OK. Last minute questions about Japan...

[volcs0]

We're leaving Saturday for a week - just my wife and me. Kids staying home with family.

What can I expect in terms of power conversion? I have the Apple "Word Travel Adapter Kit". Is that all I need to make sure I can plug in and charge my computer and iPod?

Our hotel has free internet. Is there anything special about getting on the 'net in another country? Or will my MBP not notice the difference?

What about my camera charger? I'm bringing the D80 with and the Canon Powershot (for movies). Do I need to buy a special charger?

Anything else I should be remembering? We're going to use our Amex for most things and will have some cash. Our hotels are booked. We have tons of maps, etc. downloaded into my wife's iPod touch. We also bought a few books.

Sorry for the newb questions - first time going to Asia.

[dk62]

You will need plug adapters only. I am not sure what the adapter kit you have covers, but a single plug adapter should work with anything you bring over. I usually take a simple extension cord as well, so that I can use several chargers at the same time and not need several plug adaptors.

No tipping in Japan. Have fun.

[Drew]

By plug adaptor, dk62 means that the vast majority of outlets are two-pronged. But, the prongs are the same shape as in the US. Power in east Japan (Tokyo, for example) is about 100v at 50hz. So, an electric clock from the US will not keep accurate time. But your Mac will automaticaly adjust.. Power in west Japan (Osaka, for example) is 100v at 60hz.

Internet should be no problem.

Many smaller places do not take credit cards. Japan is still pretty much a cash-based society, so you'll want to be careful of that. Not all ATMs will allow you to get yen out of your US account either, though your hotel staff should be able to steer towards one that does.

Get out and about as much as possible. Japan is very safe, even at night. However, the trains stop running at about midnight and don't start up again until about 5:00 or so.

I've lived here for more years than I want to admit. Feel free to PM with other questions.