Haha – Teachers.Net (DODD Teachers)

Jul 10, 2017

haha... (waving) hi I have some questions for you, but anyone can answer.

When arriving in Japan, is it possible to get a data sim at the airport for my phone?

What cell service do you use?

Is it a good idea to take the max advance pay?

Also, might have asked this a long time ago but... for a vested U.S. pension what do you do? Defer retirement or something else?

Thank you!

P.S. I think about two of these are already answered on the DoDDs Teachers Facebook group but I like getting different views.

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Dave Yea, you can rent a data SIM card at Narita, Haneda has them as well, but the hours vary and there is less of a selection. You can actually get a version of "pre-paid" now in Japan through Softbank. The other option is you can get a WiMax router which is a portable router about the size of a small mobile phone. It gives you a take anywhere WiFi acc...See MoreYea, you can rent a data SIM card at Narita, Haneda has them as well, but the hours vary and there is less of a selection. You can actually get a version of "pre-paid" now in Japan through Softbank. The other option is you can get a WiMax router which is a portable router about the size of a small mobile phone. It gives you a take anywhere WiFi access point with UNLIMITED DATA (see below) and can accommodate multiple devices (laptop, tablet, phone).

Softbank Eeveryone I know is with Softbank if they have a smart phone (mostly iPhones, as every Japanese girl from primary to adulthood wants or uses an iPhone). Next would be AU, and just about everyone hates DoCoMo, (DoCoMo is owned by the mega-corp NTT, they get a lot of business for corporate accounts). Those are the big three and the most foreign friendly, but there are a bunch of small to almost virtual providers that fill various niches. Regardless I would wait until you get to your post and find out what everyone else uses and who has the best signal/reception. There is a place on post that will set you up, unless you really want to go to the Softbank in Shibuya in Omotesando, as thats the English speaking store for Softbank. You might ask why this is important, and it is, and that's because the various companies have plans that essentially allow calls (or the first minute of a call) or texts (SMS) to other customers on the same network for free. In Japan you don't really pay for basic services like voice and text (everyone uses LINE anyway) in a very financially meaningful way. Its all about your data plan/access and somewhat surprisingly battery life, but data is everything, and its what you pay the most for in Japan.

Do you need the full advance? I suppose it depends how well you manage money, but my general advice is, yes absolutely take the full advance (its interest free). The reason being while you will have TQSA when you first get there (and use it all), its generally very expensive moving into an apartment in Japan. The property agents will know EXACTLY how much you are getting, and will show you properties right at what you receive. However there are a lot of costs with an apartment. Usually the contract requires various combinations of costs and fees that come out to, if youre lucky, around the equivalent of three months rent. While you will get this back with your reimbursements, you have to pay the contract in full before you will get the keys. While that will be the biggest expense (and honestly 30 ¥10K notes don't actually look like a lot when youve been living in Japan after a while) ,there are a lot of other startup costs.

Jul 10, 2017

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haha It depends a bit on what kind of phone you have but you can probably get a sim card for temporary service. I would wait until you get to post to sort out your phone. For regular monthly service you generally need an unlocked phone that has Japanese software preloaded onto it (which would not include most US phones). Otherwise you would need to buy ...See More

Jul 11, 2017

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angel Thank you Dave. I'm going to Misawa so I won't be anywhere close to Tokyo. A lot of people say bad things about SoftBank in that area, some about service but mostly about the ability to terminate contract when you have to leave unexpectedly, like when those in active duty have to PCS. I'm leaning towards AU but will keep my options open when I get ...See More

Jul 11, 2017

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haha Cancelling is not an issue at all with Softbank on our base but definitely give more credence to what people in Misawa are saying. I've only been up there when coaching for my school (and it wasn't snowing :P).

Jul 11, 2017

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angel The only few months it wasn't right... lol

I'm trying to figure out if I should buy a shovel to bring with me. I haven't had to shovel for 2 years (landlord does it), I was only responsible for my car.

Jul 11, 2017

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