Expat Advice: Financial Issues in Sendai, Japan

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Sendai

Which banks do you use? If you have a local account, which bank do you use? How do you like it? Do you also have an account in your home country? Which bank? Do they charge for ATM withdrawals? Do they charge a lot for international wire transfers? How has it been working with them from abroad? Do you use a special international wire transfer service? Do you use an online bank? If so, tell us about them.

I found a bank in the U.S. with online services, which had special rates for using only electronic services. Within Japan, my company provided help getting the local bank set up. We also use Lloyd's of London's service to wire funds to the U.S.

William Russell
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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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What advice would you offer others about banking as an expat in your country? What do you wish you had known about banking when you first arrived?

Make sure you are able to keep a handle on your money at home. Check your account regularly (I do once every few days with my online service). If there are issues, you can sort them out before they become large.

What advice was particularly helpful to you in managing your finances? What advice would you give? Any other thoughts?

Keep a legal U.S. (or home country) address with a relative or friend. Give the person power of attorney to take care of issues that arise.

Do you do your own taxes, use a local firm, an expat-oriented firm or does your employer handle this for you (i.e. via an corporate tax firm)?

I do my own taxes, but I keep up with the tax laws. I also use Turbo Tax to make the job easier.