So, I know I haven't posted much... or anything... of my life in Tokyo. However, I may have time in the not-so-distant future to update more and remedy that.
So, those in my group of family and friends know that I gave notice at my job in January. Not because it is a terrible place, for the most part working there has been great. The director is nice and they can be very accommodating. However, I have no interest in staying in Tokyo.
After moving to Tokyo, I developed eczema on my chin. It basically looks like I have a five o'clock shadow all the time that even make-up (unless quite generously applied and re-applied) won't cover. I have been taking pills twice a day since last August which have cleared up all but the eczema, and have recently started using steroid ointment on it. Since it started when I moved to Tokyo and starts to clear up every time I leave Tokyo, the answer is obvious. With other health issues adding on, I'm just ready to move on. (I guess I should consider myself lucky as a co-worker told me his girlfriend developed warts on her hands, and recently his entire nail just fell off, it could be worse.)
In other news, I will share my evil plotting for the future with you now!
While I gave notice in January, my company is currently expanding. They have been hiring so many new teachers for new schools and training and.... it's been a bit hectic. They weren't sure when they would have someone to replace me, so I (not having a set plan) offered to stay on a little longer on the terms that I wanted certain evenings off by 6pm to take Japanese classes. So, I will stay at my company until the end of June. However, as my replacement will come, my services aren't really needed all day, but I negotiated to continue a little longer as a part-time worker in place of the assistant they were planning to hire.
Part of my negotiation was to give me time to get my things in order, and part of it was just to give me some time to do what I came to Tokyo for: to study! I will moving out of my apartment at the end of March and into a Share House to save some money. I also plan on taking Japanese classes in the evenings to work on my speaking and prepare for the test. (JLPT in July!)
I have said before that saving money in Japan and having fun cannot be done together. Which may be why I have so little enjoyed my time here, but I did manage to save a little. So I am planning my last trip in Japan for Kyoto. I am planning my time in Kyoto for ( I know... it's a terrible idea, but) the summer. Summers in Kyoto, as you can only really understand if you've experienced it, are miserable to say the least.
My plan in Kyoto is a little more interesting, I think. Last year, I took a trip to a guesthouse with my friend. While there, I noticed a sign that said they offered a "cleaning exchange" to customers. I recently looked more into this matter and found out that, if you can guarantee to work for 2+ months, you can work (4 hours of cleaning a day) for free accommodation. If you are interested in coming to Japan long-term, this is something to look into. I have actually seen this offer at many hostels. However, I had no idea you could do it in a more upscale guesthouse.
So, my plan in Kyoto is to work to live, in a different sense. It gives me time to study through the worst weather, make new friends (potentially), meet old friends, explore, and relax.
I know it may be a bad idea or a waste of money, but when I think about it.... I've just wanted a break for so long, and this is a nice way to get one without just being idle in the countryside. I can be semi-idle in Kyoto!
So there it is... my tentative plan. Though the Tokyo part is a little more set. I am going to view my first choice share house tomorrow. *fingers crossed*
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Sayonara Sale Tokyo March 2015
I will be leaving Tokyo at the end of the March and it is time to sell!
Prices are all in Yen.
Some prices may be negotiable if a reasonable price is asked.
(**not available until ~3/29)
If you would like pictures or more information on the items, please e-mail me at erinmharr@ezweb.ne.jp
Prices are all in Yen.
- rice cooker 1.2L (6 servings) 2,000
- bathroom scale 250
Brown 3 shelf bookshelf 1,000green 3 shelf bookshelf 500- laundry pole 1,000
- hair straightener (Tescom--IONE) 500
- dark green duffel bag with wheels and adjustable handle 500
- kotatsu (large size) 100x70 7,000
vacuum ("stick type cyclone cleaner") 800**- balcony "curtain" (mekakushi) 250 for on or 400 for both
- wooden mats (sunoko) 3:87x55 and 1:87x37 all for 500
- curtains (light green) 135x145-ish set of 2 1,200
Some prices may be negotiable if a reasonable price is asked.
(**not available until ~3/29)
If you would like pictures or more information on the items, please e-mail me at erinmharr@ezweb.ne.jp
Dating in Japan vs. South Korea
I was just reading a blog about IR (interracial dating). This led me to start thinking again on a subject that has been bothering me for... over a year. The differences I've found in the dating culture between Japan and Korea.
Mind you, this is coming from a white woman who likes Asian men. So it may differ for others, but from what I've observed, I doubt it differs that much.
Coming from the American "melting pot", I've grown up in a country where black, white, Hispanic, Asian, you-name-it faces are the norm. In the USA I know there is still trouble with racism, but overall this is not the case. If you are American, for the most part, you are American. Maybe it's just because I've always been very open-minded that I didn't differentiate between peoples backgrounds...
Anyways, I've been living in Asia for several years, I spent a couple in Korea and a couple in Japan. Recently, I noticed a trend in dating.
