The title is a lie, I actually got a bank account. Huzzah! I don’t really understand all the details, but I’ll just cross my fingers and hope everything works out. I mean who reads the fine print anyways (See the cover picture for about 15 documents I haven’t read).

Fun fact: bringing a Japanese friend to help with stuff is extremely useful. Also, your friend and the bank teller will chat back and forth and you may miss a lot of things! At least it was fun to use the Inkan I got a few days ago. Also, remembering how to write characters in Japanese on the spot is more difficult than just reviewing them from the comfort of home, I found out.

Bank accounts, terms and conditions, and other things are pretty complicated. I know I’ve effectively opened an account, and that I will definitely get a ‘Cash Card’ (think debit card only used at ATMs) in the mail at Issei’s address (my current residence) some time after I move. I’ve also applied for both a Visa Credit Card and Visa Debit Card, both of which function like their counterparts in Canada, except the debit card has some restrictions.  I don’t think I will receive the credit card, as my Japanese credit rating doesn’t exist, but I hope I get the debit card.

I went with UFJ, the biggest bank in Japan and the service was great. Banks in Japan are open from about 9 to 3(!!!), so in order to talk to an actual person, you need to be their earlier than you may think, especially until I get my cards in the mail and I have to manage deposits and withdrawals through a human person instead of an ATM.

However, now I can send myself some money thorough international money transfer now, so hopefully that will go smoothly and I’ll have some money transferred by Wednesday. It’s currently Obon, so my real estate agent is probably on holiday, so I hope to be deciding on an apartment by the end of the week. Until then, hopefully I can get some work done.