Takkyubin services at KIX
 

So at the end of September I'm moving to Osaka (actually I just picked up my work visa today). Naturally, this means I have to move my stuff. I'm going to be checking as much as I can (to avoid having to ship it all otherwise, as I am footing the bill). Does anyone have a rate schedule for takkyubin services at KIX? Or an idea what the charges will run? The stuff shouldn't be that heavy, but volume is more of an issue. I'm not exactly sure where I'm going to be living, but it's definitely in Osaka.

Thanks in advance.

Congratulations.

There are three delivery companies at KIX - with roughly similar prices. (PASCO / IAS / ANA Skyporter)

For example, PASCO charges 1,890 to deliver a suitcase (up to 25Kg) from KIX to your address in the Osaka area:
http://www.pasco-bag.co.jp/service/price.html

If you find that your belongings are significantly over the airline baggage allowance, then I suggest you look into the services such as "Jetpack" or "Seapack" by Nittsu. I used something like this when I moved here last time:
http://www3.nittsu.co.jp/edoc/PELICA...e.html#ryoukin.

You can make a customs declaration when you arrive at KIX for the items that are being shipped separately. This allows you to import those items as "personal effects" and avoid paying duty. The shipping company should give you all the necessary forms. (i.e. standard packing lists and customs declaration forms for separately shipped personal effects).

I found this was the best service for my needs and budget. I didn't mind packing my own boxes, but I appreciated that the shipping company delivered the boxes and packing materials to my home / Provided all the necessary paperwork and some guidance / Came to pick up the boxes that I had packed / Stored the stuff in Tokyo for some weeks while I searched for a long-term apartment / Delivered to my door when I moved into my home.

It was much cheaper than the "we'll do everything for you" house-moving services (which are wonderful if your company is paying).

Thanks jib71

I know those "we'll do everything for you" places are wonderful (I've used them before). I shouldn't have too much stuff though (mostly clothes along with some other stuff). Just to know, do the takkyubin places accept credit cards?

And, just to know (as I don't want to create another thread), is an AMEX card any useful over there? I don't remember credit/charge cards being widely used over there, but at the same time AMEX has a program where one can transfer their card to another country and I think it would be better to get a Japanese card if I can (provided it will be useful).

I've used my AMEX card for hotels, purchasing train tickets (at ticket offices), eating at some resturants. If I recall AMEX cards are processed through JCB systems (I remember reading that they have a reciprical agreement or somthing, correct me if I am wrong).

I never heard of this program? Do you have more information?
Its hard getting a Japanese credit card, its different from the US where your pet lizzard can get a platium card. I've known people who have no luck at banks but a little luck getting a Visa branded debit/credit card at a department store tied to their postal savings account. YMMV.

I was browsing on the AMEX site and found out about it. There isn't much information about it, but you can find out about it here. I can't quite tell what it involves (other than a small application), although it seems that if you have a satisfactory account with AMEX and you make enough money it's easy to get it transferred.
That's what I've heard (difficult to get a card). I've also been told that there aren't really credit cards, but rather charge cards (no balance). I'm not that interested in an actual Japanese card as my relocation is only supposed to be temporary (like 11 months, for now), and I plan on keeping my current US cards (so I still have credit here), so I can just use those if I need to (and I can get a card that doesn't have a foreign transaction fee if I need to).

Credit cards do exist and they're accepted in many stores, restaurants etc. as a previous poster mentioned. Locally issued cards are directly linked to the owners' current accounts ("checking accounts") - so the full amount gets deducted from the account at the end of the billing period unless you tell the credit card company to take only the minimum amount from your account.... At the time of purchase, the person who swipes your card will ask you if you wish to pay "in one payment?" - I assume that if you say "No," then the cost of your item will be charged to your account over several months with big fat interest charges from the card issuer. I'm not interested in finding out about that...

It is also worth noting that many establishments which accept cards set a minimum transaction value for using a card. (I know one eatery near here that refuses credit cards for transactions of less than 3000yen ... )

The Japanese version of AMEX (of which I have one) is directly linked to your Japanese bank account. When it comes to the day to pay they deduct the full amount outstanding. If you know how to work due dates then you might not have to pay for 6-8 weeks. They also have this system that Jib talked about (kaisu barai) they will ask you how many times you want to split the payment. From 1-24 times. This can be handy if you don't have the dosh in your account, but will incur rapacious interest charges. I find the Amex cards in Japan have fewer features and benifits than other Amex issueing countries. It will also depend on how you are paid in JPY or another currency on which card you should use. If I was here for just a short time I wouldn't bother.....

Ok, thanks for the advice everyone. I've heard about getting paid monthly (and I'm getting paid in Yen). I was told about how the cards essentially work (the part about having the option of not paying it all off every month was explained).

Before you turn your AMEX into a Japanese AMEX, I would also recommend that you check the credit limit they will give you.

For the first months after I received my Japanese credit card, the limit was far too low for my needs. I reached the limit practically every month - and fell back on cash-payment (or my UK credit cards) to keep me going. When I asked them to increase the limit, the first person I talked too was terribly bureaucratic - told me that I had to wait a year. It was a bit of a battle to get a card that was actually useful.

Green, Gold or Plat? I don't seem to have a limit on mine.
Costco Gold :o !

While AMEX credit cards actually have a published limit, the charge cards don't have one that is published. However, there is an unofficial limit that AMEX has for one's card. Yet another thing to think about (especially considering the annual fee)