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Japan: Difference between revisions
→High-speed Broadband (>100 Mbps)
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=== the language barrier === | === the language barrier === | ||
* | * Train stations have English signage and announcements | ||
* Google Translate's camera feature works well for reading menus and signs | * Google Translate's camera feature works well for reading menus and signs | ||
* Japanese staff who don't speak English generally try their best to accommodate language barriers, and are often the first to pull out a translation app if you don't have one | * Japanese staff who don't speak English generally try their best to accommodate language barriers, and are often the first to pull out a translation app if you don't have one out | ||
* If you need healthcare, you can seek it at clinics and hospitals with dedicated English-speaking medical professionals | * If you need healthcare, you can seek it at clinics and hospitals with dedicated English-speaking medical professionals | ||
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*Bring as many '''debit cards''' as possible. You need it to withdraw cash from an ATM to recharge transport cards, and if you lose one, it is critical you can continue to withdraw cash. | *Bring as many '''debit cards''' as possible. You need it to withdraw cash from an ATM to recharge transport cards, and if you lose one, it is critical you can continue to withdraw cash. | ||
==== Zipair ==== | ==== Prepare to fly on Zipair ==== | ||
* Check the weight of your bag. If your bags are higher than the weight limit, purchase extra weight at least 24 hours beforehand or reduce the weight. | * Check the weight of your bag. If your bags are higher than the weight limit, purchase extra weight at least 24 hours beforehand or reduce the weight. | ||
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* '''Free''' wi-fi is common in Japan. All Lawson convenience stores have free wifi. Many of them require verifying an email. Some commercial streets, especially around youth-oriented areas like Akihabara and Shinsaibashi, offer high-speed free wifi. The [https://www.ntt-bp.net/jw-auto/en/index.html Japan Wi-Fi Auto-Connect] app automatically connects you to nearby wifi networks without needing to verify an email and connects you to new ones as you move, but it consumes lots of battery life. Caveat: Shinkansen wi-fi tends to be fairly slow and only good for basic browsing and low bitrate calls. | * '''Free''' wi-fi is common in Japan. All Lawson convenience stores have free wifi. Many of them require verifying an email. Some commercial streets, especially around youth-oriented areas like Akihabara and Shinsaibashi, offer high-speed free wifi. The [https://www.ntt-bp.net/jw-auto/en/index.html Japan Wi-Fi Auto-Connect] app automatically connects you to nearby wifi networks without needing to verify an email and connects you to new ones as you move, but it consumes lots of battery life. Caveat: Shinkansen wi-fi tends to be fairly slow and only good for basic browsing and low bitrate calls. | ||
==== High-speed | ==== High-speed internet (>100 Mbps) ==== | ||
* Most hotels have an Ethernet port, you can | * Some hotels have 200-800Mbps connections, though the speed varies throughout the day | ||
* Most hotels have an Ethernet port, you can obtain an Ethernet to USB-C adapter by asking the front desk or purchasing one online or at an electronics retailer. The Ethernet speed is usually somewhat (up to 2x) faster than the Wi-Fi speed. | |||
* Manga cafes are the best way to temporarily access low-latency and fast internet, up to 800Mbps | * Manga cafes are the best way to temporarily access low-latency and fast internet, up to 800Mbps | ||
=== Set up personal infrastructure === | === Set up personal infrastructure === | ||
* Withdraw 10,000¥ from an ATM to pay at transit, arcades, gachapon, and some restaurants | * Withdraw 5,000-10,000¥ from an ATM to pay at transit, arcades, gachapon, and some restaurants | ||
* Download the Google Translate app. The camera function lets you translate Japanese signs and menus | * Download the Google Translate app. The camera function lets you translate Japanese signs and menus | ||