[ frangipani ] [ a life in tokyo ] [ photoblog ]

This photo is actually a strip of negatives with overlapping frames from when I was first testing the Holga. Jeremy scanned this one for me and suggested I keep it as one piece and I agreed. I think it works nicely. Click on it to get a clearer picture.

Read on for some interesting banking administrivia for those of you based in Japan.

Technorati Tags: holga, japan, kichijoji, life, photography, tokyo

I opened an account with a new bank today and I am so happy with them that I need to sing their praises to anyone who will listen. SHINSEI BANK is really the only place to do your banking in Japan. Seriously.

+ It's foreign-owned and doing really well.
+ It's a completely modern bank to rival - if not better - banks back home.

+ Online banking in ENGLISH my friends!

+ Everything is available in English and Japanese and there is a 24/7 English support line for both phone and email.

+ You can open an account immediately with only your gaijin card and a signature (no hanko/stamp required). I waited about 15 minutes today.

+ You receive your ATM card immediately (after choosing from a range of 32 colours), and can choose your own PIN number on the spot, and you're good to go with deposits, withdrawals and internet banking immediately.

+ The ATM card works at pretty much all major ATM machines across Japan, including combeni's, post offices and other banks with NO charges!!!!

+ The ATM card is part of the Plus Network meaning it'll work in international ATM'S.

+ You can keep your money in different currencies.

+ 5 free domestic transfers a month.

+ The branches are not like your usual bank branch - they are all lush and cushy with rounded walls and cubicles and big comfy armchairs and smiling staff who are completely unfazed by non=Japanese clients. And a lot of them have Starbucks branches in the foyers.....

+ Branches are open till 7 pm weekdays.

+ There's a branch in Kichijoji and another 40 or so across the country.

I am so excited about finally being able to do online banking with my Japanese account. It's going to make things so much easier. Special thanks to Kat for bringing this bank to my attention.

Only 6 sleeps till Thailand. Woot! Now I just wish this rain would just fuck off.

frangipani wrote this on July 19, 2006 12:17 AM

Patrick said:

Congrats signing up with Shinsei Bank! Some features you may yet have to discover:

- 5 free transfers a month, perfect for moderate Yahoo! Auctions use
- Free withdrawals aren't only with ATMs within Japan, but anywhere in the world!

Plenty of definite reasons to switch! Now why am I still with Mizuho? :)

The only thing I don't like about Shinsei is that they don't have many branches [yet]. At least, there are none near home or work, so that makes it a bit difficult if I have to actually go there.

On July 19, 2006 11:03 AM,

Due to the proliferation of comment spam, I've closed comments on all older entries. If you would like to leave a comment for this post, please email me directly at martine {at} frangipani {dot} info and I'll add it manually. Thank you and sorry for any inconvience caused.

Sarah said:

Hi I think I am sending you weirdo posts - ignore them, I have been drinking cava. I realy like that picture. Am I aloud to change my mind about the print? If you've already done the other one, no worries - I like this one.

On July 19, 2006 1:02 AM,

Paul said:

Sold on the Shinsei. After reading your post (a great site by the way!) I'm on the hunt for a branch in town near enough to my work. Hope you're having a great time in the land of smiles and I'm looking forward to your the pictures.

On August 4, 2006 12:48 PM,

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