1

If memory serves there is really only one company that does this. Try softbank: www.softbank-rental.jp/e/rental-plan.php Note that not all softbank locations offer this option. Best to get it in the airport or in a part of Tokyo that has lots of expats.

Ruth

2

If memory serves there is really only one company that does this

wow, I (mistakenly) assumed that there would be a kiosk on every other corner selling mobile phones and sim cards... What does everyone do when they visit Japan? Surely they aren't paying long distance roaming charges when they use their phone?

3

For years people survived without phones. Just why do you need one while traveling? Who will you be calling?

If you are in Japan for a few weeks, I don't see a need for a local phone as I don't make too many local calls. I usually get some international roaming package with data so I can use the Internet and map functions if needed.

You are also assuming that wifi will be readily available which I am not sure will be the case.

And perhaps you aren't aware but Japan phone technology is not primarily GSM so buying a SIM card for a European phone that isn't 3G wouldn't work. 3G is relatively new so sim usage is low. Until relatively recently, you only option was to rent a local phone. Also Japanese phone service is like in the US, a contract with little to no pay as you go option. Also if I recall correctly you need a local address to get a phone contract.

It's a shame that they have bastardized the TT as there were a number of informative posts about how to buy a SIM fromSoftbank and where this can be done.

Ruth

4

Just why do you need one while traveling? Who will you be calling?

Huh? What possible difference does it make who I'll be calling??

I don't see a need for a local phone as I don't make too many local calls

Nice to know, but your own personal calling habits aren't really relevant.

You are also assuming that wifi will be readily available which I am not sure will be the case

Plenty of wifi in hotels and coffee shops.

For what it's worth, I've lived in Japan and my wife is Japanese. She's headed to Japan for a visit and wants to take her iphone to make locals calls while she's there. Neither of us have been back for a few years, hence my need to ask these questions.