I used to be a "big girl", I've lost over 30kg in the last 4-5 years. However, In Korea the men didn't care so much. Not that they didn't care at all. Some men after checking me out had no interest in talking/meeting again. In Korea, where they are very vocal about liking women to weigh 110lbs (while most men have no idea what this means except skin and bone), they are much more open to dating women with more curves as long as they are foreign.
What I mean is, when you see a Korean man and a Korean woman together, regardless of how fat, ugly, disfigured, or potentially handsome the man is, the women are usually very slim and often petite. Korean women are supposed to be slim and pretty, and while most Korean men claim that they would never date/marry a woman who's had plastic surgery the truth is that most Korean men won't date a Korean woman who hasn't had surgery.
Meanwhile, you will see Korean men with foreign women and often see the opposite. When it comes to size, Korean men are much more accepting of bigger foreign girls. Now, that isn't to say that they love big girls, just that they accept them much easier than they would a big Korean girl. Of course, they aren't happy about it. You can often times expect to hear things like "You would be prettier if you lost weight" or "If you weighed 52kg, I would be in love with you (true line from a guy friend of mine, who apparently was seriously asking me out...)". These things may make you ask "Are they really more accepting", but honestly, yes. The fact that they will date you, even wanting to introduce you to their parents is a BIG deal. (P.S. I still don't weigh 52kg, just 30+kg less than before.
---
Living in Japan has taught me the exact opposite. Mind you, I am MUCH thinner/healthier than when I went to Korea, but dating here is nearly impossible. I thought it was just because I wasn't trying as hard but that wasn't it. So, as I always do when I feel out of place, I started to people watch more. After moving to Tokyo, I used to frequent Shinjuku and even hang out in areas of Shibuya that are good for observation.
I eventually realized that I never saw a big foreign girl with a Japanese man. I have seen other "big" (over size 6--US) girls here. However, all the these women that I saw with a male partner were with men who were white, black, Philipino, etc.: not Japanese. Even here in Tokyo, I have seen slim-to-no Asian men with women who are bigger than a size 6. In fact, a size six seems to be rare in itself. I must admit, I may have seen a girl or two who MIGHT be as "big" as a size 8 with a Japanese guy! However, they also looked like they should be models (not the anorexic ones we see today, but the healthy looking ones who were chosen more on looks than bones.)
It doesn't seem to matter if they are white, black, Asian, whatever. When it comes to Japanese guys dating Japanese girls, they are so much more accepting of curves and bigger girls, but foreigners? Hell no. I have even been asking my friends to see if it is just my imagination and many tried to deny it before thinking and saying "You're right, I've never seen one couple with a big or average foreign girl and a Japanese guy." or "I knew one guy who married a 'chubby' American girl... oh but, after they moved to Japan they divorced within a year."
I have found this both annoying and fascinating.... It's amazing the differences people are willing to accept from people of the same race/ethnicity/culture than from those of others.
However, I'm sure this isn't just a Korean/Japanese thing. Overall, in the USA there are so many types and people who prefer different things, though even from state to state you will likely see a difference. However, I find that in Korea it went both ways, some were okay with average or above average girls and some weren't, but here in Japan I have not seen this kind of thing. Even in the rare event that they date a girl who is bigger than a size 8, marriage?! What are you thinking? Obviously, I've dated a couple guys here, but one was openly interested in moving to the USA and the other was a playboy, so...
Of course, it's obvious to say, you haven't met the right kind of men, and I perfectly agree. However, neither have 99% of the other average and above average women I've seen here. So I'm thinking it's not just me.
Mind you, this is coming from a white woman who likes Asian men. So it may differ for others, but from what I've observed, I doubt it differs that much.
Coming from the American "melting pot", I've grown up in a country where black, white, Hispanic, Asian, you-name-it faces are the norm. In the USA I know there is still trouble with racism, but overall this is not the case. If you are American, for the most part, you are American. Maybe it's just because I've always been very open-minded that I didn't differentiate between peoples backgrounds...
Anyways, I've been living in Asia for several years, I spent a couple in Korea and a couple in Japan. Recently, I noticed a trend in dating.
I used to be a "big girl", I've lost over 30kg in the last 4-5 years. However, In Korea the men didn't care so much. Not that they didn't care at all. Some men after checking me out had no interest in talking/meeting again. In Korea, where they are very vocal about liking women to weigh 110lbs (while most men have no idea what this means except skin and bone), they are much more open to dating women with more curves as long as they are foreign.
What I mean is, when you see a Korean man and a Korean woman together, regardless of how fat, ugly, disfigured, or potentially handsome the man is, the women are usually very slim and often petite. Korean women are supposed to be slim and pretty, and while most Korean men claim that they would never date/marry a woman who's had plastic surgery the truth is that most Korean men won't date a Korean woman who hasn't had surgery.
