Comment

Comment by Kim on April 7, 2009 at 7:02pm

I stayed at Yokota air force base last November. The clubs and tellers exchanged money but there was a $2.00 flat charge. My credit card worked at most locations but they now charge a foreign transaction fee. (except at the base, which is u.s. funds). I am a consultant for the Navy (through DFAS) so I didn't get a sponsor. We travelled on the bus. One goes to Yokosuka and one goes to Yokota. I believe it cost $35.00. I got the best exchange rate at PHL airport. If there is any problem meeting the sponsor go to the DOD booth. Ask any information booth for the "D-O-D". We where lost in the airport until we figured out the phrase that the Japenese reckonized. About cell phones: I just found out that T-Mobile will unlock your phone for free. Once it is unlocked you can buy a prepaid sim card in Japan. This will allow you to use your own phone. I am sure other carriers will also do it if you ask. Not the old Verizon phones because they are CDMA technology.

Comment by Anti M on April 7, 2009 at 6:16pm

She can exchange a bit at the airport to get her to base, she shouldn't need much if her sponsor is meeting her or if she's taking the shuttle. Once she gets to base, she can use dollars and exchange money at the on base banks or clubs.

Do the clubs still money exchange and tellers?

Comment by Anti M on April 6, 2009 at 10:33am

Yeah, I remember fixing my shoji often. We brought some old screens back with us too... the cats are hell on the paper. Good things I brought replacement rolls.

Comment by Anti M on April 5, 2009 at 11:02pm

Aaaah, cute, I love turtles.

Comment by T-Lynn on April 5, 2009 at 8:42pm

HI Everyone,
Believe it or not - it is snowing here again. Have no idea if it will stay, but the way the birds are acting - I think it is just passing through. I wanted to share a happy moment. My son is out on Spring tour now and that means I wait - wait - to hear from him. Yesterday, a post card arrived. It was from him and addressed to the pet turtle. Several weeks ago, I thought he would be getting tired of emails from mommy - so the turtle sent him one. In it - she told him she felt left out. He had sent all the family post cards - but not her. That she wanted one too. Well, she received a card of a Rock Garden. After - we all read it - I showed it to Shark. We have a picture of the turtle, appearing as if she is reading the card. And at one point she placed her head on his signature and just stayed there for a long while. That is when I teared up. I know - you will think I am crazy, but I know she knew the card was from him. Alex is her buddy. So I sent an email from Shark to Alex - thanking him for the card and now she wants a present sent! So let you know if he sents her a present. Hugs to all Terry

Comment by Anti M on April 5, 2009 at 11:10am

I too would like to add that the rocket thing with North orea is just one more drop in the bucket. It surely must be terrifying for people who never had to think about the situation. Japan and Korea have been going at each other for decades, centuries. I was in Japan in the 80s and 90s, and every now and then North Korea would bluster and Japan would react, or the other way around. It was worse when Russia was the USSR, but all the nations know that a full-on conflict is in no one's best interests.

I can't tell you not to worry, but I can assure you it isn't as dire as it sounds. Unless you physically get too near N.K., as Melia has pointed out, they do snatch citizens of other countries. They have two American journalists right now, but the details are still hazy.

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world to visit.

Comment by Anti M on April 4, 2009 at 11:24am

Texas mom... I know EXACTLY where that picture was taken! The benches new.

Comment by T-Lynn on April 2, 2009 at 9:39pm

Thank you for the information. Will pass it on to my son :) Terry

Comment by Kim on April 2, 2009 at 6:58pm

I heard they do not have to pay federal taxes for a given month if they where in a combat area for even a day of that month. My son waited to get his bonus to see if the ship was going to go anywhere that he would qualify. He didn't.

Comment by Anti M on April 2, 2009 at 6:16pm

State tax varies by state, of course. I had West Virginia citizenship when I was active duty, courtesy of my husband. I did that because Utah taxes the socks off the military. Many states exclude the military, but be sure yours does not before not filing!

Yes, they pay federal taxes. The civilians have a set of tax laws that makes them exempt after a certain amount of time. It does not apply to the military though. My dad worked in Iran and Saudi for years, that income was tax exempt federally. I was stationed overseas for years and I paid federal taxes. The filing deadline is later too, but that may have changed.

Combat zones are different. So they need to ask.

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