Job Discussion Forums

[Hoser]

I got softbank iphone. I had to pay for the phone despite having a 3 year visa. However I get the money back discounted in instalments over 24 months. So the 4100 internet plan is actually 4100 minus whatever the instalment is. I think I'm also getting the whiteplan free for 5 months and I can talk to softbank friends for free for most of the day. UK price plans may be good but I doubt you can get an iPhone for free in the UK.

[Inflames]

The thing about Softbank and the iPhone is very YMMV. I got mine with 11 months left on a visa and I have installment payments. I signed up at Yamada Denki if that makes a difference.

In Kanto I'm sure people there know some phone shop where people speak good English. When I first came to Japan my flatmates were able to point me to a Softbank where they actually employed foreigners and could explain everything in English (I've seen Softbank ads specifically targeting foreigners and advertising their English service).

All of the places have brochures (actually I think it's a part of their regular brochure) explaining things in English (this is also on their website). IIRC all DoCoMo and Softbank phones can be displayed in English but this isn't the case for AU, so check before you get it. Also, get a phone you like when you first get here, not just the cheapest one (if it's not something you like). I got a crappy phone when I first got here, then when my contract was up I switched to AU (at the time the system was different so the phone cost was built-in to the monthly payment) to get a new phone.

[Apsara]

For English speaking staff for iPhone in Kanto you would want to head to either the big Softbank store on Omotesando near Harajuku station, or Yodobashi Camera near Shinjuku West exit.