Travel Gear: Medications

The first time my partner and I arrived in Japan, we were stopped at Customs. Something prompted a search of our bags. Maybe the official spotted that my partner looked rather miserable with a cold.  The official found an American over-the-counter cold medication containing pseudoephedrine. It’s illegal to bring this substance into Japan, but, after…… Continue reading Travel Gear: Medications

Suica Balance

Used NFC (near-field communication) to read the outstanding balance on my Japanese Suica stored-value card: ¥421, almost four US dollars. The balance expires in 2028, but I plan to spend it much sooner than that.

Transit Apps for a Short Trip

We’re just back from a few days in Chicago. Smartphone apps made travel by train, plane, and bike a breeze. I was able to purchase all transit using my phone. AppExample Transit Use CasesMetro Transit–Buy tickets for light rail from home to MSP (Minneapolis airport).Fly Delta–Check in for flight.–Display boarding passes.–Display membership cards.–Check departure time.–Check…… Continue reading Transit Apps for a Short Trip