Preparation for the trip

Preparation for the trip

Passport: please make sure that you have a valid passport. If this is your first passport, you can apply at the Roswell Post Office (10719 Alpharetta Highway Roswell, GA 30076. Phone: (770) 640-7902. Open 9:00-4:00.) . If you already have a passport, please make sure it hasn’t expired.

* You will need to fill out an additional passport information form and provide two additional pictures in case of loss (the form will be provided by Ms. Johnson).

2. No visa is necessary for the Japan trip.

3. Money: Please prepare adequate cash (U.S. dollars) for personal spending money. You do not need to exchange your money to Japanese Yen before the trip, as we will have time to do so in Japan. You are also welcome to bring traveler’s checks and/or credit cards as well (most places except small shops accept these forms of payment).

4. Please prepare an international phone card (available from EF).

5. Please prepare an insurance card (available from EF).

6. Please turn in emergency contact information and medical notes to Ms. Johnson.

7. Physical condition: Please take good care of yourself before your departure!

8. Packing: Please see the next page for a suggested packing list.

Suggested Items	Comments
Passport	N/A
Personal spending money	Students typically use approximately $30-$60 per day for spending money. Tipping is not necessary in Japan. Credit cards and traveler’s checks are not commonly used in small stores.
Comfortable clothes, Pajamas, Underwear, and Socks	Please prepare lightweight clothes for both cool & warm weather. Bring along one lightweight sweater, windbreaker and/or jacket. (Check weather info: http://www.weather.com/common/welcomepage/world.html )
Comfortable walking shoes	There will be a lot of walking in Japan!
Umbrella or Poncho	N/A
Toiletries (Toothbrush / toothpaste, small tissues, hairbrush, deodorant, feminine products, an extra pair of contact lenses, etc.)	Shampoo/soap is furnished at the hotel. Note: Some public restrooms do not provide toilet paper or paper towels, but in most cases it can be purchased in front of the restroom.
Watch	N/A
Camera, camcorder and charger, extra film, batteries	In Japan, we have different voltages. If you decide to bring a camcorder, please be aware that you will need an adapter / converter to avoid damage (please see the page 5 for more information).
Multi-vitamins and Medicine (for cold, headache, stomach, motion sickness, allergy, etc.)	Medicine can be purchased in Japan, but please bring what you are used to taking on a daily basis.
Journal & pen/pencil	Please record your daily activities & save ticket stubs, etc., in your journal!
Telephone card	Cards are available from EF. Parents, please excuse the time difference! Japan is 13 hours ahead when we travel.
Insurance card/information	All-inclusive insurance is available from EF
Folder from Ms. Johnson	N/A
Adaptor (optional)	Many North American equipment will work fine in Japan without adapter and vice versa, however, some sensitive equipment may not work properly. If you have a three-prong plug on your North American appliance, it will not fit into a standard Japanese outlet, as these only have two holes. ß

Please travel light!!

Even if you forget some of the suggested items, most can be purchased in Japan (excluding insurance), so please don’t worry.
It is strongly recommended that you limit yourself to one small or medium-sized suitcase and a second carry-on bag (a carry-on book bag will be provided by EF). While in Japan, we will visit at least four major cities on the mainland, and will ride on bullet trains and other local trains. You will not want to carry heavy bags while traveling between different cities.

Please pack the following in your suitcase: clothes and toiletries.

In your carry-on bag, please pack: passport, money, camera/camcorder, medicine, telephone card(s), insurance card, lightweight sweater/jacket, and the folder from Ms. Johnson.

Passport