Job Discussion Forums

luciwe · Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2007 8:19 pm Post subject: International Roaming

Hi all

I've read a few threads on using cellphones in Japan. My company will lend me one a couple days after I arrive, until I get my own - but apparently I can't sms out of Japan with a Japanese phone plan.

What I'm mainly concerned about is letting my family know that I've arrived safely (they worry a lot). I'm being picked up at the airport and dropped at my apartment (which won't have internet), and kind of deserted. I won't know where any internet caf�s are or anything. And it seems (according to threads on this forum) that I won't be able to use roaming on my current cellphone. I'm on vodafone, if that makes any difference...

So if I can't use roaming, does anyone have any suggestions? I have a laptop and skype, and some cash (yen). It might be a bit much for me to ask the person picking me up to hang around while I find a wireless zone or something... if such a thing exists at Narita airport.

Asher · Joined: 14 Sep 2006 Posts: 47

You can rent one at Narita. It's fairly inexpensive, although you have to put down 300 dollars on a deposit and find a way to return it without going back to the airport.

I do believe it's almost a dollar a minute to use, though, so you'll want to talk quickly. The counter was next to the booth selling bus tickets to Tokyo.

I have TMobile, and they offer rentals in Japan and allow you to roam with your current SIM. It was more expensive, though.

Payphones have english menus, iirc.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Use a regular phone. Pay the bill, have your parents take a collect call, or use a phone card.

ironopolis · Joined: 01 Apr 2004 Posts: 379

I think you CAN sms out of Japan, depending which Japanese mobile phone company you use.

I used to use Vodafone (now Softbank) and was able to send SMS texts to people overseas from my Japanese phone - you just key in the + symbol followed by the country code and phone number. I didn't do it so often though, as at Y100 a text, it wasn't great value. My phone was a 3G global roaming one, though I think perhaps even regular Vodafone mobiles in Japan could do this.

I changed to au about a year ago (for other reasons) and with au or docomo I'm pretty sure you can't sms out of the country. Although softbank have taken over Vodafone in Japan, I believe all the international services are unchanged - not 100% sure though. Try checking softbank's website
http://mb.softbank.jp/mb/en/

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

Yeah, if it's just letting family know you haven't died, use a payphone -- yeah they still exist.. Charge a collect call and tell them not to accept charges (unless they really want to talk to you)...

wabisabi365 · Joined: 04 Feb 2007 Posts: 111 Location: japan

Most cell phones are equipped with Yahoo access. The people picking you up would probably be more than happy to let you send a quick message through Yahoo on their cell phone. Otherwise, as other posters have mentioned, using a payphone won't be a problem. There'll be plenty at the airport, and the people picking you up will help you get connected.

I recently began using my regular cell phone to make overseas calls cheaply using a card called "Brastel". It's about 2500 yen for 420 minutes (calling to Canada and Ireland). It's nice just to call home on a whim while sitting in a park (or watching sumo!)

Have a safe trip.

ws365

luciwe · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 1:54 pm Post subject:

thanks for the help! i feel reassured. :)

gaijinalways · Joined: 29 Nov 2005 Posts: 2279