is? |
I believe it is 5-7%. Working holiday visas get a 20% tax rate. Can anyone confirm/deny this? |
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Shonai Ben
Joined: 15 Feb 2003
Posts: 617
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| Posted: Sat May 10, 2003 9:07 am Post subject: |
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| I live in Tohoku,actually in Sendai.Could you tell me where you are going to live in Tohoku?I may be able to give you some info about the area. |
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bob
Joined: 08 Feb 2003
Posts: 4
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| Posted: Sat May 10, 2003 3:37 pm Post subject: |
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Hi, thanks for all the info. Wow, I didn't realize ADSl and cell phone rate are so expensive. But, I guess it's something that is essential and so can pretty much not do without.
Ben, at the moment, I am still waiting for the president of the school to assign a placement for me because the school have several branches in the area. So, if possible, can I get a raincheck on that help? I definitely will let you know once I know my placement.
Once again, thanks for all the help. |
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Shonai Ben
Joined: 15 Feb 2003
Posts: 617
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| Posted: Sat May 10, 2003 7:34 pm Post subject: |
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| I will be glad to give you some info anytime.May I ask what company you are going to work for?I may have some info about them too. |
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