Advice on moving to Japan
 

Hi. My husband has an opportuity to work in Japan with his current employer. We moved from Sydney Australia to Dublin Ireland for the same reason 18 months ago and have had a great time. In many ways it will be sad to leave, but in others we're very excited about this new opportunity, especially in a country that is so very different to what we are used to. Our daughter is 4 yrs old; I don't work anymore due to VISA permit - just wondering if anyone would like to share some advice on settling into Tokyo as an ex-pat (I've already hooked up with JANZ)............ THANK YOU

There is so much to say it is hard to know where to start. Congrats and what a wonderful opportunity.

I have to be dumb here. I've seen it on several threads.. what's an ex-pat?

It's someone who used to be named patrick, but is now named Sisal.

Nevermind, wikipedia comes through.

ex-pat = Expatriate

Employees of corporations usually multinationals who are sent for oversea assignments.

Technically, aussiemuma's case probably do not fall under ex-pat because it is very costly to send ex-pats so many firms are shifting more towards internal transfers.

This means, the company you are working for is not sending you overseas but rather, you are requesting for a transfer and you do not qualify for the complete ex-pat benefits package.

Typical benefits include, overseas premium, housing allowance, cost of living allowance, moving expenses, tuition for dependent education, home leave, and tax reimbursement payments.

Research conducted by a friend of mine who is a college professor revealed that sending an ex-pat who receives $100K to Tokyo would cost $1M for compensations in 3 years.

Thanks for the explanation.

Hey Aussie - Thats so cool you get to go to Japan!

Im From Australia.. down on the great ocean Road :)

its always cool to meet other Aussie JF Users

NICE2MEETYOU!! :D