OzBargainers Guide to Travel!

Ldoobey1231 on 13/03/2023 - 08:50
Last edited 13/03/2023 - 16:14 by 1 other user

Hey all,

I fly off to Japan in about a months time, I have started buying things to make the trip more convenient, the first of which a pair of XM4s for the flight(I have been told ANC is a must!).

My tip has been recommended to me by a friend - even though my trip is for a holiday more than business, it is still recommended to get a travel folio to keep all your documents ready and at hand if requested. Passport, international drivers permit, other forms of ID etc etc. You can get folios for about $10 at officeworks, travel specific ones are a little bit more but I have read they are a god send in keeping everything together as well as having specific pockets for niche sized items like passports (bonus points if anyone can point me towards a "couples" travel folio with two passport slots etc).

So tell me Oz bargainers - what are some tried and tested things that we should be doing to prepare for international travel? Are there certain items that are must haves? A neck pillow maybe? Specific type of socks? May a battery pack you stand by?

Edited to add another tip: Setting your wifi up with OpenVPN if it has the ability can be a godsend if you are a big footy fan or anything else. I am personally using mine to watch MAFS while I am over there, but I am sure the same tactic would work with stuff like the NRL or AFL.

Travel

Comments

      • sumyungguy on 22/03/2023 - 18:08

        I think that's for Seven Bank account holders. Fees for cards issued overseas vary by the card brand

        • obenihk on 24/03/2023 - 23:51

          ah good to know - thanks for clarifying

  • fantombloo on 13/03/2023 - 14:26

    A couple antihistamines (Diphenhydramine HCI) to sleep well on the flight.

    • Sinnerator on 15/03/2023 - 08:19

      if susceptible, beware hangovers, last thing you want is to be groggy tired for the next 10 hours when you awaken

    • Omayga on 16/03/2023 - 11:31

      any particular ones that include this? - zyrtec , telfast etc

      • HerpinDerp on 16/03/2023 - 12:00

        Phenergan, it's over the counter. Please consult the pharmacist properly. For me, it hits me like a freight train and makes me very groggy after waking up.

  • Godric on 13/03/2023 - 14:50
    +1

    My post from 2017 but still some relevant info imo

    What Are a Must to Pack to Take to Japan?

  • Hellfire on 13/03/2023 - 14:58
    +1

    Lots of great suggestions here. The travel folio is my biggest tip. Print a copy of every reservation you have including your flight itinerary and passport. Also save a copy on your phone and online storage.

    I have had multiple instances where I've had to produce something or there would have been a negative outcome. Hotel reservations, car rentals, flight check in, etc. Passport copy can be handy as is sometimes accepted instead of passport. Phones/internet fail at the most inconvenient time and I've also had people refuse to look at anything on my phone (had to be printed).

    I've just had a stopover in Japan so some more specific tips:
    - Take your preferred mask with you, it will be mandatory in certain circumstances and you might as well have one you feel comfortable in.
    - Sort out your entry requirements. It's not too difficult for Japan. You'll need a copy of your international covid immunisation certificate and complete the form on the govt website (Visit Japan Web i think it was called).
    - Double check visa requirements. They are very strict .

    • TooSerious2 on 13/03/2023 - 19:18

      A comfy mask is a great idea. They're readily available, but I have a few beard ones I prefer. In Tokyo and Kyoto in Dec we wore them when near others - almost always - to fit in.

  • p1 ama on 13/03/2023 - 15:23
    +6

    (bonus points if anyone can point me towards a "couples" travel folio with two passport slots etc).

    My personal view on this has always been that each individual should carry their own passport.

    You reduce dependencies on a single point of failure, and in any case, it is much better to have one person with a passport rather than neither in the unfortunate case that you lose one.

    This is not to mention that in emergency situations (e.g. natural disasters where you can become separated), it's important that each keeps hold of their own passport.

    Setting your wifi up with OpenVPN if it has the ability can be a godsend if you are a big footy fan or anything else. I am personally using mine to watch MAFS while I am over there, but I am sure the same tactic would work with stuff like the NRL or AFL.

    On a more serious note, accessing things like online banking through a VPN in Australia is also extremely helpful for not triggering any security issues or getting locked out of your account.

  • Arch113 on 13/03/2023 - 15:41
    -2

    Heading to Japan myself as well in October with the missus.

    Planning to get this Bellroy Travel Folio - https://bellroy.com/products/travel-folio?color=caramel&gcli…

    Can hold 2 passports and comes with a micropen that slips in neatly.

    Very nifty piece of kit but doesn't come cheap.

    Some places (like rushfaster) are selling the version 1 of the travel folio at a reduced price though.

    • rumblytangara on 14/03/2023 - 17:30
      +3

      Crikey. $225.

      I have been travelling extensively for decades (up till Covid we were doing ~10 trips a year, and this was after we had kids) and all that time I don't know how we managed to get by with a mere plastic folder.

      On a more serious / less sarcastic note, I view those 'dedicated travel holders' as a negative thing. Besides being unnecessarily expensive and bulky, I do not think you want to consolidate your travel documents with your cash and credit/ATM cards. You access money frequently, but you should only access your passport and boarding pass at airports and immigration points- the rest of the time these should be stashed somewhere more secure.

      • Nillionaire on 15/03/2023 - 01:37

        Besides being unnecessarily expensive

        They're not all the same as Bellroy ones. Search on Amazon, there's plenty of decent passport holders less than $40

        • rumblytangara on 15/03/2023 - 15:32
          +1

          Being 'only' $40 doesn't really make it any better!

