How to import the car of your dreams
Convenience Go anywhere, anytime car A-ret we know the frustrations of adult curfew imposed on us by JR and other railway companies for a country that has long hours, supermarkets and convenience stores that are open 24 7 having the trains STOP at midnight is ridiculous car is a major tool just pop into the shops, take a trip or going to work when it suits you.
Transport economic efficiency using a private vehicle, even in cities often means cheaper transport costs in most cases, except for periods of congestion of traffic Unlimited freedom Much of wonder and the culture of Japan is out of reach based on bus schedules and forms may act as an escape when you need a change of scene, you'll be surprised what you can find while exploring the roads from Japan.
What many consider to be the biggest cost of owning a car in Japan is shaken, or certification of vehicle safety that comes around every 2 years for most vehicles over 3 years This is due to the large sum that comes with shaken, and this can be very discouraging to many people who might otherwise drive a car.
Shaken usually includes some mandatory costs.
All other fees are decided by the garage you choose to brew with and when you do the math, Shaken is actually less expensive for a regular-sized vehicle per year as car annual fee Generally most garages will charge 80,000 to 100,000 yen to a shaken on a regular size 2 liter car engine.
For more information on how to make your next shaken cheaper, please see our guide shaken.
The use of motorways is almost a necessity if you travel medium to long drive Since 2011 Tohoku earthquake, the road user costs increased dramatically However, with ETC and ETC card machine you can save money on travel expenses tolls ETC offers several advantages such as 50 discount on fees ETC on holidays and weekends and similar driving off night.
In addition to the discounts, you'll be breezing through the doors ETC without the hassle to pull a ticket and ETC tugging the door.
Many cars come with ETC however readers pre-installed, if your car doesnt have a reader, its simple installation to your local Autobacs could cost you between 8000 to 20000 yen for installation and device A lot less simple becomes a map ETC.
ETC cards are available for most credit card holders in Japan and all you need to do is check a box on the application Sounds easy enough right incorrect As you know, foreigners are struggling to acquire credit cards in Japan, so we have quite limited access to the ETC card If you aren t able to get an ETC with a credit card, there is an alternative.
The prepaid card is an ETC expatriates way around the issue of rules of ridiculously strict credit cards in Japan The process involves a Japanese bank account, some money of 40,000 yen, which is refunded when you redeem your card, proof of your address and a Japanese aid if you are not confident in your own ability Japanese.
Step 1 Visit your nearest ETC toll station and request an application ETC prepaid.
Step 2 Enter the required details in the form Use Kanji where you can say the address.
Step 3 Post your proof of address an electricity bill works best and application off.
Step 4 ETC will send you an invoice for deposit, pay for service.
Step 5 The card must then be mailed to expect to take a week.
Once you receive your card, Whack this bad boy in the card reader ETC you pre-installed on your vehicle The prepaid card seems to work like any other card ETC, where he raises the barrier and then displays the cost when you leave .
The difference is, the prepaid card will charge your registered bank account for the amount you use when you leave the express network regular credit cards ETC sum all your costs ETC together at the end of the month so the cash ISN t required at the time of travel.
For this reason, it is important to ensure that you have enough balance in your account registered before leaving on your trip.
The 40,000 yen deposit is a security measure, just in case you do not have the funds when driving the expressway If you pay on your bank balance, you may be asked to charge your deposit.
For more information on saving your ETC.
It costs just around May each year and varies depending on the vehicle you drive This tax is issued at a departmental level and is payable to the bank proof of payment of the tax is necessary to shaken inspection, so keep the receipt in a safe place with shaken certificate.
As this annual vehicle tax is a major source of income, most prefectural offices are strict about missed payments or late, you can expect late fees that can be a further 10 of total taxes if you do unable to make the payment on time.
For a detailed guide on car annual fee please consult the website of AccessJ.
There is a compulsory insurance and optional insurance in Japan Compulsory insurance is paid twice a year as part of the shaken and if you cause an accident, it covers damage to other people, not their property, however, the compensation is bare minimum, it is also important to have optional insurance to properly compensate the victims, as well as being able to pay for other damage such as damage to the vehicle or damage infrastructure.
Optional insurance is somewhat similar to Western insurance policies You can buy different levels of coverage to protect you, your vehicle and the occupants s.
Japanese tend to have very good car maintenance habits and is often helped by their garages or car dealers excellent service to Ensure customer to take your vehicle twice a year at the local garage for maintenance if its a good garage can even remind you to clean your car and in the service.
Not only will your vehicle much more enjoyable when its shiny and clean, but it also protects against harsh Japanese environment, changing with temperatures ranging widely between winter and summer, extreme winds in the typhoon season, snow and Japanese air smog, it is important to get the smog, brake dust and other dirt paint If this is neglected, it has the potential to lead to surface rust and could lead to costly work for remove, or worse, potentially irreversible damage.
Having a vehicle in Japan is a huge convenience or necessity, especially for some of these s ALT located remotely and can take you to some amazing places in comfort If you need a car, please do not hesitate to inquire and see what we can find for you.
A-ret cars is dedicated to providing its national and international customers the ideal Japanese vehicles; be it a rental, for export or for driving in Japan, we deliver their requests to conduct hassle free loan.
Driving Guide and Owning a car in Japan Aret Cars Japan, guide, conduct, possess, Japan.