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Worries, conerns, and preparations before Japan

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Gentleman10

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Hey guys,

Although I just made a recent post about clothing, the fact of the matter is I have alot more on my mind besides just that, so I decided to make another thread that will express all my worries before I leave.

First, let me explain my situation again. I'm a sophomore college student at the University of Texas studying abroad at Sophia University in Tokyo for the year. In high school I was an exchange student for a short while, so I picked up a good bit of Japanese to get around with etc, but needless to say, I'm coming back once again so I can seriously take my studies head on. I'm leaving around early september and come back early July.
To be honest, there's alot I'm concerned about before I go, and I'm often confused on who to turn to for such a venture (aka, I'm still pretty nervous about simply leaving for a year).
So if you fellow Jref mates don't mind helping me out as questions arise, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thus being said, I thought it would be better if I keep all my frivolous confusions in one thread rather than constantly making new threads.

Thanks alot for all the help!
----
 
Heh, for starters I suppose my first concern is rather important: a cell phone. It seems the 3things I need are a Japanese home address, a landline, and visa, and sofar I only have 1 of the 3 items. So although I've got the visa, to be honest my dormitory didn't specify whether or not they provide phone service, so it seems I'm rather stuck. Although I'll have email to communicate, it would be really nice to talk mobily to whomever, including my international family/friends. Is there anything I can do about this before my departure, or should I just worry about this until I get there?
 
For starters, let me tell you that Sophia University is one of the most "international" universities in Tokyo and has an international department (I forgot its official name) where 100% of the courses are taught in English. Is that where you're going or are you attending the "regular" courses with Japanese students?

Either way, there will be lots of people who speak English fluently and know how to handle newbies like you at Sophia. So, I'm pretty sure you'll find the phone problem (or any other problem you may have) will turn out a non-issue when you get here. Also, I don't think there is anything wrong with using your dormitory address as your Japan home address.

Generally speaking, many students who live in dormitories or in apartments have cellphones only and no landlines. It will be expensive calling your folks and friends on the cellphone, so your option will be using Skype (assuming you have your own PC and headset microphone) or getting a prepaid phone card to make international calls on pay phones. Personally, I think nothing beats Skype (or similar).

Just in case: Skype website
 
Yeah, I went the year without a cell phone and everybody thought I was crazy. I had a landline, and I just didn't want to pay more for another phone. It did, however, keep me out of the loop of social events to some degree, which I regret. Most of my friends had a cell and no land line, but some had a land line too so they could use the internet. Oh yeah, Skype is the way to go, to second epigene's suggestion (didn't have that either; not enough ports on the computer, but I heard from friends it's ridiculously cheap).
 

The fact of the matter is while I'm there I'll be taking solely Japanese courses there in order to really focus on becoming more comfortable with the language. Since I'll probably be taking mid-tier classes, I'm guessing the courses will probably be a mix of English and Japanese, and once we get comfortable enough with our Japanese we may switch (who knows?). Honestly I'm not sure if you would consider that a 'regular' college course, so I'm don't know how to answer your question Epigene.
I've gotten alot of warnings about Sophia being international, but I've also heard that falling into an 'English clique' is also easily avoidalbe. I've really committed myself to making the best out of my trip while I can and seriously learn the language, and I'm going to do my best to stick to Japanese while I'm there.... even if it means plenty of embarrassing situations.
---

But back to phones, I've heard through the grapevine from some people that many foreigners have to make these cell phone arrangements before they even get here to japan... sounds like a rumor to me, but is it true?
>>Glenn hmm, I was thinking about getting a landline if it provides internet, I'd most likely use it for that purpose as long as it's not too expensive. Checking email as well as checking up on the family back home is important to me. Just hoping they'd accept my dorm as an ok landline.
 
Well Gentleman10 good luck to you at Sophia. I graduated from there way back when in '81. It was a wonderful experience and I'm sure you'll enjoy it. It was the most rewarding 4 years of my life. As epigene said, it is a very "international" university. Your classmates will be from virtually every country in the world as well as the professors. I'm sure it will be as good an experience for you as it was for me.