  • TEER3X on 13/03/2023 - 17:52

    For Aussie tv shows that you don't need to watch live, there's downundertv

    • bobbified on 14/03/2023 - 16:42

      downundertv

      That just sounds dirty! haha

    • belongsinforums on 15/03/2023 - 16:27
      +1

      Disgusting

  • Flying Ace on 13/03/2023 - 21:25
    +1

    Take some pain killers and Imodium too - you never know when you’ll need them!

  • afah0447 on 14/03/2023 - 08:54
    +5

    For the comfort of your fellow travellers make sure you shower and wear clean clothes for your flight.

    • TheRealCher on 14/03/2023 - 13:03

      And forget cologne etc. Japanese are very attuned to different smells. They wont tell you off but believe me, they're judging.

      • rumblytangara on 14/03/2023 - 15:45
        +3

        I'd say that goes for any air travel. Being stuck next to some perfumed-up stranger in close proximity is no fun.

  • jon0fAus on 14/03/2023 - 09:31
    +2

    I've found that inflatable neck pillows work quite well and are light and not bulky. A good eye mask is also worth while. Both really only needed if you have overnight flights though.

    • Blargman2001 on 14/03/2023 - 14:47

      Yep if you plan on sleeping on the flight an eye mask and ear plugs are a must. That and some headphones are my only real must haves when I travel. Everything else you need is on your phone. JR rail pass can be made redundant if you book an open jaw flight (eliminates a lot of long distance travel via bullet train which is where most of the cost of the JR pass comes from). Have been five times and JR pass has never been cost effective for me.

  • orangehead911 on 14/03/2023 - 09:31

    To hold passports I got the Victorinox security pouch with RFID protection (essential these days). Holds 4 passports easily.

    • Get a sleep mask.
    • eSIM for connectivity on the go. Get more data than you think you need. There are a few places in AU that sells these.
    • Keep a translator app handy on your phone. Preferably one that can do voice.
    • Roman Sandstorm on 14/03/2023 - 17:50
      +3

      pouch with RFID protection(victorinox.com) (essential these days).

      I recall reading a year or so ago that although theoretically a malicious agent could possibly hack/intercept one's RF-enabled cards/devices, that there was no evidence of it actually happening and causing harm.

      RFID cards operate over very short distances (think… contact), and although in lab conditions it may be possible to 'skim', or if someone inserted into a compromised ATM, for example, in reality 'RFID protection' is just another 'security theatre' thing.

      Further, that security pouch… are you wearing it outside (and looking like a total rube tourist), or over a shirt (but inside a coat), or underneath pullover (making access a real pain), or under everything, against naked skin (oh-so-secure, but need to perform strip-tease to purchase a stick of chewing gum)?

      It's Japan, not Copacabana Beach in Rio at Carnival time, or downtown Mogadishu.

      • orangehead911 on 15/03/2023 - 00:14

        You should check out Long Range RFID Tracking and Flipper Zero: Hottest Hacking Device for 2023? before making such claims.

        • Roman Sandstorm on 15/03/2023 - 15:48
          +4

          @orangehead911

          Those were interesting videos. However, The Flipper Zero requires direct contact with the card/device to be scanned. And the other one involves heaps of complex equipment and machinery to be set up, with significant RF and power output. And specifically talks about retail and active RFID devices. And no mention of skimming ordinary cards at a distance. Besides, it's not quite a portable, in your usual hacker pocket, type of setup.

          Of all of the travel tips and precautions around, I'd have concern about RFID down the list - somewhere around alien abduction, perhaps.

      • rumblytangara on 15/03/2023 - 15:36
        +5

        There have been proof of concepts that RFID passport scanning works at tens of meters.

        Now… afaik these have only been demonstrated at globally recognised hackercons and there have been zero reports of them being used IRL.

        Given the vast amount of personal information floating around out there from events like database breaches from Equifax (or wasn't there a big local breach in Oz last year) where tens of millions of details are stolen, some hoodie-wearing bad guy setting up home made scanner in an airport full of security guards and sniffer dogs seems a little implausible.

        TL;DR RFID blocking is pure paranoia.

  • Kenvin on 14/03/2023 - 10:01

    Setting your wifi up with OpenVPN if it has the ability can be a godsend if you are a big footy fan or anything else. I am personally using mine to watch MAFS while I am over there, but I am sure the same tactic would work with stuff like the NRL or AFL.

    Has anyone used a VPN hider to access Foxtel from USA, I want to be able to watch footy still, will this work?

    • kusala on 14/03/2023 - 14:29

      My experience in Asia is that Foxtel can't be viewed overseas using a vpn (maybe this was possible in the past, but not now). This holds true for Kayo Sports also. If you want to watch NRL, the best option is a weekly, monthly or annual Watch NRL subscription (all pricey). For AFL there is Watch AFL, but it appears only an annual subscription is available. Otherwise, try to find a sports bar which shows Australian content.

      With a vpn you can watch free to air NRL games on 9Now and, I assume, on 7+ for AFL games.

  • branners on 14/03/2023 - 10:10

    A thought on your mobile phone needs.
    One of the best offers for global roaming appears to be the Felix mobile add-on, which is covered at length here https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/731998. If you do not need huge data, it lasts for a year, in multiple countries.
    If you have a SIM-and-eSIM phone and you do decide to arrange a local SIM card on arrival, you might want to check whether the provider is one that will only arrange an eSIM number to locals. This just caught me out in (in KL, not Japan). If that is the case it would be smart to run your eSIM on your Aussie service and get a SIM for Japan.

