11-16 September 2011 The Unlimited World of Microbes

Taxes
XV International Congress of Virology
5% consumption tax is included in the price marked, but all major department stores in Sapporo will refund
the tax to foreign visitors if total purchases amount to more than JPY10,001 on that day. Exemptions include
food, beverages, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, fi lm and batteries. When you have completed your
shopping, take the purchased goods and receipts to the tax refund counter in the store. There are forms to
fi ll out (you will need your passport). Upon completion, a record of your purchase is placed on the visa page
of your passport and you are given the tax refund on the spot. When you leave Japan, make sure to have
your purchases with you; you may be asked by Customs to show them (pack them in your carry-on luggage).
Restaurants
Unlike traditional Japanese cuisine, Sapporo dishes rely on their simplicity and natural fl avors of the ingredients.
Crab, scallops and salmon are local specialties and restaurants specializing in these delicacies are common in
the city. There are also many restaurants specializing in Western cuisines. Most restaurants are also open on
Sundays and holidays. Major credit cards are accepted in many restaurants.
Tipping
In Japan, tips are not necessary anywhere, even at hotels and restaurants or when using taxis.
Internet
Most hotels in Sapporo offer Internet access and there are some cyber-cafes in the city.
Telephone Service
The international dialing code from abroad is + 81 for Japan.
For international calls, dial: 001 + 010 + country code + area code + personal number.
Mobile Telephones
You can use your mobile phone in Japan in SoftBank Mobile or DOCOMO's 3G (3rd Generation) service area.
All you have to do is bring your own SIM card and insert it to a rental phone or your own 3G handset. Please
make sure to verify with your mobile phone service provider in your country prior to your departure. Rental
phone service is available upon arrival at Narita Airport or Kansai Airport, but not in Sapporo city.
Reference: Japan's mobile provider websites:
NTT DoCoMo: http://roaming.nttdocomo.co.jp/en/index.html
Softbank: http://www.softbank-rental.jp/
JAL ABC: http://www.jalabc.com/rental/domestic_eng/index.html
Those who plan to bring a "smart phone" device such as iPhone or Blackberry will need to check with their
provider in their home country to check whether your current plan includes coverage for 1/ receiving and
making telephone calls specifi cally when in Japan and, separately, 2/ Internet and e-mail services when in
Japan. Depending on your device model and on your provider, optional plans for services in Japan may be
available. We recommend that you telephone or visit your provider's store prior to your departure.
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