Job Discussion Forums

dove · Joined: 01 Oct 2003 Posts: 271 Location: USA/Japan

I am returning to Japan in September and I am considering getting an Iphone. I heard to get it, you have to have at least 15 months remaining on your visa. I have that, but I'm wondering if the iphone is worth it, what with Japanese phones being so advanced to begin with. Any opinions?

Also--do you know if there are any Softbank offices in Tokyo with English-speaking staff?

Thanks!

Quibby84 · Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Posts: 643 Location: Japan

My friend tried getting the iphone and was blown away at all the fees they added to the cost and how much the service cost, I cant remember exactly how much but I remember being astonded...
There are softbank offices everywhere, but is your wallet ready for it?

slodziak · Joined: 17 Oct 2005 Posts: 143 Location: Tokyo

dove · Joined: 01 Oct 2003 Posts: 271 Location: USA/Japan

Slodziak,

Thanks for the link. Looks like I will have to fork over the full amount for the iPhone itself if I decide to get one. But I can still sign up for a monthly plan, right? The link you provided seemed to have a lot of frustrated new users....will have to think carefully if it's worth it or not when I return.

I have a new question, hope some one could help me. I have a cellphone from my previous stay in Japan. It was a pre-paid phone, the kind that used phone cards. I brought it with me when I left Japan last January.....do you think it will still work even though I haven't used it in many months?

wayne432 · Joined: 05 Jun 2008 Posts: 255

Depends on company. I don't know about Docomo or AU, but with softbank, it should work fine. All you need to do is add some minutes.

http://mb.softbank.jp/mb/en/prepaid/about/usage_period.html

As you can see, the minutes and stuff are gone, but the phone number would still be active.

slodziak · Joined: 17 Oct 2005 Posts: 143 Location: Tokyo