    • doobey1231 on 14/03/2023 - 11:59
      +1

      I checked overnight online - Vodafone offers $5 per day for roaming, so for the duration of our stay it makes better sense to just do that than go through all the effort of setting up another sim. Just adding that in case anyone else is considering it.

      On the note of sim cards - Sakura - which seems to be one of the more popular providers, charges significantly more for their e-sim traveller plans vs the physical sim. I cant remember exact numbers but I think it was $75 for 15 days with the physical sim whereas it was like $500 for the equivalent esim set up. Not sure if I was doing anything wrong there but just a heads up.

  • onthehunt on 14/03/2023 - 10:27
    +5

    I always bring my jabra wireless headphones but bring corded ones as a spare, they are easier to use on the plane and its the worst when you accidently drop one.

    A charging cord with a usb end because they dont have type C on the planes or on the walls at the airport, mcdonalds etc. I charge on the plane while i sleep etc

    A good powerbank is a must, i even I bring 2 but I like to take lots of photos, use map etc and have 2 kids with ipads and wireless headphones.

    Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow is amazing, it folds into a little ball and u clip on the bag to your bag so you dont have to carry it around your neck https://amzn.asia/d/5Aj4hDW

    I have a few clear pencil cases i bought in officeworks to put my things in, its easy to see and grab what i want. One for meds, one for cords etc

    I use packing bags that save a tonne of space and makes my suitcase organised. I just use kmart ones. Once you use them you will never go back

    One pack of anithistamines, panadol, imodium etc not the whole box

    Download all ur shows, spotify list on ur phone/ipad and delete once you've watched it.

    Create a folder on your cloud or ur email for a copy of all things travel and mark it as favourites so you can easily access

    Make sure u have travel insurance, if your using cc travel insurance make sure u let them know and have met the requirements. Let your banks know your travelling. I use my paypass on my phone for everything so i dont bring alot of cash. If i use cash i use my ING to take money out. I always take out some money when i arrive at the airport.

    Turn on roaming or use a SIM, but youll definitely need internet. Download any app u need and set up before going like klook, or grab (not sure if its in japan) etc

    Thats all i can think of now, enjoy your travels!

    • Flying Ace on 14/03/2023 - 10:51
      +1

      Good point about the packing cubes - I wish I knew Kmart sold them! I used them for the first time on an overseas trip just recently and found them hugely convenient.

      • onthehunt on 14/03/2023 - 16:06
        +1

        so convenient right!? Yes Kmart, Target etc - quality wont be as great as other brands but it does the job

    • doobey1231 on 14/03/2023 - 11:57
      -1

      Thank you for all the info, do you have any other recommendations for travel pillows? I trust the one you linked is great but $65 is hard to swallow. I just forked out for a pair of ANC headphones and power banks so looking to save money where I can.

      • onthehunt on 14/03/2023 - 16:02

        Keep watching, they go on special - I bought mine for $35, sometimes only one colour is on special so check all the colours and thier prices - I know its more exy than the other ones but I won't ever have to buy another - I'm hoping this one lasts years, the quality is pretty good!

        Also, I use my card on my phone, but I always bring physical and leave it in the suitcase in case phone gets lost etc.

        • doobey1231 on 14/03/2023 - 16:04
          +1

          Great! $35 is much more doable, ill set a reminder on the camels and go from there, thank you!

  • singlemalt72 on 14/03/2023 - 10:53
    +2

    A Aussie power strip, at least 4 socket and a local converter plug, makes charging/running Aussie electrics easy.

    • TightAl on 14/03/2023 - 11:51
      +1

      Was going to recommend this, probably even more than 4 sockets WITH Fastcharging USB slots too. ideally..

  • Socialsuicide01 on 14/03/2023 - 11:26
    +4

    I have been travelling internationally since 1988 lived in London for 10 years and I have never needed or considered a "travel portfolio". Over the last 35 years of travelling internationally I have never needed one or been asked to provide any official documents. Over that period of time I started as a single man then a married man then I had a family and at no point did I require any documents to be shown.

    • singlemalt72 on 14/03/2023 - 12:37

      You do realise every time you are going through immigration you are showing your documents? What do you do with all your families passports, arrival cards, vaccination certificates etc….. just chuck them in a plastic bag?

      This is the point of it, to have everything together and on hand when you need it and much less chance of misplacing an important document.

    • smpantsonfire on 14/03/2023 - 13:01
      +1

      Yeah everything has been on a phone or email. USB worst case.

      Know your passwords!!!!

      Edit: solo traveler, passport only.

    • Willy Beamish on 14/03/2023 - 16:31
      +2

      White privilege /s

  • tekisei on 14/03/2023 - 13:09
    +4

    You can start packing 2 or 3 weeks ahead.

    To avoid forgetting anything, I literally just leave an open suitcase on the ground in an accessable location. This will trigger your brain to think about what to pack, and you will find yourself slowly filling up the suitcase with things you might find useful when you walk past. Then go through the suitcase before you leave.

    Same thing with documents, leave a tray near the suitcase for your travel docs, trip confirmations, maps, etc.

