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Can I buy a cell phone with just a tourist visa?

 
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Sourigaijin



Joined: 17 May 2014
Posts: 23

PostPosted: Tue Oct 28, 2014 2:05 am    Post subject: Can I buy a cell phone with just a tourist visa? Reply with quote

Hello, everyone. I was wondering if anyone can tell me whether it is possible to get some kind of a cell phone in Japan with just a tourist visa. Any kind of cell phone with a pre-paid type plan. Thanks.
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Black_Beer_Man



Joined: 26 Mar 2013
Posts: 453
Location: Yokohama

PostPosted: Tue Oct 28, 2014 3:26 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I don't see why not, but...

Japan may not allow this to prevent crime. Typically, prepaid cell phones are the top choice of criminals because they use them for a week and then change their phones (to avoid being tracked down).

That said, I would think that your passport would replace a residence card if you were to buy a prepaid phone.

I'd say your chances are 50 /50.
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Pitarou



Joined: 16 Nov 2009
Posts: 1116
Location: Narita, Japan

PostPosted: Tue Oct 28, 2014 3:32 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Yes, it's possible. Pre-paid 3G SIMs are available in Japan, so you just need an unlocked 3G phone that is compatible with Japanese frequencies.

Last edited by Pitarou on Tue Oct 28, 2014 3:35 am; edited 1 time in total
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Sourigaijin



Joined: 17 May 2014
Posts: 23

PostPosted: Tue Oct 28, 2014 3:34 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

My problem is that I don't have any type of cell phone at the moment, and would like to buy able to buy some kind of phone when I arrive in Japan on a tourist visa in a couple of months.
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Pitarou



Joined: 16 Nov 2009
Posts: 1116
Location: Narita, Japan

PostPosted: Tue Oct 28, 2014 3:42 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sourigaijin wrote:
My problem is that I don't have any type of cell phone at the moment, and would like to buy able to buy some kind of phone when I arrive in Japan on a tourist visa in a couple of months.

You'll probably find that it's better to buy before you go. You avoid all the hassle of trying to do business in Japanese, and you'll probably find it easier to get the best deal on the phone that best suits your needs.

But if you insist on buying in Japan then, yes, it's possible. You'll probably have to show your passport when you buy.
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