Financial Matters
Saga Bank
You will more than likely have a Saga Bank account. ATMs are not open 24-hours-a-day here. ATMs are usually open weekdays from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. without charges and from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. with a charge of 120 yen. On the weekends there is a standard charge during the day of 120 yen, and after 2 p.m. the charge goes up to 210 yen. ATM times and charges vary from place to place depending on where you are and how big the town/city is.
ATMs take your bankbook as well as a card (only one at a time). If you prefer to use a card, then you can update your bankbook for past transactions. It is important to keep your bankbook updated because it is your only form of statement and account activity, therefore your only proof if you need it!
Saga bank is really only for use in Saga-ken, (surprise, surprise!), but you can use your card in other bank’s machines for a charge of 220 yen. The card works at Fukuoka Bank, Fukuoka City Bank and several other banks around the country.
ATM Commands
Please consult your JET Diary for commands and translations.
Post Office Accounts
Many ALTs open Post Office Accounts for savings. Post Office ATMs have an English function, which makes it much easier. They also take bankbook or card. You can deposit cash straight into the machines, like Saga Bank. You can also get money from your home accounts or credit cards through Post Office ATMs.
Please use your JET Diary for Post Office guidelines and further information.
Typical Expenses
This is just a general guideline of typical monthly expenses; of course these expenses will depend on usage and your personal situation.
| Expense | Average cost per month (yen) |
|---|---|
| Rent | 30,000 |
| Water | 4,500 (every other month) |
| Gas | 4,000 |
| Electricity | 5,000 |
| Local telephone calls | 5,000 |
| Long distance calls | 10,000 |
| School fees | 5,000 |
| Neighbourhood fees | 1,200 |
| Transportation costs | varies |
| Gasoline (for car) | 6,000 |
| Car insurance | 5,500 |
| Food | varies |
| Enkai | varies |