    • gimme on 14/03/2023 - 13:19

      yup good tip, i do the same. Everytime something comes to mind I dump it in, otherwise easy to forget random useful stuff

  • Lordarainyday on 14/03/2023 - 13:32
    +5

    if you are off to japan

    a backpack with a coin holder - cause japan is still a cash society - Plenty of coins returned when ur are at the restaurant or using a vending machine - VERY VERY IMPORTANT - DO NOT IGNORE THIS

    a plastic bag for you to throw rubbish - the bins in japan are a million miles away - so better to carry a plastic bag with you in a backpack - VERY VERY IMPORTANT - DO NOT IGNORE THIS

    try food in joints where it's written completely in Japanese than the ones in English

    some of the trains/ restaurants in japan have smoking areas - so don't get shocked

    a pair of shoes which does not have a lace - more of slip-on shoes - on and off more easily - plenty to walk around

    carry a small umbrella - too hot sometimes

    if you are prone to hayfever during the sakura season - better to carry nasal sprays

    withdraw the max you can in Japan in ATM - no one will steal your money

    Try to get a weekly pass or depends how many days ur in one area - rather than buy separate train tickets which are expensive

    SIM CARDS - WITHOUT INTERNET YOU ARE DEAD - I GOT MINE FROM HONG KONG AS I HAVE FAMILY THERE - WHICH IS USEFUL FOR DATA

    IF YOUR TRAIN SAYS 11.03 AM BOARDING - IT WILL BE EXACTLY AT 11:03 NOT B4 NOT AFTER 11:03

    IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE YAKUZA - THEY ARE USUALLY AROUND Kabukichō - LATE NIGHT - DO NOT STARE AT THEM - GLANCE THEM LIKE JASON BOURNE AND WALK AWAY THEY DO NOT CREATE ANY TROUBLE UNLESS U WANNA FIGHT THEM

    enjoy ur time in Japan

    • iatnuy on 14/03/2023 - 14:20
      +2

      might just fk around and stare at some yakuza

    • Hangryuman on 14/03/2023 - 14:57

      'try food in joints where it's written completely in Japanese'

      many places have pix of the food plates in the window with prices where you browse and see what you like outside, then walk in, up to the machine inside, insert money, press the button for your selection, take the ticket it spits out and your change, walk over to a seat at the serving bench and hand the ticket to the guy behind the counter - no words necessary

      this was apparently before Westerners as Japan had many dialects which wouldn't understand each other, so this point and pay system worked before us Western tourists - it's also cleaner for food handling safety - they never touch your dirty money, etc.

    • ronnknee on 14/03/2023 - 15:44
      +7

      WITHOUT INTERNET YOU ARE DEAD

      That escalated very quickly.

    • HerpinDerp on 16/03/2023 - 09:15

      What happens if I stare at Yakuza without internet? Am I double dead?

      I've actually had some Yakuza guide me home when I got lost one night. You're treated pretty well when they find out you're Australian.

  • Lordarainyday on 14/03/2023 - 13:36

    OH YEAH forgot - if you are pretty much in Tokyo - u do not need to drive - unless u are off somewhere else to the islands - then u need it - i had an awesome time travelling in japan b4 covid for almost 3 weeks - took the shinkansen and even inland hopping as well :-)

  • dogzilla on 14/03/2023 - 14:02

    Email a scanned copy of your travel docs to a webmail accessible email - that way if you lose everything you still have docs accessible anywhere.

    SIM cards everywhere in Japan, get one at a local 7-eleven.

    Be nice, don't be a bogan tourist. People in Japan are very friendly.

  • stabfish on 14/03/2023 - 14:22

    Get a compressible stuff sack to put your dirty clothes in. Keeps them separate from your clean clothes, and is handy when doing your laundry.

  • Hangryuman on 14/03/2023 - 14:32

    'a pair of XM4s for the flight(I have been told ANC is a must!)'

    hope your ears don't rub on the bottom of the shallow earcups - that can be PAINFUL after a few hours.

    • doobey1231 on 14/03/2023 - 14:44
      -1

      Yeah nah my wingnuts are average size so all good on that front lol

  • archieduh on 14/03/2023 - 17:24

    Best of journey. You sound excited, happy for you.

    Target had some great travel pillows, i bought 3 years ago.

    Power banks, usb cables (multiple), power adapters..

  • susannetsv on 14/03/2023 - 17:29

    But a small drawstring or similar bag and place everything you think you would need in the flight such as eye mask , earplugs , earphones , snacks into this bag. This way when you get in the plane just take this bag out of your hand luggage instead of sifting through everything in your hand luggage bag. Also if you put a carabiner clip on the bag you can hang it off the tray table arms. The blow up things that fit between your seat and the seat in front are really good as it’s nice just to put your feet up for a while or if you are small enough you can turn on your side for sleeping and rest your legs on this . Download all apps you think you may need for your trip before you leave so the downloads don’t eat into your roaming allowance .

  • branners on 14/03/2023 - 17:37

    Some late mail.
    Amaysim has just emailed its customers to confirm that they will be adding an International Roaming Pack from 5 April, which will operate in "more than 50 countries". Which is good if you are an Amaysim customer but REALLY badly-timed if you are sitting OS atm and back in Oz before then, like I am…
    Hoping it is similar to the Felix offer, which sounds like good value.
    One more thing. I have a mate who is a pharmacist and if his customers are looking for some over-the-counter medication to take with them, he always offers to attach a pharmacy label to make it look more official. Something like "Take one tablet a day as instructed by your doctor". It is to discourage enthusiastic Customs officials from taking your Aspro.

    • donga100 on 14/03/2023 - 21:36

      offers to attach a pharmacy label to make it look more official.

      Yep, you can do this yourself with a Dymo label printer too.

