Moving to Japan: An Update

Hi, this is D, I’m back.

So after the previous mild hiccup at the embassy, I’ve since collected my Entry Permit! They only took 4 days to process the application. Upon submission of documents, they will immediately provide you with a collection slip, stipulating the earliest date you can collect your completed visa by. As simple as that. And I have to say, they are really pretty quick.

Upon collection, you will be expected to pay $38 in cash and exact change. Learning from my previous experience, I adhered strictly to the rule and prepared the cash in advance. I’m pretty sure that if I had turned up with $40, they would refuse to facilitate the collection.

I’ve also purchased my air ticket and I’ll be leaving SG on the 19th of June.

I’m not sure if it is just me, but I struggled a bit with deciding between a one-way ticket or a return ticket. The main reason for my struggle is because a one-way ticket actually costs the same or even higher than a return ticket but yet, I can’t purchase a return ticket without a return date, since I am not sure when I am flying back again. Secondly, even if I purchase a return ticket and forego the return flight to SG, I will be charged a ‘fine’ for no-show, which will add on to a higher cost again. Cancelling the flight or changing the return ticket will likewise involve cost. To be honest, the cleanest and most fuss-free option is to just purchase a one-way ticket and just bear with the ‘unfair’ price of being charged so much for only flying one-way. I guess this is just how airlines ensure they do not lose their customers to other airlines.

And because of the above considerations, I realised that I might as well clock 2 legs on the same airline to make sure I am getting what I am paying for i.e. price of 2 flights. And so, I am going to fly to Korea for a holiday first before heading to JP! And yes, it costs $700+, same as what it would cost to fly SG-JP. Free holiday, why not?

Now, let me focus on packing, my number one hated chore.

 

Till then,
D.

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