US Shortlisted and Alternate JETs 2012 (Q&A)

[ChottoMonkey]

The rest you can get exchanged either in Tokyo, at an ATM (the post office ATMs accept a number of different debit cards as long as they're attached to a major credit card name; make sure you notify your bank that you will be living in Japan for 1-5 years so that they don't block your card if they see international transactions), or at a bank in your prefecture.

When exchanging at a bank is there a preference for the kinds of bills to bring? When I took a tourist trip to China a few years back they recommended that we bring new $100 bills for exchange as other denominations $10, $50, etc were not as commonly seen. Additionally, they wanted new bills because of fears that older bills were more likely to be fraudulent.

[comedyrun]

The rest you can get exchanged either in Tokyo, at an ATM (the post office ATMs accept a number of different debit cards as long as they're attached to a major credit card name; make sure you notify your bank that you will be living in Japan for 1-5 years so that they don't block your card if they see international transactions), or at a bank in your prefecture.

When exchanging at a bank is there a preference for the kinds of bills to bring? When I took a tourist trip to China a few years back they recommended that we bring new $100 bills for exchange as other denominations $10, $50, etc were not as commonly seen. Additionally, they wanted new bills because of fears that older bills were more likely to be fraudulent.

I had the exact opposite experience in Japan (back in 2000). I had some new bills to exchange, and a bank in Kyoto would not accept them due to the new design. They claimed that they were "counterfeit." I walked a couple blocks to a different bank, and I had no problem. I have a feeling it just depends on where you go and who you talk to, so there is probably no set rule on it.

[miami_coordinator]

The rest you can get exchanged either in Tokyo, at an ATM (the post office ATMs accept a number of different debit cards as long as they're attached to a major credit card name; make sure you notify your bank that you will be living in Japan for 1-5 years so that they don't block your card if they see international transactions), or at a bank in your prefecture.

When exchanging at a bank is there a preference for the kinds of bills to bring? When I took a tourist trip to China a few years back they recommended that we bring new $100 bills for exchange as other denominations $10, $50, etc were not as commonly seen. Additionally, they wanted new bills because of fears that older bills were more likely to be fraudulent.

To be honest, I had the opposite situation happen to me. I had all new bills except for one old $100 bill. Their machines only recognized the old bill, and initially they refused to exchange the money. It took a full on emotional breakdown and histrionics before they quickly whipped out a book that showed them how to properly identify American bills before they would take them. I had the entire office holding my money up to lights to find the watermarks.


Anyway, that was back in 2004, and it was in rural Aomori. So, perhaps no one else would find themselves in the same situation, but it may be a good idea to try to exchange money in Tokyo or in your prefecture's main city to avoid a similar situation.

[bananathursdays]

I have a question about converting money...
I've heard that you can get the best rates at Japanese airports, but I've heard that once we land in the airport in Tokyo that we won't have time to stop and convert money, because we're rushed to get our luggage and head to the hotel. Is this true? If so, what would be the best way to go about converting money? My local banks charge too much in fees.

No, there won't be any time when you arrive at Narita. You'll literally be escorted from the time you get off the plane until you get onto the bus by your sempai JETs, so there's simply no chance to get your money exchanged. The Keio Plaza hotel does exchange money, and there are nearby banks that do as well. Whether or not you'll have the chance to do so really depends upon when you arrive at the hotel and how much time you have around your training sessions.

My recommendation is to bite the bullet and get some exchanged in your home country before you depart. I recommend having at least about 1-3 man (a man is 10,000 yen, or approximately US$120) juuuust in case anything happens and you need cash pronto. Those of you with dependents who will be accompanying you on the plane absolutely need to have cash on you so that you can pay the bus fare for your dependents. I always recommend preparing in case the impossible happens - you miss the bus, someone has a medical issue and needs to eat or go to the hospital, something else happens and you need cash... just in case.

The rest you can get exchanged either in Tokyo, at an ATM (the post office ATMs accept a number of different debit cards as long as they're attached to a major credit card name; make sure you notify your bank that you will be living in Japan for 1-5 years so that they don't block your card if they see international transactions), or at a bank in your prefecture.

Thanks! I'll convert at least some of my money here in the states just to be safe.

[Heather]

I have a question...for the form 8802 and 6166, do you need to turn those in before you have been upgraded, or does proof that you've sent in those forms have to arrive with your alternate reply form? Also, from what I understand, you have to submit 8802 and wait for the IRS to reply before you can get or fill out form 6166?

[miami_coordinator]

I have a question...for the form 8802 and 6166, do you need to turn those in before you have been upgraded, or does proof that you've sent in those forms have to arrive with your alternate reply form? Also, from what I understand, you have to submit 8802 and wait for the IRS to reply before you can get or fill out form 6166?

In the past, we had all of the shortlisters and alternates get the IRS 6166. This year, with the price hike and some of the other concerns we had with some of the changes, most of the coordinators decided to have the alternates hold off on getting the form until they find out if they are upgraded.

Basically, it comes down to your coordinator. If you were not directed to get the 6166, then you can hold off on submitting the 8802. If you were told to get it but would rather wait, ask your coordinator.

[Damian]

I'm a short-listed JET in Ireland set for the Irish departure, but I think this is where I should be asking my question...

I lived in the US for over a year and am therefore required to submit an FBI background check along with my Irish background check. I sent the fingerprints and application today on priority post so the FBI should receive it in the next few days... their website says approximately an 8-week wait... Does anyone know if that is an accurate figure right now? I'm really worried I won't get it back before my scheduled departure or visa issuance.

