MEXT Scholarship for Postgraduate 2009: Post Application

[kshoo]

Hi all, I'm also having trouble in packing everything into one suitcase (and trying to stay within the 20kg limit). Normally when we do a group check-in they might allow us even if we pack slightly more (e.g. 1-2 kg extra), but try to stay within the limit.

For the handcarry, i'm using a more "bendable" bag, and packing some clothes in there, that will give me about 6-7kg. At least it will give me some space for my shoes in the check-in. Will also carry a backpack (for my laptop and CDs). So that means now I have 3 bags.

Thinking about trying to walk around the place, take the train, change trains at the ultra-confusing Tokyo station etc. etc. has sent my head spinning...dang...

I am planning to take the LRT to Ampang station on 31st mar, then walk to the embassy. If anyone is taking the train too, we can meet at the station and walk there together.

 

[c0ok1e]

>Leeming
Don't you think you should buy those after you reach there? Remember the 100 yen shop? But I would rather bring those from here.
I think you can bring the backpack, as long as it falls within the specification.
Some shoe sizes are not available there... so people like me might have problems finding shoes fitting my size over there. By the way, Japanese are using different shoe size scale with us. We are using UK, US or European standards. It is a bit different over there. They even have A, B, C, ..., E, EE, EEE, EEEE and F over there. Sizes are like 24, 25, 26 or something. Try wiki or google and you should be able to see them.
>c0ok1e
What is that souvenir you bought? Mind sharing with us? Postcards might be good choice...

Dont really know how to explain the thing tha i bought.. Its something u put on your desk and u can put stationery or something in it.. it has a twin tower carving and some pictures representing malaysia..

How did u guys know how much is the weight of your baggage?? DO u actually have a weighing scale at home?

 

[NeWbY]

You don't want to be at the airport and being told you're baggage is overweight...
From what I've read of other students is that they send other (not so important) stuff through boat to Japan. The address would be the dorm you go to. Not sure though.

 

[jim84]

Dont really know how to explain the thing tha i bought.. Its something u put on your desk and u can put stationery or something in it.. it has a twin tower carving and some pictures representing malaysia..
How did u guys know how much is the weight of your baggage?? DO u actually have a weighing scale at home?

=)
I use the normal bathroom scale at home.
Just stand on it as usual, check your weight.
Then carry your luggage and check the weight again.
(You + luggage) - You = luggage weight

that's what i do. (give 1-2 kg allowance, as bathroom scale may not be as accurate as the super sensitive digital scale at the airport)

Anyway, I tried to pack light as well, shipping most of my cds there. My check in is 20kg, but hardly even half full, guess i bought a luggage too big...
I hope they won't weight my handcarry (10kg), are they really that strict? All the while when i'm on domestic business trips and to thailand recently, they don't check me.
But i got a huge laptop bag, kinda worried they'll assume i'm carrying 2 hand-carries...
+ i have another additional plastic bag with some local biscuits as omiyage.
I'll have 4 bags instead of 3.
So don't worry kshoo, i'll be bulkier than you. Will look so damn awkward.

 

[oronen]

I am guessing there is really no way for me to avoid having the luggage a little overweight and pay the charge (according to the Lufthansa website, 5 euros per additional kg. I think I can manage paying up to 25 euros or so). And on top of that, I will have my parents send some more clothes once I settle in.

As for toothpaste, soap and such, I'm bringing the minimum I need for the first one or two nights (I probably *will* want to immediately take a shower and have a shave after the 24 hours of airports and air travel). I see no problem stopping by the nearest conbini/100 yen shop and getting the needed supplies. Thanks to Google Maps, I even know where the nearest conbini is

 

[maaya]

I am guessing there is really no way for me to avoid having the luggage a little overweight and pay the charge (according to the Lufthansa website, 5 euros per additional kg. I think I can manage paying up to 25 euros or so).

Oronen, don't you fall under the Zone 5 according to Lufthansa website? Then it would be 40 euro the kilo... Maybe you can call the Lufthansa and ask them directly to avoid the surprise at the airport. I admit it's not explained very clearly on the Lufthansa website, but to me it seems that the Middle East is Zone 3 and Asia belongs to Zone 4. And it costs 40 euro the kilo to transport extra kilo's between Zones 3 and 4. I'm going to call them as well and ask about the excess baggage for myself, but I don't think I'm going to take more than 20 kilo's with me since it will be too expensive.

 

[kouki]

>kshoo
I would suggest you to take taxi there, once you reach the LRT station... You will get all wet if you walk to the place... By the way, the place is over the other side of the road, opposite of the embassy. I don't think you can cross the road over there.