  • brayhouse on 14/03/2023 - 17:42
    +2

    Japan is awesome! I hope you have a great time.

    Write yourself a packing list in your phone's notes app and tick things off as you go. This saves a lot of worry about "Did I remember to pack that?". If it's ticked off, it's packed.

    Photograph all your important docs and upload to a (secured) Dropbox, iCloud Drive or Google Drive account. That way if you lose your docs and your phone you can still access this info from another device. Also if there’s someone you trust back home, share these items along with your rough travel itinerary, just in case things go pear shaped.

    Sort out how you will pay for things. ING are travel friendly, or something like a card from Wise where you can preload with yen and get good exchange rates. For what it’s worth, Japan is still very cash-based compared to here, so make sure you have notes on you.

    Tell your bank you’ll be overseas. Many bank apps have a feature where you can inform them of your travel dates and destinations. This will ensure they don’t freeze your card as a security measure when they see a bunch of international transactions.

    You can get a SIM card before you go, or you can buy one once you land. I tend to do it beforehand so it’s one less thing for me to organise, but there are stalls in the airports that will sell you a local SIM and they’re not outrageously priced.

    Since you're going overseas, you'll need to have your liquids in a clear plastic pouch for customs to inspect. Consider this when packing your carry on baggage so it's easy to get these in and out as required.

    Recently I’ve started taking a sling bag or pouch in my carry on, which contains everything I might need during the flight (tablet, battery, books, medicines, glasses etc). That way I have no need to get up and fiddle around with my bag in the overhead lockers during the flight. It’s great to have everything you might need at hand. I currently use the Bellboy Lite Sling.

    I also always pack one change of clothes in my carry on. You’ll be thankful for it if they ever lose your checked luggage (or if someone spills coffee all over you during the flight).

    Some Japan specific tips:

    Learn some Japanese. Even if it’s just simple greetings or learning how to order food off a menu. It goes a long way to showing you are trying to adapt to their culture and not just relying on them speaking English,a dn while some cultures seem to have disdain when someone butchers their mother tongue, in Japan they seem to appreciate the effort. You will need a translation app though. Younger people often speak some English, but older people often do not. Assume most people don't.

    If you are going to be travelling by train a lot, a JR pass is a massive time saver. This is a pass that tourists can get that allows you to jump on any JR train. Just flash the pass to a guard at the gates and off you go. Their network spans the entire country and includes bullet trains. It’s the best way to get around the country. This needs to be organised while you’re in Australia at a Japanese consulate or tourism office (I think) and it’s not cheap expensive, but if you are planning to take a few bullet trains you make your money back pretty quickly.

    Speaking of trains, on their networks you can always buy the cheapest ticket, get on the train, and then make up the difference at your destination when you go to leave the station. This helps if you're in a hurry to catch a train but don't know how much the fare will be. Just buy the cheapest, get your train, then sort out the difference at your destination. This was a god-send for me when I was trying to find my way throughout the train network the first time I went over, although I suppose Google Maps might have fixed this for most.

    Speaking of trains, it's considered very rude to be talking on your phone while on the train. Don't do it.

    I highly recommend visiting an onsen while you’re there. Super relaxing and something you don’t get to experience in Aus. But be aware if you have tattoos you may be barred from entering. I’ve heard this sis something that is slowly changing, but still common.

    You'll be taking your shoes off a lot when you enter places. Plan footwear accordingly.

  • davidmwilliams on 14/03/2023 - 18:23
    +2

    I think this is great for travel. I've used it in Indonesia and the USA and France so far -

    https://alogic.co/catalog/product/view/id/7116/s/3x67-rapid-…

    It's a little GaN power charger that has three USB ports, and interchangeable prongs with several different selections. So, you can use it at home, at the airport, on the plane (depending on the type of plane), overseas, etc.

    It comes with a carry case and is nice and compact.

    There might be other brands with a similar option; this is simply the one I have and use, but I recommend it.

  • davidmwilliams on 14/03/2023 - 18:26
    +1

    Check out the TripIt website and app -> https://www.tripit.com/web/free

    I mostly use the app but the website is there too. Send it your flight plans and it will let you know of delays, gates, all sorts of things. It has told me where my luggage is before it was on the monitors in the airport. It's a must-have for flying.

    Another must-do: https://seatguru.com/ - seriously, pick your seats before you fly. Don't leave it to chance. Get a good seat.

    • blahhhh10 on 16/03/2023 - 11:36

      This is the gem in this thread.

  • whapkaplit on 14/03/2023 - 18:45
    • Inflatable neck pillow. Daiso sell cheap and good ones; I took mine all over the world until it died after a couple of years, then got another one. Life saver for long bus/train rides etc
    • Packing cubes. Game changer, you can get them at Ikea. Pack LIGHT (ie carry on only). I spent four months in India with only a 7kg backpack.
    • Two or three merino tshirts. They don't stink, they dry quickly, they keep you warm. In a pinch you can wash them in the sink and hang them up overnight ready for the next morning on your elastic clothesline you brought with you.
    • A pen for pre-filling all your customs declarations etc.
    • Lightweight pants with zipable pockets
    • Power brick is handy, try not to use it unless you need it

    If you're going somewhere with a high crime rate you can consider having a burner wallet that has a small amount of cash and no ID documents, that way it can be the one that gets pickpocketed or you hand over if you get mugged. Keep your real wallet safe somewhere.

    Remember you can buy anything your forgot to bring. LESS IS MORE. You'll thank yourself when you can happily walk into a new place with your light backpack and have no stress, while your friends are lugging giant suitcases everywhere and trying to figure out where to store them.

