Hi there,
I’ve received an offer for a job in Okinawa, and am already in the midst of a purge so wanted to make sure I purge the right things 😂.
I’m a single mum with 3 dependents (m16,f14, m11) who would go to the school on base and I’d be working on Foster. Trying to work out logistics as it’s always a bit more fun when it’s just one of you.
Help with the following would be awesome. Hopefully this doesn’t come out as a crazy wall of text.
*Bikes/buses to school – what do most folks do?
*Is there a group for GS/AD on Okinawa?
*I want to bring as little as poss due to taxes on PCS, so what do I really need to bring?
*I’d be bringing our tools – my son is also a budding mechanic and has fixed my car and does oil changes – are there opportunities for him to find odd jobs or is this frowned upon?
*I like building/refinishing furniture – will there be the space to do so? Wondering if I should bring lumber with me 😂😂😂.
* Are there thrift stores there?
* We’d need a 4 bed, is it only apartment living there?
Also there were mechanics areas on bases in the US – is there one over there where you can get your car on a lift, etc and work on it yourself? Car parts etc-do you get those in Oki or ship from Japan? My son is so excited about getting an old Japanese car to renovate 😂.
Guessing it’s not worth bringing over electronics?
Cats – I’d be bringing two cats, I need to start the process now as I saw there’s a 180 day waiting period – it looks like one of the hotels on base isn’t animal friendly – are there any other options.
If there’s anything else you’ve found that makes your life easier please lmk. I’ve lived overseas most of my life, but this will be my first time in this area so very excited and hope everything goes to plan!
by environmental2020
2 comments
For the car question , typhoon motors on camp foster (and other camps) can do all that as far as working on cars. Buying cars is cheap as well. Plenty of thrift stores in oki and Japan in general. Oki is cool , enjoy
At Typhoon Motors, your son can also work on cars. Kadena should still have an Auto Hobby shop where self work can be done. There’s a great auto parts shop in Kadena town. You bring them the registration so they know exactly what car, and you tell them what you need. May take a day, but they will get you the parts.
Cars are cheap over here. in the $2k – $8k range you’ll find plenty of cars.
As far as houses, you can find four bedroom places. You’ll be off base, and like the freedom as opposed to being on base.
And lastly, yes, there are thrift stores here. 2nd street and Manga Souko are the two biggest ones.
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