1. Alcohol
is expensive here as it is highly taxed, the highest in Asia and the second
highest in Asia Pacific. So if you
like wine or desert drinks, buy bottles from duty free. You can always share with your homestay (unless
it is a Muslim household).
2. Don't forget to buy your student medical
insurance.
3. You can literally buy clothes and shoes much
cheaper here than in the West, Japan, Korea, Australia and NZ. Don't bring a big
luggage if you don't plan to buy things. Most of our interns came over here to overhaul their wardrobe and send things back in
boxes. July will see the annual Jusco (Japanese department store) sales where most things go up to 70% discount, while December arrives with its huge Christmas sales. So you might want to reserve cash for your
family's Christmas presents till then.
4. It will be best if you can bring your own laptop as we may run out of computers when a few interns show up at the same
time.
5. Bring a swim suit (preferably no bikinis), casual
office clothes, dining wears, (for festivals/celebrations), dresses, pants, nice
shirts and jogging shoes. There is also a wide variety of clothes to be bought here too.
6. Bring a gift for the homestay and ethnic snacks
for every one to try.
