How well do foreign cell phones work in Japan?
What are the options for getting a smart phone up and running when travelling for a couple of weeks in Japan?
Best Answer
If you are only staying for a week to a month, and don't need to make voice calls (or are fine with using Skype for them), and have an unlocked GSM phone, one simple option is to go to a chain electronics store such as BIC Camera and pick up a prepaid data SIM. Voice phone rentals are pretty expensive, and pay-as-you-go phones require that you are a resident, but a prepaid data SIM only requires that you have access to a Japanese phone number to activate it. (Unfortunately, payphones don't work, but in my experience, hotel phones do, or if you have a friend or colleague that you are visiting, they can do the activation for you.)
The last time I visited Japan for a week I made use of an NTT DoCoMo prepaid data SIM in an unlocked Android phone. It worked wonderfully, and was quite cheap (I think it was around $35 for a few GB of transfer good for a whole month).
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Do international phones work in Japan?
Using foreign phones in JapanThe majority of mobile phones, whether issued in Japan or abroad, can work without any problems in Japan. However, a number of old phone models may have difficulties working because of the difference in certain technological features.Do US cell phones work in Japan?
Yes, you'll be able to use your mobile/cellphone throughout most of Japan, though remote and isolated areas may have inferior mobile coverage. If you wish to stay connected for the majority of your trip, consider purchasing a prepaid SIM card for the duration of your journey.How do I know if my phone will work in Japan?
Will my mobile phone (handset) work in Japan? The short answer is 'probably' if it is unlocked. A smartphone that is locked is restricted to only work on a set cellphone network. A phone that is unlocked can have its Sim card replaced and work on a variety of networks.What cell phone carrier works in Japan?
There are four major operators in Japan: AU, Docomo, Softbank, and Rakuten Mobile. These are companies that have either built out their own networks or have purchased a company with an existing network.Will My Phone Work in Japan?
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Answer 2
The easiest way is indeed to come to Japan with a SIM-free device and getting a data SIM.
The best deal I found when visiting for 3 months back in March '14 was ordering an OCN SIM from Amazon JP (http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00EQ12AYS - had same-day shipping option and an additional discount when I was there). I got mine shipped to my hotel.
Once you get the SIM, you register with its ID on the OCN website, choose your preferred data package, etc. and provide an international credit card. Once that's done you're immediately good to go.
I went for a 2GB/mo package for less than $10/mo. This was by far the best deal available in Japan at the time, and it's good for both long and short visits. Additionally, OCN provides their service over the NTT network, so you'll get great service everywhere. When you leave Japan, simply cancel the service on the website, and (oddly enough...) send the SIM back to OCN via post.
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