Job Discussion Forums

[stumptowny]

Does anyone know where I can buy a prepaid phone? what company and what location?

I was shut out yesterday everywhere I went. seems like the companies are nixing them. more revenue in locking people into 2 year contracts. or suddenly all shops/companies are anti gaijin? was really strange yesterday. "not in stock" anywhere

[Rob1209]

I know plenty of people with pre-paid phones, including some who got them in the last month or two. However, they're all identical handsets and on the Softbank network.
It's my understanding (although others may know different), that only Softbank offer pre-paid phones, with a grand choice of one handset (a very basic model).
I wouldn't bother trying anywhere but Softbank. Naturally the sales staff will try to get you to sign up for a contract (that's their job!), but you should be able to get pre-paid if you're clear about what you want.
If they say that they're out of stock, then they're probably out of stock, rather than xenophobes who would risk their jobs by deliberately turning away custom for their employers. Try a different Softbank store (plenty of them around), or ask them when they'll get more in.
I understand your frustration though, it can be difficult setting up a phone, especially with limited Japanese, as I found out.

[stumptowny]