5 Things to Do Before Relocating Abroad<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Beyond the \"obvious\" tasks like moving logistics, tax filings, and international remittance setups, here are five often-overlooked items that can make or break your initial experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Unlock Your Smartphone (SIM Unlock)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Set Up Online Banking<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mobile contract cancellation and phone number maintenance<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dental Checkups and Treatment<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Aesthetic Medicine (Hair Removal, Spot Removal, etc.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
This article focuses on five often-overlooked points or things you don't realize until you start living there, rather than \"obvious tasks\" like moving or taxes. I will explain the reasons why you should take care of each item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For each item, I will explain why you should do it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nUnlock Your Smartphone (SIM Unlock)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Unlocking your smartphone's SIM lock In Japan, it is common for carriers and smartphones to be linked; for example, you cannot use a SoftBank SIM card in a phone bought from Docomo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is because phones are locked to prevent the use of SIM cards from other companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your current smartphone is locked, it will not function properly even if you insert a local SIM card after moving abroad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therefore, I strongly recommend ensuring you unlock the SIM before your relocation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One point of caution is that depending on your plan, you may not be able to unlock the SIM for a certain period, or a fee may be required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since I had just bought my phone, the carrier wouldn't unlock it, so I used a \"SIM interposer\" in Thailand, which eventually slipped and caused a disaster where the SIM got stuck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For those planning to move abroad, I recommend buying a SIM-free phone or joining a plan that allows for immediate SIM unlocking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Set Up Online Banking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Today, many people likely use online banking, so it may not be worth mentioning, but if you haven't set it up yet, please do so before moving abroad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If online banking is available, you can manage and operate your Japanese bank accounts even after relocating overseas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Using credit card cash advances or international debit cards allows you to withdraw money at overseas ATMs, so life abroad is possible without online banking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, tasks other than withdrawing money, such as urgent expenses in Japan or deposit confirmations, cannot be done without online banking setup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The process takes about two weeks; if you try to set it up after moving, you must return to Japan or seek third-party help, which is very laborious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therefore, it is best to complete the procedures well in advance before your relocation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mobile contract cancellation and phone number maintenance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Since you won't use a Japanese mobile abroad, check the cancellation timing; many plans have limited windows and penalties, so align your departure and cancellation dates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For those considering returning to Japan after a few years, I recommend using the \"Phone Number Maintenance Service\" offered by various carriers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can keep your Japanese number for a few hundred yen per month, and upon returning to Japan, you can use the original number immediately after a simple procedure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, there is a limit to the maintenance period, usually up to 5 years; if you don't plan to return within that time, this service is unnecessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dental Checkups and Treatment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Overseas medical costs are often high compared to Japan; since Thailand is no exception, I recommend treating any issues requiring regular visits before moving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dental care is often excluded from insurance or has low coverage limits, so be sure to complete treatments like cavity fillings before relocating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Incidentally, I once saw a dentist in Thailand, and the cost for treating just a single cavity was approximately 120,000 THB.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although my local insurance covered 20,000 THB, the remaining 100,000 THB (approx. 450,000 JPY) was out-of-pocket, which was a very painful expense at the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Note that if you continue to pay Japanese social insurance, you can get some reimbursement by preparing documents, so keep this in mind for medical visits abroad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Please also refer to the following information regarding medical expenses in Thailand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n