Prices of goods in Fukuoka/Japan

[terry57]

Now young Dickster here is the big question. You know the big problem for Ex-pats in Thailand is the Medical issue. Medical insurance for the old tossers are simply out of reach for most.

Ok for normal stuff but throw a heart attack and one is looking at Major buks to get sorted out. Private Hospital that is.

So lets say you get raped by a Dolphin and ya need a new arsehole fitted how are ya guna pay. ?

I mean,

Have ya got decent medical insurance sorted or how does it work over there for the Round eye. ????

[yortyiam]

Good to see your making inroads, dick. Enjoy the cheapness/bargains while its all good. . The food does look fantastic, I have to admit. I always did think of Japan as being a really interesting place to visit ... (ponders).

[NZdick1983]

^ Glad you asked.. got that sorted in my first week...

I pay $30 for full-coverage... $5 check-up, 70% off dentists (already cheap).. covers operations, etc... (no penis enlargement surgery unfortunately).

Oh, I can get laser IPL face treatments, etc.. done (I'm not kidding)... not that a manly man like me would be interested in that..(ahem)...

Once I have an income in Japan, it will be adjusted up accordingly... fark.. tax is another thing I have learned so much about... another story there...

[terry57]

Japan is 5 hours from Bangkok, some very good air fares these days.

Dicky has invited myself and my Handbag to stay in their spare bedroom and said we could borrow the new car.

Thanks Dickster, you're quite the generous fella eh.

Ta.

See ya Soon Richard.

[NZdick1983]

^ Honestly, you guys are most welcome... (not kidding).

10 mins to the beach... moving in a couple weeks... now what's the delay with me car? had to fax the dealer a stamp (Inkan) from the owner of the land (Gran owns this land)..needed her permission... then the document has to go to the police, for approval.. so I guess that's the delay...

[redhaze]

Yaris

Yep, I own one. Well, actually an Echo same thing just older. Has 170k miles on the odometer, and have put about $300 in repairs total over the life of the car. Gets between 30-35 mpg. Great car, even if the experience is a bit like driving a glorified golf cart.

[NZdick1983]

Yaris is OK... the Kei (aptly named, if in Thai KEE car).... is even smaller.. 600 cc.. engine will turn itself off at traffic lights.. really horrible thing.. (and I dig small cars)..

Not being a car snob... I had a Honda Fit/Jazz... great, agile little car (huge like a tardis in the back) swallowed all my plastering gear/ladders, easy...

You'd have to drive one in Japan... then you'll know how bad they are...

http://jalopnik.com/japans-kei-cars-...ive-1786250335

[Stumpy]

^ Glad you asked.. got that sorted in my first week...

I pay $30 for full-coverage... $5 check-up, 70% off dentists (already cheap).. covers operations, etc... (no penis enlargement surgery unfortunately).

Oh, I can get laser IPL face treatments, etc.. done (I'm not kidding)... not that a manly man like me would be interested in that..(ahem)...

Once I have an income in Japan, it will be adjusted up accordingly... fark.. tax is another thing I have learned so much about... another story there...

Good rates Dicky. Cover wife as well?
Being employed in any country helps medical costs. My wife and I are covered 100% in Thailand for medical/dental/vision with no deductible. However thats while I remained employed. Retire and I am on my own.

However I am always amazed on how medical coverage can grip some people to the point they are afraid to move anywhere or do anything. Sad really.

I am a long way off from SS and Medi-cal in the US. I will wing it until then and when a major shows up if it does i will hop a plane. If I die in the air...so be it.

[NZdick1983]

Yup, she's covered as well... I suppose it's prudent if I/we get part time jobs, at least while we are building our business (student base)... have to walk before we run..

don't want to eat too heavily into my savings... + I'm getting bored anyway... damn... hope my car is ready soon... patience is not one of my virtues...

[Stumpy]

Yup, she's covered as well... I suppose it's prudent if I/we get part time jobs, at least while we are building our business (student base)... have to walk before we run..

don't want to eat too heavily into my savings... + I'm getting bored anyway... damn... hope my car is ready soon... patience is not one of my virtues...

