Job Discussion Forums

djpoole · Joined: 04 May 2007 Posts: 20

Hi,

I am looking for work in Japan starting in the Autumn, how much money should you take over with you? I realise it could take a little while to get wages and set up a bank account etc and dont want to be stranded without any cash. Sorry if this is a bit vague, I am only just applying for positions so do not know if I will be helped with an apartment etc.

Danaliese

nonsmoker · Posted: Tue May 15, 2007 1:44 pm Post subject:

I asked the same question before and based on the replies, I'm gonna say an average of 3,000USD. Don't quote me on that.

djpoole · Joined: 04 May 2007 Posts: 20

So, have you gone to Japan and found this to be accurate?

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Will you already have a job lined up? If yes, expect up to 6 weeks until you get paid. So I think about $4,000 US just to be safe. Your apt most likely will be bare bones, so that will cost a bit to get your basics and at first, you won't know where the bargains are either.

markle · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 1316 Location: Out of Japan

solarmist · Joined: 10 Feb 2007 Posts: 52 Location: Fort Collins, CO

What about if you have accomodations available? I will be moving into a Nova apartment to start. I know 120,000 is what they recommend as a minimum, what do you think a reasonable amount would be?

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Just make sure your ATM card has a cirrus or plus symbol on it, then you can access your account from any post office in japan. So you don't need to bring much money and then when you need it, withdraw it from your US account.

furiousmilksheikali · Posted: Wed May 16, 2007 2:40 am Post subject:

There are a few threads on this:

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=46398&highlight=start+costs+japan

solarmist · Joined: 10 Feb 2007 Posts: 52 Location: Fort Collins, CO

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

markle · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 1316 Location: Out of Japan

solarmist · Joined: 10 Feb 2007 Posts: 52 Location: Fort Collins, CO

Oh, I didn't think star was any different than cirrus or plus. Well, I guess I might have to change banks.

Nismo · Joined: 27 Jul 2004 Posts: 520

$5K USD just to be safe, and don't splurge on a thin plasma-screen wall-mountable TV for your new pad.

djpoole · Joined: 04 May 2007 Posts: 20

Wow!!!!!!!

There seems to be a variety of answers to this question. So, am I right in thinking you can go out on $1000 if you have an apartment provided for you (does this mean its also paid for, or you are just assisted in finding it?), or you need $4000 if not?

Danaliese

solarmist · Joined: 10 Feb 2007 Posts: 52 Location: Fort Collins, CO

They(Nova) directly remove the rent from your paycheck, so you don't have to pay your first rent for about six weeks, if I understand correctly. But they overcharge for their apartments (which are furnished).

So, you can go over there on $1000, but I've been told it's pretty tight until you get your first paycheck.