Services Available in Okinawa:

Okinawa Marine Corps Web Sites:

Okinawa MCCS Services:

Okinawa News, Marine Corps News:

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT LIVING IN OKINAWA
The information below is a couple years old; I'm working on verifying all of the statements to assure accuracy. I'll keep you posted!

TRAVEL

• When flying via government air you will be greeted by the helpful folks from Family Services Center at the terminal on Kadena AFB.
• Prior to coming to Okinawa recommend you possess at least 5000 yen per person in your pocket. You may never need it, but why take a chance. If you fly in commerical you will most likely have about a 4-5 hour layover on mainland Japan at the airport and having some yen might come in handy.

  WEATHER AND CLIMATE

• If you have light skin, be forewarned, the sun here is a killer during the summer and you will burn very very very quickly so be sure to always use at least an SPF 15 or above when venturing out into the sun and fun. If your darker in skin tone, don't think your immuned from the sun, you will get fried along with everyone else, so please, use sunblock.
• Typhoons are active during the months of June through November. In the four years we have been here, we have seen a few come and go. However, since the housing is all built using cement, the fear of your home falling down is just not there. The wind does get to howling, but not to worry since it is common for typhoons to hit Okinawa. You will be forewarned in plenty of time and when the condition reached 1E ( one emergency), you are sent home if at work and are to remain indoors until the AC (all clear) is sounded. TV and radio broadcast the conditions and status on a regular basis to keep you informed. WEATHER CHANNEL

  LOGISTICS

• Getting a new ID card is simple now, you simply go to Pass and ID, with no paperwork and get a new one. Active duty or dependent... pretty cool stuff finally.
• If you are prior Civil Service and will be looking for a job, you will have "spouse preference" when you arrive and will be at the top of the food chain for jobs. With the high turnover on Okinawa, getting employment for those that want is available. If you interested in an MWR or NAF job, check out this link: JOBS
• For the old timers who have been here before, remember searching for glass floats? They're still here, but hard to find anymore since plastic is now used.

  MAIL AND PACKAGES

• Mailing a letter to the U.S. take about 5-8 days depending how far East it needs to go in the states.
• Every family moving to Okinawa will need to have a PO Box at the Post Office.

  THE BASES

• Since Okinawa military have an impression to keep up, the bases are very well maintained.
• You will see several events that permit the local Okinawas onto the base for special functions. i.e., running events and carnivals.
• If you are worried about crime, don't... there is simply nothing to add to this. This place is totally unbelieveable when it comes to feeling safe on base or out in town.
• When an incident occurs on Okinawa where the military is involved, you may have seen some news coverage in the states. But from my experience watching CNN here, or any other news cast for that matter, the term sensationalism is the trademark you need to remember. What is seen on TV is a far cry from what you should see, or what we have experienced here on Okinawa.
• Contrary to what may have been covered in some news events, the vast majority of the Okinawan people welcome the American military and families to Okinawa. I have never heard of a single incident involving a family where one of the family members were hurt as a result of an Okinawan directing anger towards the Americans.
• As you have or will see in the photo galleries, each base is generally self-sufficient, with all the necessary facilities... medical, dental, commissary, exchange, childcare center, schools either on the base or on a nearby base. PHOTO GALLERY

  BANKING, YEN and DOLLARS

• Converting dollars to yen can be done at the Community Bank or any of the Clubs on base for a small fee.
• The Yen rate changes often, but does not necessarily affect the cost of off base products or housing. You will need to pay for all your expenses in Yen vice dollars if you live or purchase products in town most of the time. So when the Yen goes down against the dollar, the Yen cost more.... when it goes up, you get more for your dollars but pay the same Yen for say your rent. If you want to see your current OHA rate, check out this link: OVERSEAS HOUSING ALLOWANCES. Once you have entered this site, you must enter a "location code", which is: JA027
• While you are on Okinawa, carry enough yen for emergencies. If you're away from home you might just need it.
• As the Yen rate increases, your COLA amount decreases, so the better the dollar does against the Yen the less COLA you will see in your pay. Click to see your current COLA RATE. The Cola Rate Location Code = JA027
• There are H&R Block tax offices provided to do your yearly income tax submission on base.
• If you don't have a Navy Federal Saving Account, you can get one while you're here.

  TECHNOLOGY: CELL PHONES, COMPUTERS, INTERNET SERVICE

• The exchanges all offer "cellular phones" now. They cost about $33 per month and 10 yen per minute to call out. Calls into your phone are free.
• The exchange carries very few high end computers products for the power user, but they are getting better.
• The internet is available through MWR Konnect for a price of $22.50 per month. With that $22.50 you are only able to have 80 hours of online time for the month. Each additional hour cost you $2.00. It's the only game in town if you don't want to pay for the 10 yen per minute it cost to dial off base. Read more within.
• Before you leave for Okinawa recommend you set up a free e-mail account your left behind family and yourself. Places like INAME and HOTMAIL are free to anyone that wants to use e-mail and the best thing of all, you don't need your own internet account. Simple use anyone that has access to the internet and go to your free e-mail web site. The e-mail account are private for your use alone. A geat way to keep in touch!
• I heard on the radio the other day that if you live on Torii U.S. Army Station, there is free use of the internet at that library on post. Great deal when it comes to keeping in touch with the family.

  PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AND RENTAL CARS

• Another great thing about Okinawa, unless you just need to drive, Okinawa offers "free" bus service from camp to camp all over Okinawa. What a great deal!
• If you need to rent a car, AAFES rents them at a cost of about $36.00 per day... but you'll need a SOFA license.

  AUTOMOBILES

• You must be 18 years old to drive out in town on Okinawa. At 16 years old, you can get your drivers permit to drive on base if you wish to let you kids do this. You might want to check out the AUTO INSURANCE LINK before you decide to let them drive and find out what it's going to cost your first.
• When you get your vehicle on Okinawa, series 54/58/59 plates are no longer issued. Now they use 77/78 plates.
• The main Okinawa vehicle registration is located on Camp Foster, behind the Bowling Alley.
• You can get a SOFA driver's license at the Camp Foster Base Safety Office. If your under 26 years old, you want to make sure you have a state side license before your arrive, it makes life a bit easier for you. If you want to start studying the signs check out the INTERNATIONAL SIGN LINK.
• The JCI's are no longer yearly for car/vans over 10 years. All JCI's are now for a two year period, regardless of year.
• Every year you need to pay "road tax". It goes by the type of vehicle you have... somewhere between 2000 and 9000 yen. The tax is paid during May of each year and can be paid at places like the base theaters and the Camp Foster Gym.
• There is a full Car Care Center at Camp Foster to get your vehicle repaired if necessary.
• If you're looking for a car or van, you can look at a cost of about $2000 to $4000 for a vehicle that will last you your entire tour and still be able to sell it for half of what you paid for it. If you're here for one year, the $500 car is still available from someone leaving, but are getting harder and harder to find with a decent JCI remaining. EXAMPLE AUTOS FOR SALE
• When driving out in town you may be taking your life in your own hands. When the light turns "green," wait to make sure the road is clear before you proceed across.

  FOOD AND RESTAURANTS

• The pizza place here is called "Anthony's Pizza", and they deliver! You can normally get 2 large single-topping pizzas for under $20 when a special is going one.
• Anthony's Pizza will deliver to your quarters.
• We all wished for a Taco Bell on Okinawa; we finally we have one at Kadean in the Food Court. Camp Foster and Camp Kinser are suppose to get one also, so stand by!
• There are McDonald's out in town if you want to eat at them.
• Eating out in town, though sometimes expensive, can be a real treat and a great way to learn the culture.

  THE BASE EXCHANGE and COMMISARIES

• Probably the two best commissaries on Okinawa are located at Camp Foster and Kadena AFB. If your interested in some example food prices, check out this link: FOOD PRICES. There is normally a good selection of fruits and vegetables in the commissaries.
• The largest exchange is located at Kadena AFB, but Camp Foster is looking pretty good these days.
• As was mentioned earlier, if you're into computers, the variety of computer hardware is limited and I find myself ordering most through the internet.
• The exchanges have a large selection of software, but it tends to be a bit too much on the educational side for kids. I would guess that a 20% to 80% ratio from serious to useless from what I have seen. Kadena has a much larger selection of software and hardware.
• The stereo shop is now located in the main exchange at Kadena and like always, sports the latest in fine stereo equipment. Some things never change. The Camp Foster has made great strides in competing with Kadena so it should not be overlooked as well since they also have a wide selection.
• The exchanges do a great job trying to keep up with the displays for the holidays. This is really nice and reminds you of the loved ones back home. AAFES

  COSTS AND SHOPPING

• Cigarettes cost more than $1.70 per pack and somewhere around $18.00 per carton.
• There is only one furniture store on any of the bases, and it's located at Camp Lester.
• Nice looking clothes for girls in sizes 10 to 16 are hard to find in the exchange.
• Don't be looking for traditional malls as you know them in the United States.... they are not here.
• The newspaper "Stars and Stripes" offers several discount coupons MWR stuff in the Wednesday edition. Haircuts are charged by the Yen. You can pay in Yen or in Dollars. Right now, the haircuts run about $5.50 and you will get a $3.00 off coupon in the Tuesday paper. There is also a $3.00 off coupon for permenants. COUPON LINK
• Using the internet to purchase clothes from on line department stores is a very good way to fill the void.

  RECREATION AND FACILITIES

• The gyms have the latest workout equipment.
• If you have a touch of gambling in your blood, each of the clubs on Okinawa have the venerable "slot machines" for your convenience and enjoyment. Just don't get carried away.... you can spend a $100 very quickly.
• Movie theaters keep running a great selection of recently released movies to keep the movie buffs updated with new movies. AAFES
• The swimming pools are open during May and close during September. The children can take a swimming test and if they pass, after the age of 10, they can go to the pool by themselves. My daughters just turned 10 this year, so next year, we won't have to be drug along every other day and get my backside fried from the hot sun. If they are under age, and pass the test, they can go in the water, but you have to be nearby.
• The carnivals are very expensive and if you have several children, you might try to stay on a budget.
• Once a year, at Camp Foster, there is a really big food fair that has booths set up to sell all kinds of food. Really, I gained 5 pounds in two days... some really good eats.

