Comment

Comment by Kim on April 7, 2009 at 10:06pm

You are talking about prepaid phone cards. I was told they can buy prepaid sim cards and use their own phones. Has anyone tried this? As I said, I only used skype. I am interested in finding out the prepaid phone and sim card rates. I want to buy some as a present for my son. And yes, they should have some yen just in case ($250 sounds like more than enough). The airport usually has the best rates but you should check the hours before you go.

Comment by T-Lynn on April 7, 2009 at 8:53pm

Hi
My son uses Navy Federal and likes it. At least check it out.

Comment by Kim on April 7, 2009 at 8:45pm

Now that I think of it the bank definently charged a fee. I am not positive that the O club did. Anti M, my son doesn't tell me much. He has an account with navy federal. Is that the debit/credit card they should use?

Comment by Anti M on April 7, 2009 at 8:18pm

In the past, the Navy clubs did not charge a transaction fee. Ah well, times move on. Still, you can change money almost anywhere in Japan; we used Chase Manhattan on base most of the time ... I have no clue which bank has the on base contract now.

Comment by Kim on April 7, 2009 at 7:21pm

One more thing. It has been said before but the best communication is Skype. It is free for Skype to Skype. If they have their own computer all they need is a headset. For $3.00 a month they can phone ANY U.S./Canada number. The best part is that if they have a web cam you will be able to see them when they talk to you. It was all I used to talk to my family and my office when I was there. I stayed at the lodge in Yokota and the lobby was always full of people on their computers talking to family at home.

Comment by Kim on April 7, 2009 at 7:10pm

My husband has a capital One credit card. They do not currently charge a foreign transaction fee. Here is the web site for Narita airport. http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/ Like I said, I got lost in the airport because I couldn't figure out where to get the bus. Just in case your daughters sponsor doesn't make it she should have a backup plan. Every time I asked for help they didn't understand me until I said "D-O-D".

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.

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