Money

= Money =
 * I took over the equivalent of $350 (¥28,000 approx) in cash and a Commonwealth keycard. I had access to a lockable drawer in my study cubicle which can be locked with a small padlock but I very rarely used it.
 * There was one ATM that accepted my keycard, but you have to catch a bus to the ATM, which is at the Post Office behind Mizunami Railway Station. Withdrawing money was an expensive option as I was charged about 8% in fees.
 * Every weekend I caught the bus to Mizunami a 10 minute drive in the school shuttle bus - free for students. I could easily survive on about $30 a week whilst staying at the boarding school but I did buy many souvenirs on top of this.
 * If you have a Home Stay it's a good idea to always have money on you for restaurants, tourist attractions etc just incase.
 * The car journey with a staff member from Nagoya Airport to the school and return cost approx. $70 each way (maybe its less with a larger group) . Make sure you have this money with you and offer to pay the school. I didn't realise this and had to get to an ATM in my last few days. The school was very understanding about it but I was determined to get it out of the way.
 * Some students offered to take me to Nagoya on pupil free days, we went to the movies, caught a train, went to a restaurant and a karaoke lounge. Probably my most expensive day but pleased I had enough cash on me to catch the train and buy lunch before getting to an ATM for a top up.
 * I often bought snacks when I went to Mizunami on the weekend. Many of the girls in my dorm would share food so I quickly learnt to do the same.
 * The first time you go to the Mizunami buy washing powder for the washing machine. This is not supplied by the school and it's not good etiquette to use someone else's.

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