Meanwhile, you will see Korean men with foreign women and often see the opposite. When it comes to size, Korean men are much more accepting of bigger foreign girls. Now, that isn't to say that they love big girls, just that they accept them much easier than they would a big Korean girl. Of course, they aren't happy about it. You can often times expect to hear things like "You would be prettier if you lost weight" or "If you weighed 52kg, I would be in love with you (true line from a guy friend of mine, who apparently was seriously asking me out...)". These things may make you ask "Are they really more accepting", but honestly, yes. The fact that they will date you, even wanting to introduce you to their parents is a BIG deal. (P.S. I still don't weigh 52kg, just 30+kg less than before.
---
Living in Japan has taught me the exact opposite. Mind you, I am MUCH thinner/healthier than when I went to Korea, but dating here is nearly impossible. I thought it was just because I wasn't trying as hard but that wasn't it. So, as I always do when I feel out of place, I started to people watch more. After moving to Tokyo, I used to frequent Shinjuku and even hang out in areas of Shibuya that are good for observation.
I eventually realized that I never saw a big foreign girl with a Japanese man. I have seen other "big" (over size 6--US) girls here. However, all the these women that I saw with a male partner were with men who were white, black, Philipino, etc.: not Japanese. Even here in Tokyo, I have seen slim-to-no Asian men with women who are bigger than a size 6. In fact, a size six seems to be rare in itself. I must admit, I may have seen a girl or two who MIGHT be as "big" as a size 8 with a Japanese guy! However, they also looked like they should be models (not the anorexic ones we see today, but the healthy looking ones who were chosen more on looks than bones.)
It doesn't seem to matter if they are white, black, Asian, whatever. When it comes to Japanese guys dating Japanese girls, they are so much more accepting of curves and bigger girls, but foreigners? Hell no. I have even been asking my friends to see if it is just my imagination and many tried to deny it before thinking and saying "You're right, I've never seen one couple with a big or average foreign girl and a Japanese guy." or "I knew one guy who married a 'chubby' American girl... oh but, after they moved to Japan they divorced within a year."
I have found this both annoying and fascinating.... It's amazing the differences people are willing to accept from people of the same race/ethnicity/culture than from those of others.
However, I'm sure this isn't just a Korean/Japanese thing. Overall, in the USA there are so many types and people who prefer different things, though even from state to state you will likely see a difference. However, I find that in Korea it went both ways, some were okay with average or above average girls and some weren't, but here in Japan I have not seen this kind of thing. Even in the rare event that they date a girl who is bigger than a size 8, marriage?! What are you thinking? Obviously, I've dated a couple guys here, but one was openly interested in moving to the USA and the other was a playboy, so...
Of course, it's obvious to say, you haven't met the right kind of men, and I perfectly agree. However, neither have 99% of the other average and above average women I've seen here. So I'm thinking it's not just me.
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Life Update
So, for those watching my blog, you are seeing some action finally! I know it's been a while. To be honest, I don't actually have internet in Japan which is what's been keeping me from posting anything.
I know what you are thinking. Obviously I am posting this now, so I must have some internet, right? Those who know me know that my internet use is simply tethering the internet from my phone and using the computer through it. Since cell phones contracts in Japan come with "unlimited internet" this seemed like a good deal when I arrived. However, as with everything involving life in Japan, nothing here is cheap or easy... well... you know what I mean.
So my "unlimited" internet actually translates to "unlimited but..." after 7GB of data transfer over a 3G/4G connection, the internet slows down to a pace that makes snails look fast. I frequently pass over my limit anywhere between the 13th and the 30th of the month. If, by chance, the month is coming to an end and I have data left, I usually pull an all-nighter (even on work nights, or just the weekend before). Basically, if you pass this limit, you can still check facebook and e-mails and such, but be prepared for dial-up connection speeds, don't expect any images or videos to load, and make plans to go outdoors because you will have nothing left to do at home but clean or read books (which I usually do all of the above quite happily). If nothing else, it's a nice way to get away from your computer/phone and force yourself to do something else!
So, posting has basically become difficult to say the least. However, as I am now about to finish the last week of my second full year in Japan, I felt it was time to try and get this blog functioning again ;)
I will try to post some back posts including my second year in Korea and the last two here in Japan. As it is, I am currently thinking about returning to Korea this coming April when I've finished my current contract.
Whatever I chose Tokyo is out.
To explain: my skin, eyes, throat, and pretty much all of myself has been rejecting Tokyo since I arrived. From my eyes going so dry that I get swores on the insides of my eyelids (and no, I don't wear contacts, so it's really strange) and eczema on my neck/chin that makes me look like I have a 5 o'clock shadow before I finally started paying $20 a week to get medicine and laser treatments (neither of these issues existed when I lived in Shizuoka) are telling me that Tokyo is just not for me~! (I heard from a co-worker that his girlfriend started getting nasty warts all over her hands after they moved here... she has to get them all removed surgically.)
