It is a neccessity to own a digital translator while in a foreign country?

Question

I am going to Japan with a foriegn exchange program for 6 WEEKS. I have only been studing japanese for a year and cannot read Kanji (the japanese symbols).

I was thinking of buying something kinda cheap like $100 or less translator (like a PDA kinda) that I can translate Kanji and words and vocab and has voice pronounciation and dictionary ect..

Have you ever bought one when in another country or wished you had?

Answer 1

No its not always necessary to own a digital translator while you go any foreign country, but it's better to have one. I would recommend you to buy a language translator from your own country, becasue the charges will be appropriate. Chances are that the price of the gadget may be higher in the particular country and you have to search for the place where you can buy it.

Answer 2

Hi,

I have an electronic dictionary and I have to admit it is useful.  Especially if you have already learned some of the language, because you can pronounce the words when you see them!  

You would need to get a pretty good one for the Kanji recognition.  

I think that you would be able to get one in Japan when you arrive.  There are people learning English, and all sorts of people will be selling the sort of thing you want.  

So my advice - wait until you get there - then in the first couple of days you will be able to look and buy one!

But I love mine and it really helps me - especially with those characters!