>ooilingfan
Just put the bag onto the scale will do, right?

I think they will be a bit stricter on the international flights...

So you are bringing biscuits as o-miyage?

>c0ok1e
Ok, I got you... So it's kind of a decorative table top item.

 

[menrui]

Just put the bag onto the scale will do, right?

I just tried doing that, but then I realized, I can't see the scale numbers...

Anyways, since some people were concerned about their luggage and weight limit, I decided to see what my situation will be. Hehe, I was able to fit about 90% of my stuff(just clothe and shoes) in 1 check-in luggage. It weighs about 20kg(I'm allowed 23kg). I'm still allowed 1 more check-in and a carry-on. Makes me wonder, what are you bringing ooiling? half full, but 20kg? I'm guessing its books.

 

[kshoo]

Hi Kouki,

I can opt to drive I actually surveyed the area around the embassy when I went to get my Visa. There is an overhead bridge just before the Singapore High Comm / US Embassy, so there shouldn't be much issue in trying to get across.

Wet? Well, let's hope that 1) it doesn't rain, and 2) it's not TOO hot, and my jacket can hide my drenched shirt...

Ooilingfan - Haha. I guess i'm in the same boat too. Trying to "reduce weight" now to meet the 20kg requirements. Books are kept to a minimum (maybe 2-3 lightweight paperbacks), but that's it. Am planning to bring some packed cooking ingredients too (e.g. the curry and bakuteh packs), given that it's sealed it should be ok.

 

[jim84]

I just tried doing that, but then I realized, I can't see the scale numbers...
Anyways, since some people were concerned about their luggage and weight limit, I decided to see what my situation will be. Hehe, I was able to fit about 90% of my stuff(just clothe and shoes) in 1 check-in luggage. It weighs about 20kg(I'm allowed 23kg). I'm still allowed 1 more check-in and a carry-on. Makes me wonder, what are you bringing ooiling? half full, but 20kg? I'm guessing its books.

my luggage bag alone is bout 4kg.
i don't know,i just pack enough clothes to last me for 1-2weeks. Maybe my CDs are heavy, bout 4-5kg, guess i'll ship them as well. Initially i dare not ship as they were burned CD, not sure whether customs will consider them pirated CDs and stop my package from entering.

I think i'll need to literally "hand" carry my textbook to reduce more weight. I'm bringing only 1, wonders where all the weight comes from. like i say, my bag is only half full. Not much stuff, wonder why so heavy.

kouki,
yea, i'm bringing biscuits. As i heard from my Japanese language sensei here, in japan, o-miyage is usually local food, like biscuits. I'll bring some Ipoh white coffee also

 

[Mizu]

aiya...really...I bought many souvenirs...but never thought of buying food. should go to buy some...
i have a question here...is it unusual to have the internet connection in our own room in the uni dorm?

 

[kouki]

>kshoo
You are wearing suit, with the blazer? I was planning to wear only long sleeve shirt with necktie.

>ooilingfan
Ipoh heong beng? or Penang Tau Sah Peah? Don't try to sneak in pirated CDs or burned CDs (I heard that empty one should be fine?)... you have other options... Japan is very strict with that.

>Mizu
It depends... try check your dorm's facilities online... should be able to see...

 

[jim84]

>kshoo
You are wearing suit, with the blazer? I was planning to wear only long sleeve shirt with necktie.
>ooilingfan
Ipoh heong beng? or Penang Tau Sah Peah? Don't try to sneak in pirated CDs or burned CDs (I heard that empty one should be fine?)... you have other options... Japan is very strict with that.
>Mizu
It depends... try check your dorm's facilities online... should be able to see...

really? burned CDs also cannot?
any biscuits will do. =)
caution: biscuits aren't light also if you buy a lot.

 

[jim84]

hi guys,
I googled around and happened to find this thread, regarding issues on luggage, inspection at airport etc.
Feel free to check it out (it's from yr 2006 though)
How will my luggage be inspected? How long will it take?

 

[c0ok1e]

my luggage bag alone is bout 4kg.
i don't know,i just pack enough clothes to last me for 1-2weeks. Maybe my CDs are heavy, bout 4-5kg, guess i'll ship them as well. Initially i dare not ship as they were burned CD, not sure whether customs will consider them pirated CDs and stop my package from entering.
I think i'll need to literally "hand" carry my textbook to reduce more weight. I'm bringing only 1, wonders where all the weight comes from. like i say, my bag is only half full. Not much stuff, wonder why so heavy.
kouki,
yea, i'm bringing biscuits. As i heard from my Japanese language sensei here, in japan, o-miyage is usually local food, like biscuits. I'll bring some Ipoh white coffee also

maybe its your bag that is heavy like if u buy big big bag the bag itself maybe few kg d... are we allowed to bring so many bags as hand carry?? i posted the question few days b4 and someone said might have problem if they dun allow so many bags..

