Relocating to Tokyo (maybe)
Jun 17, 2007 | 4:05 am
#16
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Asia based now
Programs: AA 1MM, Hyatt Gold, SPG lifetime
Posts: 487
That's a great bit of information.
I looked at that arrangement and my first thought was 'that makes life easier' immediately followed by 'what are the tax implications?' I'm pretty sure that if my company did that for me in the UK, I'd be on the hook for the market value of the rent at 40%.
I looked at that arrangement and my first thought was 'that makes life easier' immediately followed by 'what are the tax implications?' I'm pretty sure that if my company did that for me in the UK, I'd be on the hook for the market value of the rent at 40%.
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Jun 17, 2007 | 7:25 am
#17
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Japan
Posts: 1,062
I'd aim for a decent space (with good internet access... fiber to the building is what I have at less than 2k/month) that's within walking distance to work. BTW, when you're looking for space make sure to check/ask about things like access to put a SkyPerfect dish on your balcony (and negotiate in things -- I obtained a great fridge and a third air-con, along with a not so good washer/dryer).
Jun 17, 2007 | 7:21 pm
#18
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: NYC
Programs: UA/HH/Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,615
Seriously, though, in the words of one of my professors at TUJ (who advises expats and finds them jobs), if you can go smaller and sock the money away, that's the best way to do it. When he first moved there, they gave him a $6000/month housing allowance. He found a house outside Tokyo for $1000/month for him and his family - the company just gave him the $6000 and said "do what you will," which is apparently typical, I hear.
Jun 17, 2007 | 8:02 pm
#19
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: EWR
Programs: UA (former CO), TrueBlue, Etc.
Posts: 291
Not so typical, unfortunately. I worked for two of the big investment banks while I was in Tokyo and both had a "use it or lose it" policy. Although I did have friends at other firms who were allowed to keep the extra--it's definitely a point to clarify before you start hunting.
Last edited by patchmonkey; Jun 17, 2007 at 11:30 pm