General Living Expenses

It is desirable that you bring an extra $500 to use after you arrive, because the actual pay day is the fifteenth day of the following month and because your first pay day may not come until after you have taught one and half months.  Basic needs such as room and board and transportation to and from work are arranged by the school.   For the housing deposit of \60,000, it is recommended that you bring it in cash.  In general, Japan is a very safe country to carry around large amounts of cash.  However I would recommend that you keep the cash safely by not keeping it altogether.   Generally speaking, traveler’s checks are not convenient to use.    The post office offers international ATM services which allow you to make a visitor withdrawal from both bank cards and credit cards, although cash advances on credit cards are not advisable. If you are unable to provide this money, the school will consider a special arrangement. However, this must be arranged prior to your departure for Japan.   Keep in mind that Japan is one of the most expensive countries in the world to live.  It is true that trains, buses and taxi services are expensive; however, if you are willing to travel on a budget, it is possible to enjoy your time in Japan.  The Yokosuka area is ideal for sightseeing shopping etc.   Mailing is expensive.  If you will want to send a lot of Christmas cards or gifts, it is better to plan ahead.  Gift giving is a custom, so each time you are invited to a home; you are expected to bring a gift (just as you might when invited to someone’s home in your own country).  For example, you may bring something small and inexpensive such as a bottle of wine, or pictures or books from your home state.   International telephone calls are very expensive from Japan.  Therefore, you should plan to ask the person/s abroad to call you.  Please note that there are many inexpensive internet cafes that are available for public use. Most of our teachers keep in contact via e-mail.    Japanese society uses cellular/ mobile phones. In your budget, you should allow for the cost of obtaining a cellular phone. The cost of a cellular phone and phone plan depend upon the type of model you choose and the type of plan you purchase. Also, there are discount long distance phone companies and calling cards available as well.   Working at Matty’s you will be on the same level monetarily as a young business man or woman who has just graduated from university/college and joined a company.  If your prime purpose in coming to Japan is to make money, it is better not to work for this school.  If you really like children, and wish to teach English in Japan, Matty’s will be good experience for you.   It is recommended that you maintain a checking account in your country and bring your checkbook to facilitate overseas financial transactions like paying bills you may have in your home country.  In Japan, a fee of \6,000 (about $60.00) is charged to transfer monies abroad, with perhaps an additional charge by your home country bank, and takes up to 10 days in some cases. However, there is an international service offered by Lloyds Bank which allows you the same day remittance at a cost of only ￥2,000.  If you would like to get information, please look up www.golloyds.com.   If you are planning to bring along money of your own, we recommend the use of American Express Travelers Checks or cash.  Do not bring Cashiers Checks as they take up to a month to convert to Japanese currency.   Remarks:  As of December 2008, the exchange rate is about \90 to one U.S. dollar.  Please note that the rate is fluctuating all the time.