>kshoo
You are wearing suit, with the blazer? I was planning to wear only long sleeve shirt with necktie.
>ooilingfan
Ipoh heong beng? or Penang Tau Sah Peah? Don't try to sneak in pirated CDs or burned CDs (I heard that empty one should be fine?)... you have other options... Japan is very strict with that.
>Mizu
It depends... try check your dorm's facilities online... should be able to see...

i also plan to wear normal shirt and slack with necktie only.. no need so fancy la.. i dun even own a blazer.. lol.. but im sure ooilingfan will wear a blazer like manager like dat

 

[jim84]

maybe its your bag that is heavy like if u buy big big bag the bag itself maybe few kg d... are we allowed to bring so many bags as hand carry?? i posted the question few days b4 and someone said might have problem if they dun allow so many bags..
i also plan to wear normal shirt and slack with necktie only.. no need so fancy la.. i dun even own a blazer.. lol.. but im sure ooilingfan will wear a blazer like manager like dat

...................no comments......................

 

[jim84]

great news for m'sians. Our baggage limit is now 30kg. Thanks to the efforts of the embassy and our co-ordinator.
Problem solved for me.
with the previous 20kg, it keeps reminding me of how Mr Bean packs his suitcase. Luckily i haven't cut my long pants into shorts.

Btw, anyone from m'sia bought their travel insurance (just in case, touchwood) and luggage insurance already? I need some advice...

 

[skfer]

guys . I've been called by the embassy today ... the tickets have arrived..BUT..they told me that there is an interview at the same time ..I don't know what does that about .. does anyone know ?

 

[skfer]

thanks god.. It was nothing ..just a survey for their website. .. I am going 1st of april

 

[c0ok1e]

I dont buy insurance cuz i dun believe in insurance.. even when i was in singapore for 2 months alone for my company training i didnt buy any insurance.. went bangkok holiday oso no insurance.. hehe

Anyway, I just started packing my stuff can u guys list down the essential items to bring over again?? i very scarred i miss out some important stuff

 

[jim84]

well, i brought my certificates with me, not sure whether it's necessary since we've confirmed our entry.
Apart from clothings, some personal items (simple stationeries, maybe some family photos etc) and toiletries like facial wash, moisturiser, lip balm, deodorent, etc.
Just bring what you would bring during your business trips, or during your training in singapore.
My heavy part is japanese language books/notes, computer+accessories, and camera+accessories. Other daily essentials i'm gonna buy there.

 

[menrui]

Be sure to bring passport photos! I'm sure some people don't realize they will need them for initial applications there, or they will simply forget.

 

[menrui]

I dont buy insurance cuz i dun believe in insurance..

Well, jokes on you. You will have to buy into the National Health Insurance upon arrival/registrations. According to JASSO, insurance premium is about 20,000yen per year. Not bad I think.

ooiling,
doesn't the airline give you some kind of luggage insurance? I remember 2 years ago, someone accidentally took my luggage, reported it the next day, and the airline personally delivered it to me. They said in the case that it is completely lost, they would "try" to reimburse me fully.

 

[MakKuro]

@MakKuro
I think the gate for the Japan leg of the trip is the best bet for meeting up. We should make a list of who arrives at the airport when, and set meeting times based on that. From the gate, we can go on detours in search of food, shopping, or just aimlessly wandering around to avoid boredom.

Goody!
I think I'll arrive in Frankfurt first. Three more fellow MEXT students are heading to KIairport through Frankfurt the same day, we met at the While-having-your-tickets-eat-some-Japanese-food party! One of the girls suggested roaming in Frankfurt after arriving in the airport.

Sofia (0610)- Frankfurt (0735) - LH3489

Frankfurt (1430) - Osaka/ KIAirport (0840) - LH 740

@oronen, You + @DaiUso will arrive at 0840 in Frankfurt?

@maaya, was it 1040?

hi guys,
I googled around and happened to find this thread, regarding issues on luggage, inspection at airport etc.
Feel free to check it out (it's from yr 2006 though)
How will my luggage be inspected? How long will it take?

That was useful! 10x man!

 

[maaya]

MakKuro,
I'll arrive at 10:05, with the plane Brussels-Frankfurt LH4571. I cannot wait to meet you guys! (we'll be with so many at the Frankfurt airport!)