The Kokusai Gakkubu (International Division) of Jochi Daigaku (Sophia University) is small and it will be easy to make friends who will show you all you need to know. Don't fret over it; things will fall into place for you. Most of all have fun as it will be an experience you will always cherish and remember.
 

I've checked the Sophia website and found that exchange students are accepted at its Faculty of Liberal Arts/Comparative Culture, formerly the International Division that Pachipro attended. All of the courses are taught in English except the language courses. From what I've heard, its Japanese language course has been in place since the establishment of the Faculty (back in 1949) and employs curriculum similar to that of ICU (International Christian University also in Tokyo), which is good news since ICU Japanese language program is well-known. (I think the "Genki" Japanese language books that are popular among serious Japanese language students here at JREF have been developed by ICU faculty members.)

Although your classmates will be English speakers, you still will be living in a Japanese-speaking environment, so I'm not worried about you falling in with the English clique, especially hearing that you plan to make the most of your stay!

But back to phones, I've heard through the grapevine from some people that many foreigners have to make these cell phone arrangements before they even get here to japan... sounds like a rumor to me, but is it true?
Click to expand...
I don't know for sure, but I think getting a cellphone is quite easy, so long as you have your ID (alien registration card and passport). It might take a few days for registration, though. Maybe others with similar experience can chip in.

I don't know what setup your dormitory has, but it is possible to get Internet access without a landline, if you live in a regular apartment. Yahoo BB (Softbank) offers such service and also has a package that includes cellphone and international/long-distance calls. However, you may need to comparison-shop with other carriers such as KDDI and NTT DoCoMo.

PS I just found that you need to open a bank account in Japan as well before you purchase a cellphone! Looks like that's about it!
 
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epigene said:
PS I just found that you need to open a bank account in Japan as well before you purchase a cellphone! Looks like that's about it!
Click to expand...

Oh man, lol. So I guess I shoudl start looking this stuff up all in English while I can before I leave eh? I'll be sure to check out DotCo and KDDI here, as well as getting a bank account here (if I can) so everything will go smoothly there.

..while I was looking at some of my stuff from my last stay, I also remembered a rather embarrassing situation which I wish to avoid now. Hehe, back when I was almost going home to the States, I had ran out of deodorant. I'm not too sure of the rest of the world's definition of deoderant, but in America it comes in the form of a small bar and you easily apply it to wherever. I figured I could just find some in the local grocery (Lawson, isn't that a common store?) and I could finish the rest of me days fine and dandy. It turns out after searching 3 grocery stores no one has American style deodorant, the most I could find were some wimpy wipes that didn't really do much, so I just barely scraped by with those.
So before I leave, I'd really like to know if I've got to stock up on deodorant while I'm here? or was I just not looking for the right thing? Or will I just end up smelling like *** for a few months? lol

Thanks guys
 
I'd bet that where you'll be going this time, you should be able to find something that will work. There are a few more deodorants for men, now, than there had been even 10 years ago--however, you had probably been here even after that.

OTHERWISE....stock up and have your folks send it to you. I get all mine shipped from the US. What is here is mostly for feminine use, and doesn't cut mustard.
 
Thanks for the info, I'll make sure to bring all the bars I need now. That's 1 less messy situation for me to deal with now
 
Hey guys,

Well I've started looking at cell phone companies online, and the most I've been able to find are models of phones etc (ie nothing too useful when it comes to registering for one). I think I'll have to wait to go to a service store to actually get all that stuff set up.
In the meantime I've been thinking about getting a Japanese bank account is well. Seeing how I need one to get a phone, I aught as well get one so I won't have to deal with traveler's checks etc. Additionally, last time I went my dad gave me a credit card which didn't work at all, so I had to run to a local bank for money (with $30 transfer fees!) every time I started running low.
Well I want to avoid that now. And since I've heard that foreign credit cards in japan are really a hassle sometimes, I'm thinking it would probably be best to start investigating setting up an account. I've been searching the forums for bank accounts, but the closest thing I got didn't exactly match my situation (the poster didn't seem to have any form of ID which I do). Does anyone mind directing me to some popular Japanese banking sites or handing out advice in getting an account? Maybe I can even start setting one up in the States so things can run smoother when I get there (I really don't want to have to store a year's worth of money in a shoebox or something, *especially* in a college dormitory) I don't mean to be a thorn in everyone's side asking all these questions, but my family and I seriously don't know where to start looking for all these things, so I really appreciate the help guys.