Just a nice little teaser for those of you who think you want to move to Tokyo~ :-p
Until next time (which hopefully won't be too long!)
I know what you are thinking. Obviously I am posting this now, so I must have some internet, right? Those who know me know that my internet use is simply tethering the internet from my phone and using the computer through it. Since cell phones contracts in Japan come with "unlimited internet" this seemed like a good deal when I arrived. However, as with everything involving life in Japan, nothing here is cheap or easy... well... you know what I mean.
So my "unlimited" internet actually translates to "unlimited but..." after 7GB of data transfer over a 3G/4G connection, the internet slows down to a pace that makes snails look fast. I frequently pass over my limit anywhere between the 13th and the 30th of the month. If, by chance, the month is coming to an end and I have data left, I usually pull an all-nighter (even on work nights, or just the weekend before). Basically, if you pass this limit, you can still check facebook and e-mails and such, but be prepared for dial-up connection speeds, don't expect any images or videos to load, and make plans to go outdoors because you will have nothing left to do at home but clean or read books (which I usually do all of the above quite happily). If nothing else, it's a nice way to get away from your computer/phone and force yourself to do something else!
So, posting has basically become difficult to say the least. However, as I am now about to finish the last week of my second full year in Japan, I felt it was time to try and get this blog functioning again ;)
I will try to post some back posts including my second year in Korea and the last two here in Japan. As it is, I am currently thinking about returning to Korea this coming April when I've finished my current contract.
Whatever I chose Tokyo is out.
To explain: my skin, eyes, throat, and pretty much all of myself has been rejecting Tokyo since I arrived. From my eyes going so dry that I get swores on the insides of my eyelids (and no, I don't wear contacts, so it's really strange) and eczema on my neck/chin that makes me look like I have a 5 o'clock shadow before I finally started paying $20 a week to get medicine and laser treatments (neither of these issues existed when I lived in Shizuoka) are telling me that Tokyo is just not for me~! (I heard from a co-worker that his girlfriend started getting nasty warts all over her hands after they moved here... she has to get them all removed surgically.)
Just a nice little teaser for those of you who think you want to move to Tokyo~ :-p
Until next time (which hopefully won't be too long!)
Arrival in Japan -- Starting up
So, when you arrive in Japan, life is of course different.
After Arriving in Japan, I had to attend a week long training in Okayama. This wasn't entirely a terrible thing since I was able to revisit Okayama Castle and enjoy the sights more than I was able to the last time I was there. However, it meant some things went on hold.
Residence Card
Japan revised it's Foreigner Policies in 2012, so now you will get your Permanent Resident Card at the airport. This is awesome and terrifying. I was so worried, after my 22 hour flight, that they were going to use the picture they took of me after getting off the plane. However, luckily, this was not the case. Instead they used the photo that came with my visa. *phew*
I was handed my card and sent on my way into the KIX airport, which is a really nice airport by the way. If you ever find yourself trapped in the airport for several hours awaiting your ride (like I did), I recommend checking out the airport lounge. You can rent a computer, room, books, bed, or even a SHOWER! Guess which one I did ;). The catch for the shower is that you need lots of hundred yen coins. It's a coin shower... haha. Take your shower pack, rent a towel, stock up on 100yen coins and enjoy the steam!
After my training was finished, I was placed on the shinkansen (bullet train) with my fellow trainees and we were left to make our way across Japan to our patiently waiting managers. By the time I settled into Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture, I had a good idea of what I needed.
Hanko
So, what do you need to get started? A bank account, a cell phone, and, in most cases, a hanko (a name stamp). Unless you live in the center of Tokyo, with the main branches of the large banks (or so I've heard), you will need a hanko. A hanko is a name stamp and your official "signature" while in Japan. Like your passport and residence card, it is to be guarded and protected! You may obtain one from a hanko store, where you can order a specialized one with katakana (Japanese alphabet for foreign names/items) or your own choice of kanji if you have it. If you want kanji, you may need to go alone. I heard that many manager's when taking in foreigner's either refuse to let them get one with kanji, or if they do simply tell them to grab a pre-made one off the rack whether or not you know what it says. Keep in mind, the more characters on the stamp, the more expensive it will be, so if you have a long name, I would use an abbreviation or buy pre-made.
Validate Residence Card and Get Insurance
You will also need to visit the local city hall asap. In order to validate your residence card, you need to take your passport with visa, your contract (in some cases), the address where you will be living, and potentially your manager to translate and verify your address. Once they know who you are and where you will be, they will use the ultimate miniscule writing to fill in your address (unless they have a card printer). Once your address is on, you are good. However, if your company isn't providing insurance, you will need to stop by that counter and pick up an insurance card. Take the same items and head on over. This isn't difficult, and they will usually bill you about a month or so later. They send bills that you can pay at the convenience store once they decide your amount based on salary. These are often sent in bulk, so you can pay ahead or just to save them processing time. I usually pay mine a couple months in advance, just in case anything happens, or in case I suddenly don't have money.
