Job Discussion Forums

[brokenarm22]

When I moved to Korea, I took 1000 USD with me to start. I know in Japan, normally, one must find their own apartment and the costs of everyday living is much higher. What would experienced users recommend for starting cash?

Also, what sort of costs should one expect before going to Japan, say for VISA fees and other costs?

[spiral78]

Should be probably posted on the Japan forum below.

[Glenski]

A little (and I mean very little) research online would have given you this information, too.

Don't plan on people interviewing you in Korea. You might get lucky with a Skype interview, but that is still fairly limiting in how much information you get on the office and surroundings.

Figure 50,000-80,000 yen/month for rent on average. If you have to pay key money, it can be 2-5 times a month's rent equivalent. Guest houses cost this much, too, but you don't have to pay key money. There may be a refundable 25,000 yen deposit. Go with a LeoPalace apartment (no guarantor needed like most other apartments) and you get something fully furnished and with Internet already installed, but you have to pay for the entire cost of your stay up front, plus there will be a cleaning charge.

Food. Depends on what you eat. Figure 30,000-50,000 yen/month.
Phone (with Internet). 10,000 yen for installation. Older model phones can cost zero or 1 yen if you don't mind a slightly older model. Service charges are incredibly complex, but figure 5000-8000 yen/month on average.
Local transportation. Again, this depends on where you live. In my town, buses are terribly rare, and there is no train service. If you're in a large city, figure 20,000-25,000 yen/month.

Other things go consider (because you're likely going to be looking for 2-3 months):
hair care (just how picky are you? could be 1000-40,000 yen)
dry cleaning (especially for suits, and even more especially if you live in a guest house)
photocopy / printing costs
travel insurance
transportation to places within the country that are far away from your home base

[naturegirl321]