Job Discussion Forums

[sparky]

I have a job and will be moving to Niigata at the end of February. Does anyone know what the general cost of utilities are in this area? I was told I would be living in my own apartment consisting of two tatami rooms. The next thing I need to buy is a TV, small fridge, and washing machine. Apparently the apartments come with nothing and I'll have to buy all my own appliances. I am aware that you can buy some of these things second hand. I am just looking for a general price range. I'll bring bringing over $3500 with me when I leave China and $2000 of that will have to be for the apartment (key money, rent, insurance etc....). My goal is to try to project a budget before I get there so I can plan to buy what I need first.

[shmooj]

In Niigata your first concern will be heat. You need to buy and have installed a water heater. You need to buy a kerosene heater, a kerosene pump, tank and kerosene. You need futons, blankets etc, curtains (sold singly here a lot and blinking expensive too). Once you are warm you will be spending pretty much the rest of your money on the other appliances and tiding yourself over in food etc until your first paycheck hits you.

Isn't your employer helping with any of this

[guest of Japan]

That's a whole lot of up-front costs and not enough money to do it.

[Gordon]

Your employer should certainly pay your key money. Basic furnishings is also something that many schools provide.

[denise]

Welcome to Niigata! I've been here (not in the city, but in the prefecture) for about eight months now.

As to utilities--I like to be toasty warm, so I use my wall heater and a small space heater (and a kerosene heater, but it doesn't factor into the utility bill). My last bill was just over 10,000. Other costs--phone bill approx. 3,000--check to see if your apartment has a phone line, if your school will help set one up, etc. You can get yahoo broadband out here for about 3,500--a bit cheaper than in Tokyo, I think. Water=2,000.

Are there any teachers who will be leaving your school? If so, maybe you can buy appliances and whatnot from them.

d

[sparky]

Well, I know that it seems like a lot of up front cost but my school is providing linens and a futon with other basic neccesities. They also will give me around 90,000 yen for start up cost. They do not provide for my entire housing. The good side to this is that the apartment is mine. They cannot put anyone in with me and cannot tell me to leave. I had the unfortunate pleasure of a school manager in Korea who had keys to my apartment and whould invite herself in at her pleasure. I really want to avoid a similar situation. But I would like to know what some of these items may cost on average.

[Mike L.]

You're in luck Japan, especially in urban areas, has a lot of used goods shops.

Some are a lot more expensive than others. "Hard Off" the nation's largest can be more expensive than new. So if there are choices check them all out 1st then buy.

They will ussually deliver stuff for a fee but if you buy a lot say 15,000 or more ask for free delivery. Some have an unoffical policy that works this way.

Also regardless of what people tell you, you can bargain a little in Japan. The smaller, familly run recycle shops are open to this. Just be polite about it. Chains stores are a no go.

All of these are the lower range of prices I've found in recycling shops.

used fridge: 5,000 yen or

used washing machine: 6,000 yen

used gas range: 3,000 yen

used gas heater (not kerosine) 4,000 yen

Water heater? (No, idea, all of my APTs have includes one)

Phone line (Used 25,000 yen)

Used bicycle 7,000 (Granny style)

Used furniture: Chairs 1000 yen. Coffee table 1000 yen. Sofa: 7000 yen.

Buy the kerosine heater new for safety's sake: 10,000 yen

Also avoid the older models which emite a lot of fumes. The new types have bells a whistles and a feature which cuts down on the fumes.

Other bits like dishes, curtains can be had new quite reasonably at home centers which are found in almost any corner of Japan.


**********

As for the APT look at lots before you decide. In your neck of the woods I bet there are lots of vacancies. Regional economies have tanked here and these places are depopulating.

Maybe rent can be negotiated down.

Key money can be avoided too!

There's also a co-op housing option.

Be picky and patient!

Explore these housing issues and others further here:

www.gaijinpot.com

[sparky]

Thanks for all the info. It will give me a better idea as to what to buy and questions to ask of my landlord. I know some people are a little guarded when it comes to what the school should do and provide. However, I feel good about my school and know it has a good reputation. I doubt they will try to cheat me. I suppose I can get most of the things I need in the first couple of months. Thanks again.

[Glenski]

Gotta agree with shmooj again. Does your employer actually expect you to spend your first few days in Japan with no refrigerator, stove, washing machine, etc. and with (probably) a limited knowledge of Japanese and (most certainly) an even more limited knowledge of Niigata and how Japan works, he wants you to be able to furnish such a place? In my opinion, that is outrageous! You might even have to start work a day or two after landing, so your available time for shopping for such things (NECESSITIES, not niceties, mind you) will be limited, too. Doubly outrageous!

He probably has rented the apartment in the past to former teachers and has the basic furnishings (beyond the "generous" supply of a futon).

[sutekigaijin]

Definitely listen to Glenski on this one... He knows the deal. He knows best. Absolutely...