DS1 (16) going on college trip to Japan - any tips?

dora37

DS1 (16) is going to Japan for 9 days begining of Feb.

Just wanted to know whether anyone has any tips regarding currency/use of debit card etc? Best things to take/not available over there?

As he lives in jeans (smart tops/jumpers), would this be an acceptable dress code or would he need to take some trousers?

As they are staying in 4 different hotels and visting places, lunch and dinner are not provided and he has been advised to allow approx £4 for lunches and £8 for dinner - does that sound correct?

What type of adaptor for his phone charger?

Any info would be appreciated. :T

kato

Japan uses the same plug style as the USA (round earth pin, thin flat live & neutral) - so an adapter suitable for use in USA will be fine.

£4 and £8 for meals sounds a little low - prices in Japan are a bit higher and the £/yen exchange rate is not good at the moment - would say at least £5 & £10 for meals.

I only wore trousers with shirt / T-shirt when I was there, so not sure about the jeans question.

dora37

Thanks for that - would be interested if anyone can let me know regarding currency/use of debit card.

kato

I had no problem using my debit card, though you may find it gets blocked as a security precaution and results in you having to phone back to England to get it unblocked (happens every time after the first time I use it in Thailand - once unblocked it is OK for the rest of the trip).

AHAR

He'll need a 3G phone for Japan because they don't have a GSM network - they used a different standard prior to adopting the same 3G as everywhere else. My Vodafone 710 PAYG worked fine the last time I was there.

He'll be able to get money out from any cash machine in a Post Office or Seven-Eleven convenience store. They all have cash machines and he'll never be far from one of them. The on-screen instructions will be in English.
When I used a Seven-Eleven machine it asked what type of account I had. In the absence of "Current account" as an option I hit "Checking" and it seemed happy with that.
Many shops and restaurants only accept cash so he should keep enough money on him. I used my VISA debit card to pay for hotels but I'm not sure if Maestro cards would work.

If he's not planning on going anywhere fancy I wouldn't worry about what clothes he wears.
However, he should definitely take care to take off his shoes when required. If he sees shoe-racks and slippers to change in to, or a step up from the entrance to the rest of the floor, or any tatami mat anywhere, then it's shoes-off time. No slippers either on tatami mats.
Make sure his socks don't have holes in!:eek:

AHAR

I forgot to mention you can rent mobiles for Japan if you don't have a 3G one.
I think this is the place I used once a few years ago...
http://www.adamphones.com/phonehire/japan.aspx

dora37

AHAR wrote: »

Make sure his socks don't have holes in!:eek:

Off to buy him some new socks - he ALWAYS gets a hole in his right one !!!

dora37

OH has a 3G phone,so we are going to get a new sim card for DS to use.

DS is going to take both cash and his debit card.

And I'm going to buy him lots of new socks!!

DS goes on Saturday - thanks for all the information:T

LesD

Just one suggestion re the debit card. Tell his bank he's going so they aren't surprised when there's a charge from Japan! It won't absolutely guarantee they don't block it, but at least you can then complain later if they do!

There are many good websites with useful info. The national tourist office site is good.

Note that tipping (not something a 16 y/o will think much about!) is not usually done. Prices may include a service charge.

Beenie

There are lots of 'okonomiyaki' places where you can get a filling meal for 600yen (which is I think £3). If anyone can survive in the UK, they will be OK in Japan as prices are not much different we found, but the quality much much better. Railway stations are another place to get quick, cheap but really nice food. Everyone takes their bento boxes on the train to eat as well. and you definately need nice socks..you will be shouted at if you leave your shoes on!!

dora37

LesD wrote: »

Just one suggestion re the debit card. Tell his bank he's going so they aren't surprised when there's a charge from Japan! It won't absolutely guarantee they don't block it, but at least you can then complain later if they do!

Excellent idea - I'll get him onto that.