Bank Account
Once you have your hanko and your validated Residence Card, you are free to head to the bank! Some school's ask you to use the same bank/branch that they use to avoid/lessen the transfer fees for your salary. So make sure to ask about banks before making an account (not that you can't have more than one, but you need time to set them up). UFJ Mitsubishi and Mizuho are two of the biggest banks in Japan and good to use because you can find ATM's pretty much anywhere while traveling (which is great since this is a cash country). Small banks aren't a bad thing though and you can usually find/use ATM's at the convenience stores if you're desperate (7-eleven ATM will take most cards, even on holidays).
Keep in mind, on holidays and after 8pm most ATM's will not work!!! Some ATM's will work, but simply charge high fees, some will reject you completely! Keep money on hand!
Mind you, this is mainly if you are using an ATM that is not with the same bank, however, many ATM's are located in the bank lobby and they are closed after 8pm in most places (outside Tokyo especially).
Cell Phone
Okay, so you have a hanko, your validated RC card, and a bank book?! Awesome! Time to get a phone! This is something you may want to research ahead of time. There are three main cell phone companies in Japan: Docomo, SoftBank, and Au. Unless you came over with your family, I would skip Docomo. It isn't really geared toward single people, but more family plans. SoftBank and Au are really the main two to look at. I have heard good and bad things about both companies, but I'm just going to say: GO WITH AU!
So, SoftBank often has a much better selection of phones, and their plans are reasonable, but I wouldn't do it if I were you. I chose Au because it's what my friends use and it's what I used when I came to Japan for the summer of 2007. However, my co-NETs were all using SoftBank and swore it was better. I also met a guy and started dating, but we couldn't call because he also used SoftBank. So I regretted my choice.
So when my friend came to Japan to work I told her that SoftBank was probably the way to go.... I don't know if she will ever forgive me. Both SoftBank and Au will tell you that they have wireless stations, but I don't know anyone who has been able to connect to them when found. Meanwhile, my friend discovered that SoftBank has terrible signal. If you live in a rural area, you may never have working internet or any signal. She couldn't even get 3G/4G most of the time! I mean, Au isn't perfect, but it definitely beats SoftBank in internet connection.
Okay, so, hopefully this blog got you through the worst of your first week. Now you just have to figure out where the nearest grocery store is and how to get to work on time ;)
After Arriving in Japan, I had to attend a week long training in Okayama. This wasn't entirely a terrible thing since I was able to revisit Okayama Castle and enjoy the sights more than I was able to the last time I was there. However, it meant some things went on hold.
Residence Card
Japan revised it's Foreigner Policies in 2012, so now you will get your Permanent Resident Card at the airport. This is awesome and terrifying. I was so worried, after my 22 hour flight, that they were going to use the picture they took of me after getting off the plane. However, luckily, this was not the case. Instead they used the photo that came with my visa. *phew*
I was handed my card and sent on my way into the KIX airport, which is a really nice airport by the way. If you ever find yourself trapped in the airport for several hours awaiting your ride (like I did), I recommend checking out the airport lounge. You can rent a computer, room, books, bed, or even a SHOWER! Guess which one I did ;). The catch for the shower is that you need lots of hundred yen coins. It's a coin shower... haha. Take your shower pack, rent a towel, stock up on 100yen coins and enjoy the steam!
After my training was finished, I was placed on the shinkansen (bullet train) with my fellow trainees and we were left to make our way across Japan to our patiently waiting managers. By the time I settled into Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture, I had a good idea of what I needed.
Hanko
So, what do you need to get started? A bank account, a cell phone, and, in most cases, a hanko (a name stamp). Unless you live in the center of Tokyo, with the main branches of the large banks (or so I've heard), you will need a hanko. A hanko is a name stamp and your official "signature" while in Japan. Like your passport and residence card, it is to be guarded and protected! You may obtain one from a hanko store, where you can order a specialized one with katakana (Japanese alphabet for foreign names/items) or your own choice of kanji if you have it. If you want kanji, you may need to go alone. I heard that many manager's when taking in foreigner's either refuse to let them get one with kanji, or if they do simply tell them to grab a pre-made one off the rack whether or not you know what it says. Keep in mind, the more characters on the stamp, the more expensive it will be, so if you have a long name, I would use an abbreviation or buy pre-made.
Validate Residence Card and Get Insurance
You will also need to visit the local city hall asap. In order to validate your residence card, you need to take your passport with visa, your contract (in some cases), the address where you will be living, and potentially your manager to translate and verify your address. Once they know who you are and where you will be, they will use the ultimate miniscule writing to fill in your address (unless they have a card printer). Once your address is on, you are good. However, if your company isn't providing insurance, you will need to stop by that counter and pick up an insurance card. Take the same items and head on over. This isn't difficult, and they will usually bill you about a month or so later. They send bills that you can pay at the convenience store once they decide your amount based on salary. These are often sent in bulk, so you can pay ahead or just to save them processing time. I usually pay mine a couple months in advance, just in case anything happens, or in case I suddenly don't have money.