Great. My wife was elated that I negotiated full medical coverage. She has her own insurance from the hospital where she worked so she is well covered regardless of my position.

To your point, when I retire I have to keep in mind that its all money going out and no income in (from employment anyway). But I do not really plan on just sitting on my ass, my wife and I have a few small business plans to keep us(mostly her) busy and I am just a helper as long as it doesn't interrupt my hobby and cocktail time....

[NZdick1983]

Yeah, feels nice to have health insurance... hopefully won't need it... but as Terry said, those Dolphins can get mighty frisky..don't wana chance a close encounter...

[redhaze]

^ Glad you asked.. got that sorted in my first week...

I pay $30 for full-coverage... $5 check-up, 70% off dentist

Is this a local plan or travel insurance?

[NZdick1983]

Is this a local plan or travel insurance?

Local mate... all done in Fukuoka... oh, even have my blue book for compulsory super... all sorted from our local government ward office.. registered my address there too..

Obtained my alien/Gaijin registration card apon entry though customs at the airport..

[redhaze]

Not meaning to pry, but is your ability to access such a plan based on native blood or something?

Meaning to say that a tourist can't just show up and sign up for this plan right? Seems very cheap...

[NZdick1983]

No worries mate.. nah, it's because I have a spousal marriage Visa..

I think any long-term Visa (non-tourist) could get cheap health insurance...

Missus is telling me that Chinese are abusing the system...getting full service at hospitals/dentists, while paying minimum tax...

it's dependent on income...

[buriramboy]

^ Honestly, you guys are most welcome... (not kidding).

When the release the fixtures for the rugby world cup 2019 and I can start planning my trip might take you up on that!!!!!!!

[NZdick1983]

^ Sweet as bro...

I will take in a baseball game at the Fukuoka dome 1st Sep.

(Bro-in-law is shouting me)...he used to play in the minor league...baseball mad family...

[sabang]

Are there any Thai style massage parlours in Fukuoka dick?

Actually, I know an American guy (living here now) who made quite a successful career in Fukuoka, lived there well over 20 years. He loves the place.

[Looper]

Japan has an (undeserved) reputation for being expensive, which it has failed to shake from the 90's...

Nice photos Dickie.

Yes, I was always surprised with how cheap stuff was given the reputation of the place.

Got a kilo of fresh sashimi at the market in Tokyo for 1000 yen in 2010

[NZdick1983]

Are there any Thai style massage parlours in Fukuoka dick? Actually, I know an American guy (living here now) who made quite a successful career in Fukuoka, lived there well over 20 years. He loves the place.

No Idea mate.. probably some hidden away somewhere... they do have a red-light district, but it's tame in comparison to sin city.

What did your mate do in Fukuoka?

Nice photos Dickie. Yes, I was always surprised with how cheap stuff was given the reputation of the place. Got a kilo of fresh sashimi at the market in Tokyo for 1000 yen in 2010

Thanks Loo. Very cheap compared with Auckland, though from a previous poster, the USA is even cheaper (fruit and veges at least)... I know petrol is cheaper in America than here...

[sabang]

What did your mate do in Fukuoka?

Import/export, some kind of specialty industrial chemicals. Actually he still does, on a smaller scale. He worked as an accountant for some sizable Jap firm for years, and kind of slipped into it. Interesting chap- Vietnam vet (navy), then completed his qualifications in the US, but hasn't lived there since.

Anyway, congrat's on your move mate- seems like a good place you're in.

[Dillinger]

Interesting thread Dicky. Im thinking of having a look at Japan in winter, next Feb or March.

Whilst looking for Fuk pics i stumbled across this

Why are Prices in Japan So Damn High??

Which is off this site

The Delights of Fukuoka !! - Best Pics of Fukuoka

And a bit on there for the teflers

Secrets on Teaching English in Japan

[NZdick1983]

^ cool, might catch up with you then. Don't forget to bring your pink inflatible unicorn 55.

[Dillinger]

^ get some downhill ski-ing practice in bruv.. Im bringing Za


Urban Dictionary: Downhill Skiing

[Latindancer]

After how many years will you have to get rid of that car, Dick ?

I have heard that to discourage people from hanging on to older, polluting cars, the govt steadily increases the price of rego.....