Job Discussion Forums

[Black_Beer_Man]

I need to get a cellphone or smart phone.

I don't care about phone type.
I just want to use it to receive calls and send text messages.

Does anybody know any cheap deals?

I don't like prepaid phones. I had one of those from Softbank and had to pay 70 yen / min to call out.

[kzjohn]

This article summarizes it pretty well. After reading that, go to amazon.co.jp and shop for a SIM-free phone. My suggestion would be the Moto line (Motorola). Midrange would be the Moto G5s Plus (~¥30,000), tho they have other models that are both cheaper and more expensive.

Choose one with a SIM/MVNO plan, such as IIJmio or LINE. IIJmio uses docomo's network, which is pretty good. The plans are based on data use--cheap means 3GB for about ¥1500/month, but keep in mind that youtube will eat that up really fast.

It takes a while to set up. You have to first get the phone, then start setting up the MVNO plan--so the next step after getting the phone is to physically get the SIM, which takes a few days to a week. (I'm guessing, but you'll probably want a voice+data plan, so you get a phone number, and not just a data plan.)

Then when you get the SIM, you carefully install it in the little tray and follow some setup instructions, e.g., https://www.iijmio.jp/hdd/visitors/en/apn.jsp

Sometimes there are some hiccoughs, sometimes not. It helps to have someone around who knows this process, for advice and handholding.

[mitsui]

Maybe AU for a cell phone.
There is AU, Docomo, Softbank, Yahoo Mobile and UQ.

I thought Docomo costs the most, but there are different plans.

Maybe if you go out to Shin-Okubo on the Yamanote Line you can get a deal since foreign people go there for phones.

[stumptowny]

Why waste the money. Use apps.

Jobs never call. Landlords never call. All correspondence is via email/letters.

You don't need a phone number in Japan. Phone booths are everywhere to call in if you are late.

I have used a bogus number for years on all paperwork. I received a call one time from a job. Saved much more in time and money... and unnecessary forms of harassment

Also, Hauwei P-9 lite is excellent and very cheap. Works great with all wifi.