Bank Account
Once you have your hanko and your validated Residence Card, you are free to head to the bank! Some school's ask you to use the same bank/branch that they use to avoid/lessen the transfer fees for your salary. So make sure to ask about banks before making an account (not that you can't have more than one, but you need time to set them up). UFJ Mitsubishi and Mizuho are two of the biggest banks in Japan and good to use because you can find ATM's pretty much anywhere while traveling (which is great since this is a cash country). Small banks aren't a bad thing though and you can usually find/use ATM's at the convenience stores if you're desperate (7-eleven ATM will take most cards, even on holidays).
Keep in mind, on holidays and after 8pm most ATM's will not work!!! Some ATM's will work, but simply charge high fees, some will reject you completely! Keep money on hand!
Mind you, this is mainly if you are using an ATM that is not with the same bank, however, many ATM's are located in the bank lobby and they are closed after 8pm in most places (outside Tokyo especially).
Cell Phone
Okay, so you have a hanko, your validated RC card, and a bank book?! Awesome! Time to get a phone! This is something you may want to research ahead of time. There are three main cell phone companies in Japan: Docomo, SoftBank, and Au. Unless you came over with your family, I would skip Docomo. It isn't really geared toward single people, but more family plans. SoftBank and Au are really the main two to look at. I have heard good and bad things about both companies, but I'm just going to say: GO WITH AU!
So, SoftBank often has a much better selection of phones, and their plans are reasonable, but I wouldn't do it if I were you. I chose Au because it's what my friends use and it's what I used when I came to Japan for the summer of 2007. However, my co-NETs were all using SoftBank and swore it was better. I also met a guy and started dating, but we couldn't call because he also used SoftBank. So I regretted my choice.
So when my friend came to Japan to work I told her that SoftBank was probably the way to go.... I don't know if she will ever forgive me. Both SoftBank and Au will tell you that they have wireless stations, but I don't know anyone who has been able to connect to them when found. Meanwhile, my friend discovered that SoftBank has terrible signal. If you live in a rural area, you may never have working internet or any signal. She couldn't even get 3G/4G most of the time! I mean, Au isn't perfect, but it definitely beats SoftBank in internet connection.
Okay, so, hopefully this blog got you through the worst of your first week. Now you just have to figure out where the nearest grocery store is and how to get to work on time ;)
Monday, November 26, 2012
Money Matters: Starting Costs
So, I still haven’t quite accepted that I will be leaving the country again next week—10 days left. At the same time, I’m pretty freaked out about my current money situation…
The company I will be working for recommends that you bring between 250,000¥ and 300,000¥ (which is a little more than $2,500-$3,000). I will be going with approximately 100,000¥ in pocket. Mainly because (as most graduates) I have loan payments I need to make and a minimum balance of $500 in my checking without getting fined. I’m planning to leave enough money in my account to keep my minimum and pay for the first three months of payments on my school loans.
An important thing to remember if you’ve never lived/moved abroad
is money! As I said above most people would recommend you take a minimum of
$2,000-$3,000 with you. Now, this is something that can obviously be played
around with. Some people may “need” the full $3,000 or more, while some people
may be able to get by with $500.
If you are planning to move abroad for teaching there are several
things you need to keep in mind when it comes to money and finances. First, make
sure you remember to leave enough money at home to pay for any bills/payments
you may have for the first 3 months. I say for 3 months because it may take
some time before you have money to send. This can happen for several reasons:
you may not get paid until the second month (in Korea it’s normal to wait 1-2
full months before getting paid), you may not be able to open a bank account
until the second month (normally you can’t open an account until you receive
your ARC, which can take up to 3-4 weeks), you have to consider the unforeseen (you
may find that you have a lot of unexpected fees at the beginning of your stay).
Obviously I am not in Japan yet, but I have already had experience
with moving to Korea. The best thing about both jobs is that my company has
prepared my housing. This can be both a plus and a minus, but I prefer to just
consider the plus side. ;)
I will use my experience, and what I know about my upcoming experience, to lay out some information that can help you to understand the monetary concerns listed above.
*South Korea: When I
went to Korea I prepared approximately $1,500 to take with me (besides what I
was leaving for loan payments and such). Unfortunately, my school couldn’t find
a ticket as cheap as I could. When I found a cheaper ticket they asked me to
buy it and promised to reimburse me. I went ahead and bought the ticket, but
that left me with about $500 to take with me. (I actually don’t recommend
agreeing to purchase the ticket, for Korea, unless you will be teaching in a
public school—since they are regulated by the government you should have no
trouble.)
