| seamail | funabin |
| airmail | kokubin |
| insurance | hoken |
| books only | insatsubutsu |
| small packet | kogata hosobuttsu |
| PHRASES | |
| How much will it cost by airmail? | Kokubin de ikura desu ka? |
| I'd like to insure this package. | (Kono kozutsumi/ Kore) hoken o kaketai. |
INFORMATION
Uninsured packages to the US under 2K/4.4 lbs and within certain sizes should
cost 1080Y, unless they've upped the price.
Small packets require a green customs form only.
Small packet, books only packages require no customs form, but if they ask you
to, just use it.
For insured items, you should fill out a white form; it has English instructions.
Be sure you pay for the insurance and get a little red sticker which says as
much on your copy of the form.
Packages which are too big or heavy to be a small packet also use the white
form.
For customs puropses, remember to stay under $400 per package.
Never put a letter inside a package, because they'll ask you if you have, and,
if you have, you'll have to pay letter rate (read: an arm and a leg).
BANKING
| foreign exchange | gaikoku kawase |
| Is there a foreign exchange (in this bank)? | Gaikoku kawase ga arimasu ka?* |
| I'd like to change dollars into yen. | Doru o en ni kaeshitai/shitai. |
Most foreign exchange clerks speak rudimentary English.
Once the forms are filled out, you might have to wait up to 30 minutes.
Banks are usually open from 8 or 9 until 3, weekdays only; be sure you won't
be needing a bank over a weekend or a holiday.
* Phrases which would be more polite if begun with 'Sumimasen'.