How to Use Social Media Effectively During an Overseas Assignment
What to Prepare Before Moving Abroad
Once you have been confirmed for an overseas assignment, there is a great deal to arrange before departure. In particular, preparing your internet environment is something that is easily overlooked, yet it has a significant impact on your quality of life abroad.
It is not uncommon for services you used without a second thought in Japan to become inaccessible from overseas. Planning ahead can dramatically reduce stress once you arrive at your new post.
Preparing Your Internet Environment
Setting Up a VPN
To access Japanese web services from abroad, you will need a VPN. Japanese video streaming services (TVer, ABEMA, Hulu, etc.), online banking, and certain e-commerce sites restrict access from outside Japan.
If you are being posted to China or certain countries in Southeast Asia, you will also need a VPN that can handle local internet restrictions. Vless VPN's VLESS + XTLS-Reality protocol is capable of bypassing even China's GFW.
Maintaining Your Japanese SIM Card and Phone Number
Keeping your Japanese phone number is crucial for two-factor authentication and SMS verification. Consider switching to a low-cost number-retention plan or using a VoIP service to keep your number active.
Checklist of Procedures to Complete
- Resident registration: Submit a notification of moving abroad (note: you will lose eligibility for national health insurance and pension upon deregistration)
- Bank accounts: Confirm whether you can access them from overseas; apply VPN measures as needed
- Credit cards: Check overseas usage settings and verify the cards work in your destination country
- Insurance: Enroll in overseas expatriate insurance
- Driver's license: Obtain an international driving permit
- My Number Card: Confirm how it is handled when moving abroad
- Mail: Arrange mail forwarding
Preparing Your Digital Environment
- Install your VPN app: Complete setup and connection testing before departure
- Prepare offline apps: Download offline data for maps and translation apps
- Cloud backup: Back up important data to the cloud
- Research local SIM/Wi-Fi options: Research the internet environment at your destination in advance
- Configure Japanese app accounts: Verify settings so they continue to work from overseas
Mindset for a Smooth Start Abroad
The most important thing when working abroad is securing reliable communication channels with Japan. Without a proper internet setup, you will run into difficulties staying in touch with family and friends, communicating with your company's Japan office, and accessing Japanese services.
A VPN is the foundational tool that solves all of these challenges. Set up your VPN before you leave, confirm it works correctly, and then depart with confidence.
Summary
Preparing for an overseas assignment involves many steps, but setting up your internet environment is especially important. By arranging a VPN in advance, you can enjoy a digital lifestyle abroad that is just as convenient as it was back in Japan.