This will be a short post because halfway during my research, I found the most holistic guide, that really covers all grounds and makes my series look elementary. Do check the SSAJ’s Guide here.
Previously, I shared more on paperwork preparation, and finding accommodations. This is the last part where I share on creating a bank account and finding suitable phone plans, along with other resources you can consider and look at.
Bank Account Creation
It is not possible to open a bank account immediately upon your arrival in Japan. The only exception is if you are on a work visa. If you are on a student visa (like myself), then you can only create a bank account six months after your arrival date.
If you would still rather have an account during the first 6 months of your arrival, the only possibility is a Yucho (Japan Post) bank account. It is a simple process but it has the basic function as a place to store your money. It does not have an accompanying credit card, and only provides an ATM card for cash withdrawal.
Why a need to create a bank account?
Some part-time jobs do prefer to give payment via bank account, but you still can get your remuneration via cash instead. You would have to enquire directly with your employer about it.
Please ensure that you do have a contract signed even if your part-time job ends up paying you only in cash! There are many past conversations surrounding this topic on /r/japanlife and /r/japanfinance so please read them.
I was carrying quite a lot of cash and felt better opening a bank account. Sadly, there were some delays because a student ID was needed to prove I am indeed a student. A student visa or status on the resident card was not sufficient.
The bright side was, the person-in-charge noticed I was a foreigner and had step-by-step guidance for me to fill up the form. It was very straight-forward with zero complications and a few days later, I could just submit the forms together with my student ID and resident card.
The person-in-charge noticed I was a foreigner and prepared all the instructions step-by-step in English!
Then *voila* – I have a bank book!
The ATM card came later by post about 10 days after creating, but you can deposit and withdraw money with the bank book alone so that works. Also, note that there are surcharges on weekdays after 18:00 and weekends. It was convenient because the ATM tellers are also in English.
Phone Plan Application
Initially, I wanted to get just a data-only plan as I still intended to do most of my finances with my Singapore bank account and credit cards. I am using an iPhone so there is no dual-sim and was looking at data-only e-Sim plans.
However, from the Reddit conversations and online guidance, it would seem that a Japanese phone number is actually very crucial when starting your life in Tokyo, such as creating a bank account, doing most administration for the move, and even applying for jobs.
The comments were right about the phone number because to even do anything after that, example: signing up for various point cards, apps, or anything, a phone number was required.
I chose the first option from SSAJ’s list of options and stating which telecoms do provide English-only service if you are not as confident in Japanese.
Others
The SSAJ’s guide covers almost everything else like Student Commuter’s Pass (to get a discount), visiting Pharmacies, Paying Bills, Printing, even finding mental health support systems. For myself, I learnt more about the processes and even found aspects and resources that were more related to my situation, as compared to just reading the various reddit channels.
I hope to be able to continue to share the little things that I find interesting through my Memoji 101 series, just as the garbage disposal sharing! In the meantime, I am happy to say at least I have managed to get myself across the seas, and comfortably in Tokyo.
Conclusion
This comes to the end of my 7-part series. It seemed to have ended abruptly or not as detailed as before as I found an even more holistic guidance if anyone is considering moving over.
In the meantime, I am updating my Memoji Series, Shuukki Series, and Monthly Wase Series to not only share my experience, but also a way for me to reflect my own learnings through this exciting year ahead.
Hope this has been useful so far and always happy to chat!