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Monday 9 May 2011

How To Save Money In Japan

Tokyo is now the most expensive city in the world. That, in conjunction with the exchange rate, makes it imperative that you manage your money wisely whilst you are in Japan. I will give you some money saving tips to get by in Japan.


Tip 1: Refrain From Eating Out Excessively
Eating out in Japan can be really expensive, especially when you dine-in at a restaurant. The average meal for lunch at a mid-priced restaurant could cost around  1500 yen, and meal for dinner could be upwards of 3000 yen. Although most Japanese apartments are equipped with a tiny kitchen, your best bet will be using it often rather than dining out. Shop around local supermarkets and compare the prices to get the best bargains. I'd recommend you to make point cards with each store in order to be reimbursed for the money you spend. Also, you should make yourself aware of what days have special promotions, such as double or triple point day.



Tip 2: Use Special Days
For example, usually cinemas offer discounted rates on the first of every month, in which you can watch movies for 1000 yen. If you are a lady, they also offer "a lady's day" on every Wednesday, in which your ticket will only cost 1000 yen too. There are many places which have a lady's day on Wednesday, so you should use it to your advantage.


Tip 3: Try To Use Coupons 
Using coupons in Japan is really helpful to reduce your expenses, especially since a lot of places have this system. Hot Pepper, a free coupon magazine, is absolutely useful, because it has so many coupons from restaurants to hair salons. If you have a mobile phone in Japan, you can use Internet coupons too.


Tip 4: Buy Electronics From Outlets
I recommend buying your electronic devices from outlets, such as Yodobashi outlet or Softmap. You might get a better deal than you would buying things new.









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