After arriving in Korea, it took my company about a week to take
me in for the mandatory health check (I know several people who were sent alone—which
can be scary and stressful in your first week—so ask the person before you how
they did theirs). Once your results are sent in, it can take about 1-2 weeks to
get your ARC. After that, you can create a bank account, but when do you get
paid? I arrived at the end of May, so I got paid around mid-July. Meanwhile, I
had to fight with my boss to get refunded for my plane ticket. At first they
were going to give it to me in small increments (about $100/week). They also used
the exchange rate for the day they were paying me (which had dropped significantly
since I bought the ticket 2 months before). In the end, I lost about $200
because of the exchange rate used, and it took me over a month to get the money
back. (If you will be in an urban area, it’s easy to find a SK or KB Bank—both are
great—ATM and you will be able to withdraw cash if/when needed from a foreign
account.)
Mind you, I had about $500 and my only foreseen expenses were
groceries. However, I ended up moving in to a bachelor pad. The guy before me
had not only skipped out on cleaning (and the company did NO cleaning/repairs)
but I’m pretty sure he had never cleaned. I moved into an apartment full of
dust, dirt, and MOLD, half the lights were out and there was grease all over
the kitchen and surrounding areas. There was a broken mop collecting dust along
with a small (and dingy) broom. Needless to say, I spent a ton of money/time on
cleaning supplies and necessities within the first week. Add to, the closest
mart was a nice taxi ride away so that didn’t help on cost.
Now, as you may have guessed, the cleaning supplies wouldn’t be
$500 right? No. That was just an unforeseen cost. The biggest mistake I made
was that I wanted to feel at home. In order to do that, I not only bought too
many groceries, but I went ahead and bought little things to make the apartment
seem homier (shoe rack, baskets/drawers for organizing, etc.). I recommend you
hold off on this until you get paid. However, these are ways that your money
can get a little… lost.*
*Japan: Again, I have
not arrived in Japan yet. However, this is what the situation looks like right
now:
I have saved about $1,000 to take with me (this is after purchasing my own ticket as this
company does not pay for, or refund, the flight cost). Meanwhile, I’m leaving
enough money to make the first 3 months payments on my bills. Also, the company
charged a $200 processing fee which will be returned upon arrival at the training.
There is a fee for sending the extra luggage to the school (you are only
allowed two small bags—carry-on bags—for the training week); however, I already
know that this will be around $60. The human transportation, however, is paid
for by the school. ;)
I will be arriving at the beginning of December, and getting paid
on the 25th (of the first month). The paycheck will be approximately
half a normal check with all the fees and deduction pro-rated. So while I may
not be getting a full check, I should still be able to take home approximately
$500 before the end of the month. (Not sure about this, but from what I've heard, using debit/credit in Japan is not an easy thing. So finding an ATM to take out money can also be hard. So I recommend taking money with you. If you will be working it's okay to take some in traveler's checks, as these can be directly deposited in a bank account.)*
As I have some experience living abroad, and already know several
of the “Do’s and Dont's” of the game, I am pretty confident that I can live
cheaply and even save some money in the first month. However, if you aren’t
sure, I recommend taking more money.
The thing about money transfer is that you will need to make sure you have enough money in your account that you can afford to send money home and still cover any sudden fees (within reason, of course). I like to make sure that I have approximately $1,000 in my account at all times. This gives me enough money to cover food, travel, and fun for a month, along with a little extra.
My suggestion is to live cheap and safe for a month. This doesn’t
mean “stay home and be boring”. On the contrary: Go out! This is a great time
to get to know your new home. Find out what’s nearby, search for cheap
restaurants (but try to eat in if/when possible), meet people nearby who can
help you out, and just get comfortable in a new place! This way, you can save
money and meet people who can help you plan out some great vacations once you’ve
saved up enough to send home and still play.
This may seem sensible once you read it, but some people will
never figure this out. My fellow Native English Teachers (NETs = foreign ESL
teachers) never did. I watched as one after the other made the same mistake.
They came and immediately saw it as vacation time. They wasted no time in
finding the nearest bars, stuck to the foreigner crowd nearby, and took every
chance they had to spend money and go on vacation—leaving little or no money to
be sent home. Instead, they lived paycheck to paycheck. While this may sound
awesome to some of you, there is a huge downside to this style of living.
My fellow NETs often spent all their money weeks before payday.
Every month, sometimes weeks before the next payday, these co-teachers would be
completely poor! One girl would frequently complain 2 weeks before/after
getting paid that she only had $50 left for the month and no groceries. She
would try to limit herself to a $5 pizza, planning to take some home and eat it
over time. Then she would proceed to eat the whole thing at once, and have that
much less money. Near the end of her contract, she went to the doctor because
of some issues and learned that she was suffering from malnutrition.
This is your life. So, if you managed to read through this short
novel, please consider yourself. Teaching abroad isn’t a game or vacation, it’s
you JOB. The money you earn isn’t just for playing around (unless you have a
rich family, in which case just go on vacation…), this money is for your
livelihood. I’m not saying be boring, just be smart.
