Yesterday was my 2nd independent interaction with the Bank and Post Office, or whom I refer to affectionately as "The Moneychangers". With Rex being at work during business hours (banks, etc close at 3pm!)it is up to me to try to figure out how to take care of business myself, here in Japan.
The routine I've established is to accumulate 2 months worth of income then, withdraw it in Yen at the bank, exchange it into US dollars at the Post Office, buy a money order (also at the Post Office) and send it to the US to be deposited for bills back home.
So yesterday was the second time I've been to the bank, alone, and wiped out our bank account. Never mind that I'm not even on the account - all they want me to do is spell Rex's name exactly like it is on his bank book - in ALL CAPS, last name first. Not too hard. At the Post Office it's another story. They have a long form to fill out and want my ID before they'll make a transaction. Now remember, at this point I already have the cash, I'm not asking for it. Unfortunately, yesterday I forgot my Alien card so they wouldn't let me exchange the money or get a money order. So I had to transport 1/2 Million Yen - in CASH - across town on my bike to get my ID. I don't think I've ever get used to carrying around that much cash!
Eventually, I accomplished my goal and obtained the exchange and moneyorders. Which brings me to my un-affectionate feelings regarding the Moneychangers. Being paid in Yen and having Bills in USD - not a great situation. So Rex & I watch the stock market everyday and wish or not wish for the dollar to weaken or the Yen to grow stronger against the dollar. What to wish for??? Given that our own retirement stocks, real estate and other assets are all in America, yet income is coming from Japan for this year. It's hard to know what to hope for. Luckily, it has nothing to do with us and is totally out of our hands. We just like to look for the best day to make the exchange and hope for the best for the rest!
11 years ago
1 comment:
The next time you must deal with the moneychangers, I suggest you become indignant with conviction, turn over all their tables, ask and 'i' and an 'a' to change places, and launch a new world religion: Christina-ity. I'll be your first disciple and we can gather a crowd of thousands and take them to the nearest river and baptise them. Then we will finally have world peace. Or whirled peas. Or, better yet, whirled lentils. Then we can make a lentil loaf, throw it into a basket with a couple of fish, gather our followers on a hill, feed them and have 12 baskets of food leftover. What do you say?
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