Cell Phones
The mobile phone is an incredible technology, changing the way we keep in touch. Nowhere is this more true than in Japan, where keitai are constantly glued to people's ears or - if they're texting - fingers. Indeed, for anybody living in Japan who wants a social or professional life in any sense, the cell phone has become an indispensable tool.
Cell phone numbers usually take the form 090-1234-5678, always with eleven digits.
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Getting Started
You'll need to first go to your local cell phone service provider. Below, you'll find a list of service providers in Japan, along with links to their websites. From there, it should be easy enough to find a location where you are, since stores like Softbank and Docomo have become ubiquitous throughout the country.
At the store, you'll first have to make a choice: contract or prepaid. Choose contract if you're going to stay 2 years or more, prepaid if you're going to stay less than a year. The area in between is tough, since most of the cell phone companies won't offer any significant discount on handsets unless you sign up for a 2-year contract, but doing prepaid for more than a year doesn't quite make sense. With prepaid service, you'll probably miss out on Internet and other cool features on your phone.
Whatever you choose, you're going to need to show ID (gaijin card) to prove you're 20 years old or over - this is the legal age for signing up for a cell phone. Also, your gaijin card might be required to show the company that you're in the country for a while and won't skip out on the bill. Some companies may also ask for your Proof of Address form (from your local city office) and even proof that you will be in the country for at least 2 years (if you're doing a 2-year contract).
Also, if you're doing a contract, you're going to need to have a Japanese bank account and all the info with you.
Cell Phones Explained
In order to have a working cell phone, you need both a handset (the physical phone itself) and cell phone service. The service providers below provide handsets for a reduced price if you sign up for a contract, but beware of hidden fees.
Dialing
For local calls, just dial the number as it's shown, with area code. One important thing to remember is that cell phones cannot call toll free numbers (with the "0120" prefix). 0120 numbers are only free to call from landlines.
Compatibility
There is no GSM network in Japan, so if you're thinking about bringing your own phone from home, remember that it must be a 3G model. Even then, there's a good chance it might not work because of network differences.
Also, it is generally not possible to use a Japanese phone with a foreign service provide. Most don't use SIM cards and the few that do are locked and are difficult (if not impossible) to unlock. Also, Japanese phones are programmed to work with only a particular service provider. As a result they are not interchangeable even between Japanese service providers.
Expert Tips
- Softbank is known for being a little more gaijin-friendly than other service providers, often providing service in English. Also, because of this reputation, you'll probably find that more of your gaijin friends are Softbank users. This means big discounts on texting with your gaijin friends if you sign up for Softbank.
- Often, there are off-market, pirate stores located around the corner from the big service provider chains that provide the same cell phones for much cheaper. You'll still have to go to the service provider to get them activated, but if you're planning on doing prepaid service, you'll save on your handset.
Checklist
- Gaijin card
- Proof of Address
- Over 20 years old
- Japanese bank account (for contract)
Directory of Cell Phone Companies
See also
Some content adapted from Wikipedia.org.