Thanks alot all
 
I am in a similarsituation just like him... Mind the ignorance, but, What's the cheapest way to get sent money to Japan. By Western Union, by having a debit card?

Mauricio
 
To my knowledge, credit cards issued outside of Japan work fine as far as it is ued for shopping. But if you wish to draw money from ATM, many ATM accept Japan issued credit cards only. The ATM at Post Office do accept foreign issue cards, though.
 
undrentide said:
But if you wish to draw money from ATM, many ATM accept Japan issued credit cards only. The ATM at Post Office do accept foreign issue cards, though.
Click to expand...

Yes, this was exactly the issue we seemed to have trouble with. If anyone could share their temporary banking experiences I'd sincerely appreciate it.
 
I don't think it's even possible to sign up for a cel phone with a Japanese country until you actually reside in the country. That rumor you heard about having to register for one before leaving probably is for people who want a cel phone in Japan for a short period of time, like a week or so, and not people who plan to reside here for any substantial amount of time.

Getting a cel phone here is almost too easy. Don't worry about it. Just get your bank account and alien registration done first. It would also be helpful to get a hanko.

Once you've got those taken care of, I'm sure that getting your cel phone will be a snap. (BTW, if you want your cel phone immediately, make sure you get a temporary proof of alien registration certificate when you get get that done at your local ward office.)

My experience with foreign credit/bank cards is basically the same as what undredtide said, but there are a few ATMs around that accept foreign issued cards if you look hard enough. Think like Citibank.
 
If you're talking about withdrawing cash deposited in the US or other countries, veteran business travelers set up accounts at Citibank. Money in Citibank accounts can be withdrawn around the world at Citibank ATMs and offices. There are a number of them in Tokyo, and a few more in other major cities in Japan.

This is the easiest, although Citibank has minimum deposit requirement for free-of-charge account managment.

There may be other foreign banks that offer such service, but this is the only one I know that does for sure.

Another alternative is Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ (correct name?? can't keep track of the changes with repeated mergers...). My daughter in the US has an international account with them and withdraws money we send her at ATMs in the US. (In our arrangement, I keep the passbook for depositing money, and she has the cashing card she can use at ATMs. Of course, she has a separate account with a local US bank to handle her other money matters.) This may work the other way around. You probably will have to find a branch office of this bank close to you.

I don't know whether a Citibank account (if you get an account with it, that is) will be accepted as a valid bank account for buying a cellphone in Japan. If it doesn't, you may have to set up a separate account at another bank in Japan after you get here, submitting papers (alien registration card that you obtain at the local city hall, passport) to identify yourself. This isn't much of a hassle--although there may be a long queue, depending on the bank branch office.

PS I've never said that you can open a Japanese bank account while you're still in the US. This must be done after you arrive in Japan!
 
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epigene said:
Another alternative is Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ (correct name?? can't keep track of the changes with repeated mergers...).
Click to expand...

Yes, it is correct. Its never-ending margers between banks drives me crazy when I have to request customers to make international remittance...
I sincerely hope Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ (now forgot what UFJ used to be!) would not change its name again because it got quite long.

-- end of offtopic-ish rant --
 
Thanks for the helpful comments yall,
So if I understand Epigeme correctly, then I should do the following: make a citibank so I can access my US cash from any citibank location in Tokyo *and* find a Japanese bank like Bank of Tokyo-Mitsu so I can have an official bank account in Japan which lets me do things like getting a phone etc.
Hmm, having 3 accounts (including the one I already have) open sounds *slightly* awkward to me having my money floating around in 3 different accounts, but if this is what it takes then I suppose I'll give it a shot.
heh, these questions are all coming from a lack of experience in Japan as well as money matters, but is it common for foreigners to have 3active accounts?
 
Cell phone recommendations ::
Go for SoftBank~
http ://mb.softbank.jp/mb/
http ://mb.softbank.jp/mb/en/ (English)

**with the new white plan the basic monthly fees is only 980yen.
but
With all the other crap they make us register which you can cancel afterwards on the internet if you don't want it >> basic fees :: 4000 yen+ per month
If you cancel everything then its 980yen.


