I got a job in Tokyo. Planning to move by end of this month. I’m really excited. The company is providing stay for one month and will help in apartment hunting. In addition to that, they’ll provide sim card, banking support and other paperwork required for residency.
I have a few questions,
1. I’ll be landing in Narita airport. Hearing about Suica and pasmo card are no longer available. What are my options for day to day commute which I get at the airport?
2. I heard visit Japan web portal makes immigration/customs easier. What are other things I should be aware of after landing?
3. Should I get a sim card or portable WiFi at the airport or wait for the company to provide? Also which network I should consider for better area coverage?
Thank you in advance.
4 comments
This is a copy of your post for archive/search purposes.
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**Help! Moving to Tokyo for long term**
I got a job in Tokyo. Planning to move by end of this month. I’m really excited. The company is providing stay for one month and will help in apartment hunting. In addition to that, they’ll provide sim card, banking support and other paperwork required for residency.
I have a few questions,
1. I’ll be landing in Narita airport. Hearing about Suica and pasmo card are no longer available. What are my options for day to day commute which I get at the airport?
2. I heard visit Japan web portal makes immigration/customs easier. What are other things I should be aware of after landing?
3. Should I get a sim card or portable WiFi at the airport or wait for the company to provide? Also which network I should consider for better area coverage?
Thank you in advance.
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If your phone supports eSIM you can just pay one of the available service to use it for data
1. Get the digital version: [Guide here](https://www.japanlivingguide.com/living-in-japan/transportation/mobile-suica/)
2. Do you have a visa already? When landing you will be given a residence card at immigration. Pretty convenient.
3. You can get an eSim. I use NTT Docomo, it seems to have the best coverage.
If you have an iphone, you can download the suica app and use your phone as your ‘card’. It’s all in Japanese but you could download it to your laptop/desktop and translate to understand the basics for use and re-charging.
You can pick up a physical IC card should you travel to another region where they are still available. No matter the name, Suica, Pasmo, Icoca, etc they all can be used anywhere (pretty sure). The Welcome IC card is also still available in Tokyo, but only good for 28 (?) days.
Don’t overlook the airport bus for transportation upon landing. Especially if you have a lot of luggage, it’s easier as they load/carry luggage in the trunk and there is no transferring of trains necessary along the way. If you can get close to your destination, a taxi from the bus to your accomodations is easy, and again, no dragging tons of luggage on the train.
Register with the Visit Japan website before you arrive. You’ll get two QR codes, one to get through immigration, and one to get through customs. I pity those who don’t and have to do paperwork, or the reg process after landing. I also recommend taking a screenshot of the QR codes in case you don’t have Internet to access the website when you land. It’s just safer that way. (saved my behind on my last visit)
Also, change some money to yen before you arrive. Having cash on hand and skipping all the money exchange counters or ATMs at the airport will reduce your stress. (I was surprised how many people don’t and the long lines they had to wait in)
Bottom line, if you can avoid having to do a bunch of tasks at the airport, and just get yourself on your way to your destination as smoothly as possible, you’ll have a better first experience.