Although calling internationally to and from Japan is simple, reliable, and straightforward, it can be expensive. Using just the most direct methods outlined below will cost you the most. Japanese phone companies offer international calling packages, which are well worth looking into if you plan on making a lot of international calls.

Contents 1 International Calls Explained 1.1 From Japan to abroad 1.2 From abroad to Japan 2 Expert Tips 3 See also 4 External links

International Calls Explained

From Japan to abroad

1. Dial the international dialing access code: 010
2. Dial the destination country's country code
3. If the number starts with a 0, drop the 0 and dial everything else

So, if you want to call the US number (123) 456-7890, dial 010+1+123-456-7890. This will work from any Japanese phone, but it's the most expensive way to make an international call.

From abroad to Japan

1. Dial the international dialing access code (usually 00, 011 or 0011)
2. Dial Japan's country code: 81
3. If the number starts with a 0, drop the 0 and dial everything else

So, if you want to call the Japanese number (012)-345-6789 from the US dial 011+81+12-345-6789. To call the Japanese mobile phone number 090-1234-5678 from Australia dial 0011+81+90-1234-5678. Remember that this is the most expensive way to make an international call.

Expert Tips

• Contact your service provider for information on international calling packages, as they will provide you with some serious discounts over direct dialing.
• Internet-based phone services (VoIP) are also widely available, and are a much more economical choice for domestic or international calling. VoIP services are offered with Internet services, like Yahoo's YahooBB and NTT's Hikari Denwa. With today's fast optical and cable internet services, it's now easy to get a phone without buying a traditional phone line.
• International calling cards are widely available from companies like [Brastel]. You can pick one up at a convenience store or vending machine. Shop around a little, because some cards offer better rates for certain countries.

See also

• Cell Phones
• Landlines
• Payphones

External links

• KDDI Telephone from Japan International calling FAQ