  MEDICAL AND DENTAL SERVICES

• There are medical and dental services on nearly every camp/base. For more info, check out the MED/DEC INFO.
• Dependents of active duty military receives "free" dental care while stationed overseas. Another great deal! Be sure you cancel your dental plan when you arrive at you unit administration office. I found out 9 months later that mine was still running because I never paid any attention and no one that I recall asked me about it. Since dental is provided, it is a no brainer that you don't need dental coverage. However, if you're here unaccompanied, then of course you need to keep it active, but if your with your family, maybe you want to stop it, again a no brainer here. MED/DEN INFO
• In my estimation, as well as my wife's, medical treatment and services has always been top notch. I applauld the Navy folks that provide this care. All of us need to remember, this is a free service and the men and women that provide it are doing the best then can. So a little patience and understanding goes a long way. MED/DEN INFO
• The dental care given my wife and children has been super. Both my daughters, 10 and 12 have absolutly no fear of going to the denist at all and that is saying something about the quality of the care here on Okinawa. MED/DEN INFO
• Dental opens its doors at 0700 daily for walk in dental service.
• For at least 3d FSSG personnel, you must make an appointment before going to sick call... no more walk in's.

  FAMILIES WITH KIDS

• Child care rates vary depending on your rank. There is no discount for additional children. There is a charge table within this web site at the following link with a bunch more information, so check it out: CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER.
• The youth centers provides several trips and outings for the children at a very low cost.
• The youth center cost $12.00 per year and closes at 1800 daily.
• You must be 10 years old and have passed a swimming test to be at the pool without your parents supervising. You will also need to have an ID card to get in.
• Children ages 15 and up can apply to become a lifeguard for the summer. You must complete a Red Cross Course and the Life Guard Course. The cost is about $30.00. My son was making $7.00 per hour starting so it is a great deal for your teenagers want to consider it.
• You must have ID Card and be 12 years old to use the gym and equipment without supervision.
• One concern is that there are really, very few activities for teenagers on Okinawa. The ages of 15 to 19 seem to have lots of opportunities, but lack the desire to get involved. Some suggestions might be: coach a sports team; volunteer at the youth centers; volunteer out in town at some of the orphanages; get involved with the church some how or take some of the many tours offered on Okinawa.
• There is no "teen center" on Camp Kinser at this time.

  SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL BUSSES

• I can't say enough good things about the quality of the teachers and the school system here on Okinawa. If your children wish to learn, here is the place to do it, barr none! DODDS SCHOOLS
• School starts for pretty much every child on 31 August each year.
• School ends on or about 13 June of each year.
• Kindergarden starts when your children are 5 years old and their birthday is on or before 31 October of the school year. DODDS
• School books are all furnished by the school... regardless of the grade of the child.
• School supplies are available in the exchanges in sufficient quantity to take care of the school requirements about a month before school starts.
• Kinser Elementary School starts at 0800 until 1430 each day except for Weds, that day ends at 1315.
• If you have children that ride the Bus, you can look forward to standing bus monitor at least 4 days per child per year.
• The school buses cost nothing to have the kids taken to and from school. If you staying at Kuwae Lodge our initially out in town, the bus will pick your kids up and drop them off daily. This is a great help!
• School buses are provided for all the kids to get to and from school - but again, be prepared to ride them 4 times a year per child. If you live in town, you will be given directions to the nearest bus stop to have your children picked up. This is another great deal!

  LIVING ARRANGEMENTS

• Unlike in the states, the vast majority of the quarters are new or recently refubrished. They are also maintained very well and as you will notice during your acceptence of government quarters.
• The use of government furniture is provided whether you live on base or out in town. You can get whatever furniture you need to set up your home. i.e., living room, bedroom and dining room furniture is available and will be delivered as well.
• Washers and dryers are provided for each family unit on Okinawa - nice ones at that!
• You might want to bring carpets. The selection is basically blue, beige or green unless you hit it right. The curtains available in the exchange don't necessarily fit housing. Look in this site for measurements of the various windows. For the Towers and Multiplexes, go to the Floor plans and waiting periods for housing link and look at the measurements. You will see the windows sizes. Remember, you can TMO your carpets without effecting your weight limitations.
• We brought our full size freezer... and glad we did! You can buy one here, but why?
• Maintenance on the quarters are done quickly, which is surprising when I compare the service we got back in the states while living in on base.
• All the quarters are air conditioned. It does feel sooooooo good on a hot day. I believe the air come on during May and goes off during October time frame.
• You cannot have an animal in the Towers, so you need to pay attention to this if you plan on moving into quarters soon after arriving. In the multiplexes and single family housing you can have animals but they take longer to get into.
• The towers and multiplexes have lots of storage space if you use it wisely.
• If you're going to be living in the towers or multiplex's, then go to this web link on this site: FLOOR PLANS