hi!! i’m a college student, and i was just accepted to study abroad to japan with my school. this is my first time leaving the US. i was wondering if anyone might be willing to answer my questions before i go? here are a few-
- bowing! when is it appropriate? is there a certain way to do it?
- i have an iphone 11 and an ipad 12.9 (5th gen) will i need a plug adapter?
- will i have access to free wifi or phone data?
- how should i dress? (it will be december)
- is it rude to not finish a meal?
- are there rideshare services? how do they work?
- is it rude to use google translate to speak with people?
- when should i wear a mask?
- what are the most important social etiquette rules?
- how can i best prioritize my safety?
- i’ll be in tokyo! any recommendations on places to visit?
thanks so much!! super excited to visit soon!!
by Apart-Occasion6981
3 comments
All of these questions can easily be answered via google, maybe start there.
Your study abroad program should do a pre-departure orientation. Ask your advisor/program director when this will be.
Start searching for your questions on [JapanGuide.com.](https://www.japan-guide.com) Gives basic overviews on all these topics.
Google City Name + December + Wear for advice. Google-sensei is your friend and Google Maps will tell you how to get around. Do not only do research on TikTok/You Tube.
* *bowing! when is it appropriate? is there a certain way to do it?* If you were a tourist I would say don’t worry about it, if you study you should search a bit loke check out some video on how and when to bow. You can manage with small bow as sign of gratitude, like to say thanks, in context where you are introduced to someone and they bow, you should probably too.
* *i have an iphone 11 and an ipad 12.9 (5th gen) will i need a plug adapter?* American, then usually no, Japan is type A, so same as 2 prong in US. And most charger are 100-240v (can check yours to confirm) so would work.
* *will i have access to free wifi or phone data?* Wifi, yes, but it’s not everywhere, you should check into getting a data sim or even a full cell phone service if you become a resident while studying.
* *how should i dress? (it will be december)* Look at weather in December and compare to how you would dress in that weather at home
* *is it rude to not finish a meal?* Not the most polite, but it’s not the end of the world if you do not.
* *are there rideshare services? how do they work?* Not especially, use public transport.
* *is it rude to use google translate to speak with people?* Better than speaking to them in English when they do not understand.
* *when should i wear a mask?* When you are sick.
* *what are the most important social etiquette rules?* Check 10 things no to do in Japan video by Abroad in Japan on YouTube and last rule is most important
* *how can i best prioritize my safety?* Do not follow touts, nothing good will come out of it. Maybe also do not follow people who invite you, they are likely going to be cult/sect and again, nothing good from that.
* *i’ll be in tokyo! any recommendations on places to visit?* There is millions of places already listed all over internet.