Most people set up a post office saving account. It is possible to get a cash card with the savings account which acts as a debit card and can be used in some places...but for most of japan you use cash.

If you are in a bigger city then it is possible to set up a bank account and do online banking etc, some banks have English sites and helpers/phone line etc but unlike other countries your card is with that bank and normally you can only use that bank to withdraw money...for example, i live in Iwate-ken...so i will fine many "Banks of Iwate" in iwate-ken but i wont find any in tokyo...and viceversa...

But the advantage of having an actual bank account means you can transfer money home much easier if thye have online banking...with other banks and the post office its done by filling in a form...its not too difficult as the forms have both japanese and english...

So for most part a japanese post office account is best because they are used all over japan...post office ATMs have english options...but if you go to a different ATM (such as a convenient one) you can only use japanese option...

you cant have an over draft and you wont be able to get a japanese credit card

That's a really helpful post! :)

One question I have though, how are bank accounts sorted out? I'm guessing you need to get a Japanese account? 

Fantastic article!

How much is alcohol and is it expensive to go and socialize in bars?

Thanks Paul.

Very useful.

Here in China, it is cheaper, though not as people will have you beleive a great deal cheaper.

I get 4,000 a month.. only £400.. haha.. But I have taken on some extra work as it is not enough.

I spend a lot on Western foods and in bars though.

At a western supermarket the other day.. 2 bags of shopping.. £50!!! A bottle of vodka in a bar.. £38.

Who said living in China was cheap!!??

You can eat cheaply, but its dirty and I was often getting sick, so I don't want to do that very often.

This was very interesting, thanks!

I've heard from soo many people to not even look at jobs in Japan because it's so expensive to live there. This was made me realise that they probably spend a lot on stuff I won't need!!

I spend most of my money on gin. And paint (I'm doing my house up right now)....

Really useful article though - it's always good to know what your salary will buy you in different parts of the world. Thanks Paul!