Relocation services
Compare the terms, not the superlatives.
These are decision frameworks, not “best” lists. Check current terms directly before buying, and choose for your circumstances rather than our commercial relationships.
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01
Money transfer
The headline exchange rate is only one part of the cost. Compare the amount that actually arrives, how quickly it arrives, and what verification is required.
What to compare
- Total recipient amount after every fee
- Exchange-rate markup and rate lock
- Transfer limits and delivery time
- Supported US funding methods and Japanese recipient accounts
Questions to answer
- Is this a one-time arrival transfer or recurring income?
- Will you have a Japanese bank account when you send it?
- What happens if identity verification delays the transfer?
02
Mobile & internet
Separate your first-week connection from your long-term phone plan. The fastest airport-ready option may not be the right permanent service.
What to compare
- eSIM and physical SIM compatibility
- Voice number, SMS, and data allowances
- Activation timing and identity requirements
- Coverage, throttling, contract length, and cancellation
Questions to answer
- Does your unlocked phone support the required bands?
- Do you need a Japanese phone number immediately?
- Can the plan transition from arrival use to resident use?
03
Shipping & moving
Compare shipping against the replacement value of your belongings in Japan. Customs restrictions and delivery uncertainty matter as much as the quote.
What to compare
- Door-to-door scope and customs support
- Chargeable weight, dimensions, and surcharges
- Tracking, coverage, claims, and exclusions
- Delivery window and storage fees
Questions to answer
- Is the item cheaper or easier to replace in Japan?
- Can you live without it if customs delays the shipment?
- Are any contents restricted, taxed, or poorly insured?
04
Japanese lessons
Choose lessons around the situations you will actually face. A flexible tutor, structured course, and intensive school solve different problems.
What to compare
- Tutor credentials and teaching style
- Trial, rescheduling, and cancellation terms
- Conversation versus structured curriculum
- Time zone, frequency, and total monthly cost
Questions to answer
- Do you need survival Japanese, workplace Japanese, or exam study?
- Will you learn more consistently one-to-one or in a group?
- Can you maintain the schedule during the move itself?