  • gromit on 14/03/2023 - 18:48

    I travel a lot both for business and pleasure. So here are the few things I take.

    headphones if travelling economy, business I find it unecessary as I just sleep
    neckpillow if economy
    forget the all documents in one folder, that just means a single point of failure to lose everything at once. wear pants with a zippered or buttoned pocket for passportt/wallet. Carry
    copy of all documents/visas/insurance in your backpack and checked in luggage.
    power adapters for the local country.
    spare glasses in checked in luggage.
    Sim cards, some places you can get cheap at airport etc, others it is way cheaper to buy in advance.
    A CHANGE OF CLOTHES in your carry on. travel enough and you learn sometimes your bags may take a separate holiday for a day or 2.
    Slip on shoes for airport security, preferably ones without a metal support in the sole.
    pants that don't require a belt as you will be taking it off in a lot of airports to get through security.
    a couple of pens in your carry on to fill in customs cards.
    spare credit card carried separate to your wallet in case you lose it or have it stolen. carry it in something with a RFID blocker.
    If planning on getting on a cruise then magnetic hooks (rooms are all steel and storage is usually limited) and also a travel router to avoid paying for each device.

  • arkanis50 on 14/03/2023 - 18:57
    +1

    Get an Australian flag key ring to put on your bags - helped us a lot and helped some poor train employee who was getting abused by Americans… saw our flag on the bag as we walked past and went straight to us and said “are you Australian? Need help?” just to get away from the rude Yanks. Poor fella.

    Also the Japanese seem to have a weird thing about headache tablets/panadol etc. I came down with a bad flu - was bed ridden for days and was impossible for us to get drugs to relieve it. Was probably cultural and our issue. We finally got given some Bron… jesus Christ that stuff is god-tier. Lots of banned/restricted substances that almost made me forget I had been the illest I have ever been in my life.

  • Tasmaniac on 14/03/2023 - 19:48

    Just make sure you get your hotel bookings right. Nothing worse than flying half away around the world just to have some hotel Clark tell you they can't find your booking.

  • Pungentia on 14/03/2023 - 19:59

    Packing cells
    Power bank
    Love my reusable tiny inflatable sea to summit neck pillow - expensive but has lasted many overseas trips and compacts to very small
    Look at klook for train passes (and everything else) if you want to use the train and see if it is value for your trip
    Download Google translate
    Cash was less prevalent this trip than previously - good but card was also quite usable most places
    Food at seven 11 was often quite good for dinner..
    Ubigi esim was great
    walking is great
    Slip on shoes were fantastic (see anaconda sale for Salomon hikers)
    Take your good socks!

  • McBanjo on 14/03/2023 - 22:23

    Avoid pp.sim or Mobal SIM cards. Unlimited does not mean unlimited in these circumstances as they have daily data limits that render your SIM useless for 72 hours (read: so slow you can barely load Google Maps)

    Something that may work better is a Pocket WiFi rental. For me, constant internet access pays back in droves as you can use cheaper public transport options, go to better/cheaper food options and can research on the fly to have a better trip.

    Something else to consider is the Suica card is available digitally on iOS now via Apple Wallet. Great way convenient way to pay for everything in Japan such as buses, etc. where you may not know how to use them typically.

  • Nillionaire on 15/03/2023 - 02:07

    Hello! Here are my personal suggestions:

    • Compare flight prices using Google Flights.
    • Book your flight directly on the airline's website.
    • Research your destination using Wikivoyage. It's owned by Wikimedia who also own Wikipedia. All the information is organized really well and it does not contain sponsored content. Anyone can contribute to it and you can too if you want to which I love but do make sure the latest edits weren't vandalism so you don't get bad information.
    • If you have any questions about your destination, Reddit is your friend. All countries and major cities have their own active subreddits.
    • Travel folio - I actually didn't know they're called travel folio's till I read your post haha. I've just always called them passport holders till now. Note although the Bellroy ones are probably great quality, you don't need to spend that much as there's plenty of decent ones on Amazon for much less. Agree that they're great but also remember that if you lose it, you lose a lot, so make sure to have copies and also…..
    • AirTags! You'll stress much less about losing things when you have them. I may go overboard but I put them on luggage, my wallet, my travel folio, my keys… almost everything lol. If you use Android, I know of Tile and Samsung Smarttag which operate similarly though I don't know if they're as reliable.
    • Aside from ANC headphones, if you want to listen to music/podcasts/audiobooks while also keeping your ears open for announcements, you should get smartglasses like the Bose Frames or Razer Anzu. If you wear glasses you can swap the sunglass lenses or clear lenses they come with, with your prescription lenses.
    • eSIM - pretty self explanatory.
    • Adidas Ultraboost - in my opinion they're the most comfortable sneakers.

    Hope you enjoy your flight, airport experience, and your destination!

  • ozbargainer88 on 15/03/2023 - 08:11

    Comfy clothes for the plane. I like to wear trackpants with zipper pockets to hold passport, wallet and phone.

  • d86 on 15/03/2023 - 10:25

    Does anybody know whether a voltage converter is required or an AUS to JP travel adapter is gonna be fine?
    For instance, I have Anker 60W 6-Port USB wall charger, Input is 100-240V, does that mean I can use it in Japan just with the adapter?

