Australian JETs 2012

[oddsocks]

Hey Guys

Has anyone considered applying for an Power of Attorney to look after their information whilst they are in Japan.

If so, what procedure have you gone through?

Yes.
It really depends how complicated things are as to whether you should make an appointment with a professional about it. If you want something simple, such as someone to sign a few things on your behalf then you can do it (mostly) yourself. There is a website with info and forms (if you're from Victoria), I assume other states have something similar. I don't have the address on hand as I'm posting from my phone, but Google "Victoria power of attorney".

[oddsocks]

Link for power of attorney information: http://www.publicadvocate.vic.gov.au/po ... -attorney/
Links for the forms are on the left.

[ava_maria]

Hey Guys

Has anyone considered applying for an Power of Attorney to look after their information whilst they are in Japan.

If so, what procedure have you gone through?

Yeah, I got one. It was really simple, I filled in the online form and had to have it witnessed by a JP. They asked me a bunch of questions to test my state of mind and asked me about my understanding of the form and what I'd ticked, what my relationship to my chosen attorneys was, when it would come into effect, when it would end, just things like that.

Google "power of attorney" and your state to find the relevant info. The Queensland forms are on the Department of Justice and Attorney General website, I'm imagining the other states would have it somewhere similar...

[DoubleSupercool]

Topic change:

ATM locator if have a Visa card (for orientation):

http://www.visa-news.jp/visitjapan/atm/index.phtml

Very handy. My last few trips OS I have basically taken no money with money (maybe $100) and just gotten it out on the ground. As far as I know, 7-11's in Tokyo should be okay to accept Aussie Visa cards.

Can anybody confirm or deny?

[ava_maria]

Topic change:

ATM locator if have a Visa card (for orientation):

http://www.visa-news.jp/visitjapan/atm/index.phtml

Very handy. My last few trips OS I have basically taken no money with money (maybe $100) and just gotten it out on the ground. As far as I know, 7-11's in Tokyo should be okay to accept Aussie Visa cards.

Can anybody confirm or deny?

Well, I can't confirm for every ATM, but when I was in Japan in 2010 my Australian Visa was accepted in 7-11s and in post office ATMs as well. We generally used 7-11s in Tokyo (and a couple of other big cities) and had no problems, but we just stuck to post offices in smaller cities...

[oddsocks]

In case anyone is thinking of taking yen with them from home, Australia Post does it with no commission. You can check the rates online.

[DoubleSupercool]

Nice. And just a reminder if you are forgetful like me: Remember to get your international drivers permit from NRMA before going, even if you don't have a car lined up. Also remember they last for 12mths from *when they are issued*, not when you arrive in Japan, so technically waiting til next week might be a good idea. They can be issued over the counter at NRMA shop fronts.

[paulluap]

Nice. And just a reminder if you are forgetful like me: Remember to get your international drivers permit from NRMA before going, even if you don't have a car lined up. Also remember they last for 12mths from *when they are issued*, not when you arrive in Japan, so technically waiting til next week might be a good idea. They can be issued over the counter at NRMA shop fronts.

^This...

Also, if your licence will expire within a year, definitely get it renewed. Oh, and get a copy of proof that you've been driving for X-yrs from your Department of Main Roads & Transport. It helps with the transferring of your licence to a Japanese one.

[DoubleSupercool]

Yep, I got my license history from Rego ACT within about 5minutes and $21. Just sent some scanned ID docs, paid over the phone and got the history emailed to super quick and hard copy in the mail 2days later.

[oddsocks]

Is anyone planning on getting travel insurance?

[LucBren]

I did for my trip over in May, cost me about $25 i think through TID online, just figured it was worth it cos I brought my mountain bike over which was worth a few $s and I didnt want any issues if something happened to it.

[Perthgirl]

Just found out I'm placed in Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture...anyone else placed there?

Hey, Perthgirl! Sorry for this late reply, but although I'm not in Ako City, I'm very close to you in Aioi. Maybe we will meet sometime! Do you know what school you're at? (Also note, I'm a Canadian totally snooping on your thread...)

Hey Michelle, yeah maybe we'll meet in the orientation in Japan. I heard they put us into prefectures towards the end so we'll probably meet there! Ekkk not long now.

[Hikarino]

Hi guys, Adelaide JET here. What's everyone doing as far as converters etc. for electronics go?

[Takoyaki]

Hi guys, Adelaide JET here. What's everyone doing as far as converters etc. for electronics go?

Just bring one for your laptop and one for appliances then buy a Japanese powerboard when you get here.

I posted about my packing exepience in retrospect today if anyone is interested.

http://nihonomnom.wordpress.com/2012/07/24/jet-packing-for-japan-what-to-bring/

[Hikarino]

Ahh, thanks, that's pretty useful.