How much money should I bring?
One of our favourite catchphrases as JETs is "Every Situation Is Different (ESID)." This rings true for almost any scenario or situation on the JET programme and finances are no different. So, there really is no definite answer to how much money you should be bringing. A lot will depend on the price of your rent, whether you have to pay key money (reikin) and even the area of Shiga you'll be moving into. However, it's safe to say that you should bring just enough money to survive your first month, pay rent, groceries and to furnish your apartment.
So, how much is that? The General Information Handbook recommends ¥250,000 (about $1,650 USD), which should be more than enough. Your contracting organisation and your predecessor should be able to give you an estimate on rent and other costs, so be sure to ask them.
Crime is relatively uncommon in Japan but theft can still occur, pariticularly in major cities like Tokyo. Remain aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure. Once you arrive at your placement, you can divide your initial money to avoid carrying too much at once.
Another option is to use travellers cheques. These can generally be cashed in at the larger city banks, but this might be difficult if you live in rural areas (most of Shiga).
Foreign issued debit/credit cards can be used at ATMs in 7/11 konbini. Your bank may charge foreign transaction fees. The denomination you can withdraw at 7/11 ATMs for foreign issued cards is now limited to at least 10,000 yen in one transaction.
So, how much is that? The General Information Handbook recommends ¥250,000 (about $1,650 USD), which should be more than enough. Your contracting organisation and your predecessor should be able to give you an estimate on rent and other costs, so be sure to ask them.
Crime is relatively uncommon in Japan but theft can still occur, pariticularly in major cities like Tokyo. Remain aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure. Once you arrive at your placement, you can divide your initial money to avoid carrying too much at once.
Another option is to use travellers cheques. These can generally be cashed in at the larger city banks, but this might be difficult if you live in rural areas (most of Shiga).
Foreign issued debit/credit cards can be used at ATMs in 7/11 konbini. Your bank may charge foreign transaction fees. The denomination you can withdraw at 7/11 ATMs for foreign issued cards is now limited to at least 10,000 yen in one transaction.
Monthly Budget |
Of course, ESID (theres that phrase again), so every budget will be different. The following is an anecdotal account of some JETs’ budgets just to give you an idea. This information was compiled in 2014.
Prices have been increasing over the past few years, but the JET salary still goes a long way. Try and stick to a budget, learn how to optimise your shopping at supermarkets and 100 yen stores - this will all be covered in more detail at Survival Orientation when you arrive in Shiga in August, so try not to worry! Here is a more recent budget breakdown for ALTs; https://nagasakijet.com/a-rough-budget-for-alts/ |
ATM Japanese
Withdrawal 引き出し Hikidashi Get your hard earned cash out! Deposit 預け入れ Azukeire Put in your money. How responsible of you! Most machines allow you to add coins (look for a big X sign that says otherwise). Bank Transfer 振込み Furikomi If you set up an account to send money home, or if you’re paying your local AJET chapter for an event, you’ll be furikomi-ing. There’s a lot of steps, and every bank’s TM is different. Ask someone to help or check out one of the general guides online. The following guide might help you out:
Check Balance 残高照会 Zandaka shoukai How much money is left until payday? Check it here, then select 明細票 (Meisai-hyou) for a slip, or 終了 (shuuryou) to end. Bank Book Update 通帳記入 Tsuuchou ki nyuu If you want to update the book without making a withdrawal. Correct 訂正 Teisei Use this if you entered a number incorrectly. Cancel 取消 Torikeshi Use this to cancel your transaction and get your card back. Confirm 確認 Kakunin Use this after entering something. Return 戻る Modoru Use this to go back a screen. Issue (a receipt) 発行する/しない Hakkou suru/shinai Select at the end if you want a receipt. Choose 発行しない if not. |