    • Pidapipo on 15/03/2023 - 17:41

      I use a travel adaptor just fine

  • Flying Ace on 15/03/2023 - 10:31

    I think we've scared him with all the tips

    • sumyungguy on 15/03/2023 - 10:50
      +1

      It's a great discussion because there's always something that's changed about travel, especially post-pandemic. Everything you learned last trip is likely to be different

    • doobey1231 on 15/03/2023 - 10:56
      +1

      Not at all, just responding to essential ones lol. The tips given have been great!

  • rentonc on 15/03/2023 - 11:22

    Try a ryokan for at least one night's accommodation:
    https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2029.html

  • Griffindinho on 15/03/2023 - 12:01
    +1

    Face masks because they still wear them in Japan.

  • shd on 15/03/2023 - 13:22

    Never used a international drivers permit in 20 years of travel.

    Don't photocopy your travel documents, photo them, store securely in the cloud / with family at home.

    Powerboard is a great one, done that a few times.

    Take a pack of medication - panadol, etc. So you dont' have to try and buy them. Doesn't take up much space.

    Have two credit cards (get one that doesn't charge international transaction fees), keep one in your luggage if you get mugged (tho, not in japan).

  • Crimzic on 15/03/2023 - 13:40

    Make sure your international roaming is enabled to receive transaction approval SMS codes from your bank (and possibly other MFA messages). Not all banks support delivery of those codes via an app, and I was biten by this with 28 Degrees & ING during my last trip. Had to use my other cards with international transaction fee while roaming was being sorted out through telco support.

  • Donaldhump on 15/03/2023 - 14:05
    -2

    1.) if you ever travel from a cold destination to a hot destination and are travelling back via the cold destination. ie say sydney - dallas - central america.

    take you big jacket to lost and found in dallas airport, say you found it some poor person lost it. on way back ask if anyone seen a jacket?

    2.) always withdraw money in odd amounts in a sequence so you can track it easier.

    3.) barter with random at borders and airports about currency exchange

    4.) bang for roof if single and poor, maybe get a free meal.

  • penguin286 on 15/03/2023 - 14:26

    r/onebag travelling is the way imo

    You can actually travel with just your carryon - skip all those baggage collection, baggage check-in, wheeling your big suitcase around stairs and elevators. It isn't just a physical thing, it's a mental approach to travelling with far more ease and get into the experience more.

  • PlasmaStorm on 15/03/2023 - 14:27
    +3

    I had the pleasure of visiting Japan for two weeks, returning just last week; was an amazing experience!

    A lot of people have given some great advice already, but here's a general rundown of things I prepared for my trip:

    Before The Trip

    Visit Japan Web - Go to https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp/en/ register an account and fill out everything; you'll need to provide evidence of your COVID vaccination + booster (I just requested an international certificate from the Medicare app). Take screenshots of your completed pre-registration quarantine procedure page, as well as the Immigration QR code and Customs QR code, as you'll need to show all three at the airport.
    Travel Insurance - You might get this for "free" if you have a credit card that offers international travel insurance (see T&Cs!) otherwise, get comprehensive travel insurance that covers COVID emergencies; if you're planning on renting a vehicle or hiking gear, some providers have rental cover inclusive or optional, so make sure to consider that as well.
    Travel folio - as you've already mentioned; keep your passport and travel Itinerary in a folio, as well as copies of hotel booking confirmation emails, travel insurance certificate, etc. Also keep copies of these on your phone too.
    Emergency Clothes - Keep a set of clothes in your carry-on during your flight, just in case. You can move it back to your suitcase when you get to your hotel.
    Travel toiletries - Hotels generally provide body wash and shampoo, however you may want to BYO toothbrush + toothpaste, deodorant and cologne/perfume. No more than 100ml per item, have them in a small clear travel bag in case customs need to check them.
    Weather forecast check - Check what the weather is going to be like in the areas you'll be staying and pack clothing accordingly. The temperature in April (assuming that's when you're going) can still be quite chilly!
    Mobile SIM - Seems to be a lot of providers around, bought mine through TravelKon and got a 30gb data eSIM, worked fine for the duration of my trip. I activated it on the day of my flight while I was still in Australia and switched it off until I arrived in Japan.
    Credit Card/Debit Card - Make sure you let your card provider know that you're travelling overseas so your card doesn't get blocked. You can usually do this through their website or their phone app, otherwise give their support number a call.
    Emergency Cash - The majority of places I went to accepted international credit/debit cards, a few even accepting Apple Pay; however there's still some restaurants and shops that are cash only. Also the self-serve train ticket terminals/IC card recharge terminals at train stations didn't accept international cards, had to go into the ticket office to get my IC card (details about this further down) topped up with my debit card. You don't need to take too much, as there are ATMs that accept international cards in the majority of convenience stores (and you might get better conversion rates from your card provider than a currency exchange terminal/booth, even with the ATM fee)
    Mobile Apps - A few handy apps to keep on your phone are JapanTravel, Google Translate, DeepL and some hotel booking apps (you never know if you need to make a booking in a pinch!) JapanTravel will really help you navigate around Japan via the many railway systems used across the country.
    USB cables + charger + travel adapter - get one of the usual OzBargain favourites; a multi port USB/USB-C charger, cables for your devices and an AU to JP adapter. Most hotels have a USB port for charging, but they're not fast (usually 5V 1A max). Most USB chargers should be 100V - 240V 50/60hz compatible, but double check; Japan is 100V with a mixture of 50 and 60hz depending on the area. Some Shinkansen have powerpoints as well, so you can charge while you travel.
    JR Pass (Maybe) - If you plan on travelling by train a lot, particularly via Shinkansen (bullet trains), the JR Pass might be worthwhile for you. The JapanTravel app provides an estimate of costs for each train trip, so this can help you judge if you need the JR Pass or not. If you're travelling with other people and they also get a JR pass, make sure you keep track of whose is whose; the JR Pass is associated with your passport, and it's easy to mix them up!