**English customer support and english language setting on the phone.

**Free voice call from softbank to softbank user~

just put that into consideration when you plan on buying those cellphone.

Gentleman10 said:
heh, these questions are all coming from a lack of experience in Japan as well as money matters, but is it common for foreigners to have 3active accounts?
Click to expand...
I have 4 active account, which are all empty T_T
 

I mentioned Citibank and Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ in response to Mauricio's question about money transfer from (presumably) the US to Japan. It's one or the other regarding this issue.

For opening a bank account for your cellphone purchase, you need only one (Citibank if it is acceptable or a Japanese bank, of which Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ is one alternative).

Sorry for the confusion! I just thought that you (Gentleman10) might need an account to receive money from your folks back home like Mauricio!

Regarding the legal limit to the number of bank accounts you can have, you can theoretically have as many bank accounts as you like (one account per bank, of course) if you need it. I also have at least 3 active accounts and some more that I no longer remember...
 

Thank you, I will receive my money from my folks in Mexico, not the U.S., and I already found a Citibank affiliated bank here in Mexico. So, that would not be a problem. I assume I will withdraw money through a debit card in an ATM, right? I am so clueless regarding this, thank you.

Mauricio
 
Yes, if you open a Citibank account, you get a debit card. However, please note that you can withdraw cash only from Citibank ATMs and not just any ATMs in Japan. These are the Citibank locations in Tokyo:
Citibank Online

If you open an account with a Japanese bank, you will be able to withdraw from a wider range of ATMs, because the Japanese banks are joined together in a nationwide banking network. As I said earlier, Japanese bank accounts must be opened after you get here.

One exception may be Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, as I mentioned in my earilier post. I have a vague feeling that its international accounts are restricted only to people who are Japan residents but think maybe it's worth making an inquiry to the local representative office of this bank in your country.
 
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Thanks for the help Epigene, we're checking out our options about Citibank, and I think I'll just wait on the Jp bank account until I get there... but in the mean time....

I have a new concern: gifts. Well we all know how important gift giving is in Japanese culture, so of course I'm concerned as what to bring for my dorm mates. I'm not sure what to do for college mates, since I've only did this to a host family. To be frank, I'd rather not spend any more money that I have to (Sophia has so many rediculous sounding bills, you wouldn't believe it), but if it starts off thigns on a good foot with everyone, then I aught as well.

Two more questions: A)Shots, think I should take a stop to the doctor to get some diseases picked up specifically in Japan? I know it sounds dumb to ask, but really, if I don't need to go to the doctor, then that's one less session of reading old magazines in the lobby.

B) Electronics: This might have been asked somewhere else, but do I need an adapter for my electronic devices that I'm brininging? The main things I'm concerned about are my laptop (the device I'm using to type this on), and my mp3 player (a Zen creative if that matters). Does anyone know what electronics do/don't work in Japan? By chance does anyone know the reason why? If I were to know that I could probably answer the rest of my electronics questions myself.

Thx as always.
 

Wow, that's a first: gifts to roommates. I never thought about that. It's good that you definitely aren't overlooking things for your trip. I try to not overlook, but sometimes I feel so at ease, like I need nothing. You get where I'm coming from here?

But hey, I assume these roommates of yours are foreigners, too. If they are, don't stress it. So if you are really worried about all the expenses, I'd say, just don't. I would think they wouldn't bring any to you. Oops. Sorry, just what I think.

Mauricio
 
Gifts:
I don't see any need for you to buy gifts for your future dorm mates. This is totally different from giving gifts to a host family, who is expected to care for you for your entire stay and most likely to form familial bond with you.
If you want to do it badly, I suggest you just sound out the atmosphere and ask your folks to send some small items as Christmas gifts for the people you've made friends with.

Shots:
I don't think you need any, unless Sophia has such requirements. Japan is regarded "First World country" in terms of control of contagious diseases (except measles), with vaccination requirements roughly equivalent to those of North America and Europe.

Appliances:
Virtually all US electrical/electronic appliances work in eastern Japan. Although it's been more than a decade ago, I bought an Apple Mac in Seattle and brought it home. It worked fine and never had any problems.
 
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