Friday, November 16, 2012
Pre-Departure
Exactly three weeks from today, I will be getting on a plane and started the day long trek to Japan! I don't really like flying, and have trouble sleeping on planes, so let's hope that the Sandman can find me this time~~~
Once I get to this point I am always worried I'm forgetting something. The things I use to keep me together are lists! If you search "packing lists", even adding international, on Google you can find some very useful things. Most lists are made for people who are permanently moving their families abroad. While you may not find that useful, it is. Just copy/paste it into word and take out what you don't need, and change what you do. Even the most thorough self-planner would do well to look at some example lists and make sure there isn't anything they've forgotten. There are even some that are sorted out from 90 days before departure to 60, 30, and so on. This is great for those things that you don't want to forget to do and either leave undone or do in a last minute rush.
LISTS! They are your friend. :)
At this point, the only things I need for my trip are new jeans! I lost weight and have been trying to lose more, so I've been putting this off, but it's my Thanksgiving Break plan. Otherwise, I've got/done everything important. I've given early notice at work, notified my bank of the move, and gathered/pre-packed most of my things to make sure they will fit within the weight limit.
Sometimes people think I'm crazy for starting to pack more than a month before the trip, but for me it's just the process. Apparently I have more junk than I think, so I like to start packing early to slowly start trickling out the things that I don't want/need. Even if you don't have much stuff, I recommend starting to pack at least a week before. This way, you have time to make sure you have everything together, know what you are still using that needs to be packed, make sure everything fits under the weight limit, and make sure you have everything in the right bags (like extra clothes in your carry-on should your bags get delayed).
Also, you should have already begun a study/review of the language and culture. If you don't think these are important, it's your loss, but please try not to make the rest of us look too silly. The fact is, while I have seen people live and co-exist without learning/knowing anything for a year or more abroad, their experiences are truly limited. These people usually interact with other foreigners most of the time, and spend little time with natives (often just teenagers who want to hang out). They travel in little foreigner pods using English speaking travel agents to make the plans and often struggle on their way (not the kind of learning struggle, but the "this is a pain and I'm going to get angry, complain about it, and not enjoy my trip" kind). Learn some of the language, make some real native friends (not just kids who think it's cool to be with foreigners), and get some real international experience.
I watched so many foreigners spend all their time with other foreigners, hanging out in foreigner bars, in mainly foreigner areas, etc. If you are going abroad to just experience the foreigners culture in another country: Stay Home!
If you actually want to see the world and learn about the culture, people, and life: Get out there and get out of your comfort zone once in a while!
Once I get to this point I am always worried I'm forgetting something. The things I use to keep me together are lists! If you search "packing lists", even adding international, on Google you can find some very useful things. Most lists are made for people who are permanently moving their families abroad. While you may not find that useful, it is. Just copy/paste it into word and take out what you don't need, and change what you do. Even the most thorough self-planner would do well to look at some example lists and make sure there isn't anything they've forgotten. There are even some that are sorted out from 90 days before departure to 60, 30, and so on. This is great for those things that you don't want to forget to do and either leave undone or do in a last minute rush.
LISTS! They are your friend. :)
At this point, the only things I need for my trip are new jeans! I lost weight and have been trying to lose more, so I've been putting this off, but it's my Thanksgiving Break plan. Otherwise, I've got/done everything important. I've given early notice at work, notified my bank of the move, and gathered/pre-packed most of my things to make sure they will fit within the weight limit.
Sometimes people think I'm crazy for starting to pack more than a month before the trip, but for me it's just the process. Apparently I have more junk than I think, so I like to start packing early to slowly start trickling out the things that I don't want/need. Even if you don't have much stuff, I recommend starting to pack at least a week before. This way, you have time to make sure you have everything together, know what you are still using that needs to be packed, make sure everything fits under the weight limit, and make sure you have everything in the right bags (like extra clothes in your carry-on should your bags get delayed).
Also, you should have already begun a study/review of the language and culture. If you don't think these are important, it's your loss, but please try not to make the rest of us look too silly. The fact is, while I have seen people live and co-exist without learning/knowing anything for a year or more abroad, their experiences are truly limited. These people usually interact with other foreigners most of the time, and spend little time with natives (often just teenagers who want to hang out). They travel in little foreigner pods using English speaking travel agents to make the plans and often struggle on their way (not the kind of learning struggle, but the "this is a pain and I'm going to get angry, complain about it, and not enjoy my trip" kind). Learn some of the language, make some real native friends (not just kids who think it's cool to be with foreigners), and get some real international experience.
I watched so many foreigners spend all their time with other foreigners, hanging out in foreigner bars, in mainly foreigner areas, etc. If you are going abroad to just experience the foreigners culture in another country: Stay Home!
If you actually want to see the world and learn about the culture, people, and life: Get out there and get out of your comfort zone once in a while!
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