    After Arrival

    IC Card - When you arrive, get an IC card from a train station; this is basically the equivalent of your Opal/myki/metrocard/Smartrider/go card/greencard/MyWay cards in Australia. Most IC cards are interchangeable with each other now, so you can get a "Suica" card from Tokyo and use it at train/metro stations in other regions of Japan without any problems. They also act as a sort of prepaid debit card for a select number of shops, restaurants, vending machines and even arcades, so they're all round great to have! You can refund remaining credit and the initial deposit back to cash as well (needs to be done in the region where the card was issued; some will charge a fee), or keep it for your next trip to Japan (cards expire if left unused for 10 years)
    Money Pouch - In the instances you do use cash, you'll probably want to get a little money pouch to keep all your coins and notes. JPY notes are taller than AUD notes, so they may not fit well in our wallets.

    • McBanjo on 15/03/2023 - 14:51

      IC Card is available on Apple Wallet in iOS now. All purchases and top-ups can be made direct from an Apple Pay credit card on the phone.

  • McBanjo on 15/03/2023 - 14:50
    +1

    Also, get WISE, it's amazing. I thought I had a good deal for foreign transaction fees/conversions and cash out before. I was wrong.

  • Pidapipo on 15/03/2023 - 17:34

    I just returned from Japan so here’s my 2 cents:
    - a combo of ANC headphones, eye mask and neck pillow is a must!
    - pack light! Many hotels have coin laundry which costs about $6 for a light wash and dry; you really don’t need more than 3 set of clothes.
    - I bought a set of packing cubes from Amazon, used to think they are redundant but they help keep everything organised and clean!
    - use the Visit Japan website to fast track your immigration process
    - print out everything if you can! Japan is still somewhat archaic, they prefer to look at a piece of paper than your phone screen. Keep them in a folder and get rid of documents as you go.
    - I used esim from Ubigi. Highly recommended, I was able to use 5G in most big cities.

    Will update in the comment if I remember anything else.

    • Pidapipo on 15/03/2023 - 17:39

      • If you are using JR pass, I like this website for planning the trip: https://japantravel.navitime.com/en/area/jp/route/. There’s an option to tick off if you are using JR pass and the website will only return routes that is covered by the pass.

      • Make sure your wallet has a coin pouch, or get a cheap zip pouch. When you use cash there will be a lot of coins involved. The most important denotations are 1000 yen note and 100 yen coin! Many machines will ask for 100 yen coin only - washing machine in hotel, gacha gacha machine, etc and many other machine will only accept 1000 yen note or coins (i.e pay machine on bus). Keep a few handy on you.

  • vorsprung on 15/03/2023 - 22:09

    Wise card was good. Even if banks don’t charge you fees, they can give you a less than desirable exchange rate. Wise is very transparent with their exchange rate and fees.

    Don’t bring cold and flu tablets with pseudoephedrine.

    Get JR rail pass if you plan to catch a few bullet trains. Cost benefit analysis required.

    Bring plenty of face masks (you know the kind). Japan has always been keen on masks but literally everyone was masked up even outside when I went earlier this year.

    Suica/pasmo is also very good. Saves you thinking about how much a train journey is, just tap on tap off and trust the system.

    • doobey1231 on 16/03/2023 - 08:57

      I was looking at the Railway options - any way to change them to english? Otherwise I have to use a second phone to translate everything lol, I don't want to sign up for one to find out the other offers an english version!

      • vorsprung on 16/03/2023 - 13:31

        Not sure what you mean by railway options.

        You mean Suica vs Pasmo? There's no difference, you can use either card on either network. I learnt from this thread that you can just add it to the wallet on your phone and it seems you don't even need a card to begin with. I live in Brisbane and such technology for public transit is inconceivable.

        I generally just used Google Maps to find routes. I think there's possibly better options that others have suggested, allowing you to filter to routes specifically covered by the JR Rail Pass. Google Maps is damn convenient tho.

        If you're talking about buying the JR Rail Pass I just bought it from Klook in their last sale (5% off or something, better than nothing). We didn't see extreme value from the JR Rail Pass, but a 7 day pass was marginally cheaper than if we booked all of the Shinkansens ourselves, and a few local trains.

  • Sweet3st on 16/03/2023 - 12:08
    1. Business hotels are incredibly cheap and efficient, and their free breakfast buffets are incredible!
    2. Food at convenience stores is also great! They will microwave it for you so it's hot.
    3. Vending machines everywhere for coffee and booze.
    • xdigger on 29/07/2023 - 16:41

      What are some business hotels to use in Tokyo? We are both IHG and Accor Diamond/Gold members, thanks.

  • kaoz on 20/03/2023 - 21:22
    +1

    Don’t forget to let your bank know that you’re going overseas. They might otherwise freeze your account if they detect activity outside of Australia. ING let’s you do this with the push of a button inside the app.

  • doobey1231 on 28/03/2023 - 10:23
    +1

    Hopefully this bumps the thread - Wanted to ask what everyones recommendations are for a travel adapter power bank? A few USB ports and aussie plugs and the rest. I saw what looked pretty decent at bunnings but I just wanted to check if there were any "ozbargain tried and true" options that you guys recommend.

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