Cell Phone in Japan

[Married2theYeti]

My daughter will be studying in Japan for a year, and we are looking for a cell phone that she can use in Japan to call internationally as well as domestically. We're looking for good coverage with a low cost. We spoke with Verizon, and they suggested waiting to buy a phone in Japan; does anyone have any experience with this?

 

[dawnhaze]

Her best bet probably will be to buy a phone in Japan. There are providers that cater to travelers and foreigners in the country for work or school.

She could get an unlocked (no contract, not locked to a network) phone that has a SIM or Micro-SIM slot, and she could just buy a prepaid SIM from a Japanese carrier, but the phone itself will be a higher out of pocket cost that way.

 

[danceintherain]

I don't know about Japan specifically, but I live in South Korea and I understand the concept is similar.

We got phones when we got here. I have 300min/300text/unlimited data iPhone for around $70/month for a two year contract. There's a number I can call in order to call to the States. It uses my minutes exactly the same as if I were calling domestically. When my husband was over here without me, he paid an extra $25/month (or so) for a US number that I could use to call him.
Another option is Skype (or other apps). If she gets a smart phone, she can use the 3G for internet and use her phone as a headset.

Most days, I simply use Google Chat to talk with my family back home. The internet is excellent here, so oftentimes the connection is better that way anyways, and it's more like talking face-to-face. It's definitely better with my 2 year old son, because his grandparents can see him.
It works better for me to contact MY grandparents over the phone though, because the internet is a bit elusive for them.

When I studied abroad, the school was very helpful in setting people up with the information they needed. I didn't have a phone while I was there (I simply prefer the internet) but all of my roommates did. She may even be able to arrange to simply complete the contract that someone else in a similar situation has already started.

I really wouldn't worry about getting her one until she gets to Japan, because Japan also operates on a different frequency than most other places, so it's possible that whatever she brings over won't work at all.

 

[chris31997]

I live in Japan. Okinawa, actually

She will need to get a cell phone here. The 3 big companies are AU, Docomo(sp), and SoftBank. She can get a basic cheap phone and be able to make calls and text pretty cheaply. If she gets an iPhone, than she could access Facebook Messanger and a texting app that would allow her to "talk" with you for free. Except for the cost of the phone.

If you want to talk with her on a phone than you will need to get her BEFORE she gets here either MagicJack or set her up with Skype. I have heard that she would be able to forward MagicJack calls to the cell phone, but have no idea how that works She will want to have the high speed/ fiber optic internet. But I think that is pretty standard.

Do keep in mind that there is not only a time change but a day change when talking with her. We have had the worst time scheduling time with family to talk on skype because of the time change. Really the best thing has been the Facebook Messanger app, I have it on my phone but family only access it on their computers back home. It works out that we are "talking" real time that way more often than not.

Feel free to messange me, if you have any more questions. Where is your DD going to be at?

 

[JaymeC]

I spent three years in Okinawa. Lovely place My best recommendation for phone usage is for her to get a local cell phone to cover her basic cell needs. Be sure she goes over the contract in detail. We had quite a few occasions where people did not do this and started say using data when they hadn't signed up for data and ended up with very, very expensive bills.

After the cell phone I'd have her sign up for skype and if you have any family members who are not computer savvy have her buy her own phone number they can call. It costs a little bit, but that way any incoming calls are free. The downside is you'd only be able to get ahold of her when the computer is on and she's signed in, but honestly I found with my family that worked a lot better since they could leave a message and I could get back to them when I woke up and so my 80 odd year old grandfather who couldn't get the time difference down felt like he could call anytime. Of course from the reverse perspective I knew when I could safely call back

So just my two cents. That's what worked out best for us over three years.

 

[tasha99]

We have Verizon and my DS is going to Japan to spend a year studying in Tokyo. It's too bad there isn't a way to keep him on our family plan cheaply.

My daughter is driving up through Canada to visit me in August. I'm going call Verizon to see if they can put her phone on a Canada/US plan for a month. I sure hope at least that is possible!

 

[DisneyMomma81]

My grandparents are in Spain for 18 months *started out earlier this year* we call their home # *here in Utah* and it rings to their apartment in Spain - Magic Jack or something.