[Heather]

I have a question...for the form 8802 and 6166, do you need to turn those in before you have been upgraded, or does proof that you've sent in those forms have to arrive with your alternate reply form? Also, from what I understand, you have to submit 8802 and wait for the IRS to reply before you can get or fill out form 6166?

In the past, we had all of the shortlisters and alternates get the IRS 6166. This year, with the price hike and some of the other concerns we had with some of the changes, most of the coordinators decided to have the alternates hold off on getting the form until they find out if they are upgraded.

Basically, it comes down to your coordinator. If you were not directed to get the 6166, then you can hold off on submitting the 8802. If you were told to get it but would rather wait, ask your coordinator.

Looking back over my email from the coordinator, I noticed that it said, "You may wish to wait until upgraded to apply," so I guess I can wait to send it. I think I might call just to be sure though. I would hate to be disqualified for a reason like that. If I do end up having to send it though, which departure date should I write in, and which end date? Just the group I originally elected to be in?

[teabot]

I'm a short-listed JET in Ireland set for the Irish departure, but I think this is where I should be asking my question...

I lived in the US for over a year and am therefore required to submit an FBI background check along with my Irish background check. I sent the fingerprints and application today on priority post so the FBI should receive it in the next few days... their website says approximately an 8-week wait... Does anyone know if that is an accurate figure right now? I'm really worried I won't get it back before my scheduled departure or visa issuance.

i think the only thing you really can do is to get in contact with your coordinator to let her know that there might possibly be a delay--especially due to the international mailing--on the form, though it does seem for the US citizens that have applied they've been moving along quicker than that so far.

[Damian]

I'm a short-listed JET in Ireland set for the Irish departure, but I think this is where I should be asking my question...

I lived in the US for over a year and am therefore required to submit an FBI background check along with my Irish background check. I sent the fingerprints and application today on priority post so the FBI should receive it in the next few days... their website says approximately an 8-week wait... Does anyone know if that is an accurate figure right now? I'm really worried I won't get it back before my scheduled departure or visa issuance.

i think the only thing you really can do is to get in contact with your coordinator to let her know that there might possibly be a delay--especially due to the international mailing--on the form, though it does seem for the US citizens that have applied they've been moving along quicker than that so far.

That's fantastic, thank you!

[sparky_parks]

I have a question that I have researched and am unsure of. I am moving right before I leave for Japan (Anchorage to Florida, will be departing from Miami) and I would like to just ship some things to Japan instead of shipping things to Florida and then to Japan. This is really to save money, although I'm sure it will save my time, too. I read that it depends on my CO, but I'm wondering when I will know so I can make the right plans? I don't have many things that I will ship.

[eacat]

How many people get rejected because of problems with paper work? I had not been keeping up with this thread, and noticed that I have two problems with my health certificate. One of which is the non-corrected eyesight section.

I couldn't get in with a doctor on short notice, so a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner did my physical and signed off on my paper work. I asked if she was considered a "physician," and she said yes.

Is there a chance CLAIR will accept it or should I schedule another physical ASAP? If I do have to correct it, how awful will it be to get the right paper work in after the deadline?

I know, my own fault for not keeping up with this thread, but it seemed so straightforward.

[ChottoMonkey]

I couldn't get in with a doctor on short notice, so a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner did my physical and signed off on my paper work. I asked if she was considered a "physician," and she said yes.

My understanding is that you must see someone with an M.D. after their name. Japan wants us to see full medical doctors for the sign off. I would highly suggest trying to get an appointment ASAP with a full doctor. Maybe your university health center or a walk in clinic can do this for you...but then there are the labs etc that need to be done. I would also call your coordinator first thing Monday to discuss your situation. While this forum can be helpful, your coordinator is really the person you need to connect with about this issue.

Best of luck!

[teabot]

I have a question that I have researched and am unsure of. I am moving right before I leave for Japan (Anchorage to Florida, will be departing from Miami) and I would like to just ship some things to Japan instead of shipping things to Florida and then to Japan. This is really to save money, although I'm sure it will save my time, too. I read that it depends on my CO, but I'm wondering when I will know so I can make the right plans? I don't have many things that I will ship.

it will depend on your CO, but you should be able to get your address prior to moving to Japan. assuming you have a pred (most JETs do, though there's always a chance you might not...) your pred should be able to tell your Japan address. if you don't have a pred, you may be able instead to ship to your BOE, but you'd have to clear that with them first, in addition to asking for the address.

this will depend on when you're moving as well. if you're moving soon then you likely won't hear back in time. last year, i was notified June 15th, but there were lots of delays, so you should hear sometime before then.

[Terin317]

How many people get rejected because of problems with paper work? I had not been keeping up with this thread, and noticed that I have two problems with my health certificate. One of which is the non-corrected eyesight section.

I couldn't get in with a doctor on short notice, so a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner did my physical and signed off on my paper work. I asked if she was considered a "physician," and she said yes.

Is there a chance CLAIR will accept it or should I schedule another physical ASAP? If I do have to correct it, how awful will it be to get the right paper work in after the deadline?

I know, my own fault for not keeping up with this thread, but it seemed so straightforward.

A nurse offered to finish the easy parts of the paperwork (eyesight, colorblindness, dimensions) for the doctor when I did my physical, but the doc seemed to think that the paperwork specified an MD had to do it by saying "physician." He even reprinted my Tb test and signed off on it to include with my paperwork, since my old one was just initialed and stamped by a nurse from a few weeks ago. (We ARE supposed to attach the Tb test results if we didn't do xray, right? The form was a bit unclear...) I'd go back and see a doctor asap, as well as call your coordinator first thing monday.