Your Cell Phone In Japan
Can you use an overseas cell phone in japan?
In most cases the answer is no.
Learn the Tokyo facts about why it's better to use a Japanese Cell phone.
Learn how to rent Japanese Cellular phones.
Due to different technologies, cell phones from your home country may not work in Japan. The major technical reason is because the Japanese Cell phone system works through PDC, rather than the GSM standard used in North America and Europe mobile phone systems.
However, this also depends on your local telephone carrier, the style and type of your phone and the details in your local mobile phone plan or subscription. The best is to get in touch with your local service provider for details.
There are three things that are required for using your Cell phone in Japan:
- Compatibility with the Japanese network - The only foreign mobile phones that work in Tokyo are some 3rd generation models.
- International roaming plan - With an international roaming plan (from your home service provider) you use your own phone and number, but are charged international roaming rates. This is likely to be expensive.
- Rental SIM card - Alternatively, with a rental SIM card (from a Japanese provider) you use your own mobile phone with a Japanese phone number and lower rates.
Rental Of A Japanese Cell Phone
Renting a Japanese cell phone while in Tokyo is usually best.
Renting is the most economical and simple way to get a Japanese phone, and requires just a picture ID and a credit card.
Many companies have kiosks at the airports, while other companies will mail a phone to your hotel. You can return the phones at the airport or through the mail, depending on the company.
The fees for rental of cellphones vary and usually consist of the daily rental fee plus a usage fee. All of the companies at the airports have the same day rentals, while some companies offer discounts for advanced reservations.
Your Japanese Cell Phone In Japan And The Japanese Etiquette
Talking on a mobile phone while riding the subway is considered inappropriate.
Voice announcements asking passengers not to make calls and to switch their mobile phones to silent mode ("public mode" or "manners mode" in Japanese) are played frequently on
Tokyo Subway.
This has made e-mailing from cell phones extremely popular among Japanese people.
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