Making phone calls in Japan

Can one bring their smartphone to Japan?

There is absolutely no problem coming to Japan with your smartphone. Some people think that foreign smartphones do not work in Japan. That's a myth that you can forget! At Expat.com, we took up the challenge by traveling with an old Iphone 4 from France. The phone worked perfectly with a Japanese SIM card. Huawei, Samsung, Sony and other brands also pass the test with flying colors. Fairphone, the ethical smartphone, also passed the test brilliantly. They are all 100% compatible with a Japanese SIM, but of course, remember to have your phone unlocked.

Phone plans, packages and SIM cards in Japan

As far as the packages and plans are concerned, the situation seemed a little bit dull until a number of "cheap packages" popped through. In Japan, people used to pay a lot for a package and had to commit to a minimum of 1 or 2 years contracts. Breaking the contract before the expiration date was subject to penalties. But for some years now, new operators have been increasing competition on the market.

Phone service providers and MVNOs

In Japan, there are 3 incumbent operators: AU, Docomo, and Softbank. They were later joined by a new one: Rakuten Mobile. These operators have their own network or have bought a company with a network. On the other hand, there are other phone companies called MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operators). This means that they exploit existing networks to offer their services, and that's how they manage to break down prices. In Japan, MVNOs use either AU, Docomo, Softbank or Rakuten Mobile networks. Rakuten Mobile was originally an MVNO. It bought one of its subsidiaries to create its own network.

Voice plans

You can choose between two packages: a flat-rate plan for all national calls with no limit or a cheaper one for domestic calls only. Calls of less than 5 minutes are usually free of charge (check with your operator).

Data plans

Regarding data, everything depends on your consumption habits. If you only connect to the Internet to check your e-mails occasionally, then a 110 MB/month plan will suit you perfectly. More frequent users can opt for 1, 3, 5, or even 10 or 30 Gb per month packages.

Read also Subscribe to the internet in Japan

Telecommunication rates in Japan

As mentioned above, MVNOs are breaking down prices. There are many discount operators since the big companies have also developed some to stay in the race. The table below is just a sample of some offers you can find on the market:

MOBILE OPERATOR	BASIC MONTHLY PRICE	DATA OPTIONS	MIN. CONTRACT DURATION	FREE CANCELLATION	ENGLISH SUPPORT	LINK TO WEBSITE
Rakuten Mobile	980 yens	3GB	0 month	NO	NO	Rakuten
HIS Mobile MVNO (Docomo)	290 yens	1 to 50GB	1 month	n.c	NO	HIS mobile
GTN Mobile MVNO	780yens (promo)	3GB	NO	NO	YES	GTN
IIJmio  MVNO  Docomo/AU	1,078 yens	4 to 20GB	1-2 months	NO	NO	IIJmio
MOBAL MVNO (Softbank)	2,980 yens	5GB	No	YES	YES	MOBAL
AU	7,238 yens	Unlimited	1 year	NO	NO	Info : English Shop : Japanese
Docomo	7,315 yens	Unlimited	2 years	NO	NO	Info : English Shop : Japanese
Softbank	7,238 yens	Unlimited	2 years	NO	NO	Info : English Shop : Japanese

Your options if you're making a short-term stay in Japan

If you are only staying for a short period in Japan, there is no need to invest in a package. You have the choice between:

• Wi-fi:

Available in almost all train stations, konbini (mini-markets open 24/24), and Starbucks. This is the most economical solution.

• Prepaid SIM:

It comes either with 100% voice plan, 100% data plan, or a mix of both. They are usually valid for 15 days to 3 months depending on the formula you choose. They are practical and affordable. Count about 3 000 yen for 2GB, valid for 3 months.

• Pocket Wi-fi Rental:

It is a portable travel router that allows you to connect to a wireless network. You can find it at the airport, and sometimes your accommodation may also have one. Some sharehouses rent pocket Wi-fi.

Making phone calls to and from Japan

To make phone calls in Japan, dial "81" followed by the person's phone number. To make international calls from Japan, dial "010", followed by the country code, the area code, and the phone number of your correspondent.

Some international codes

• France: 33 area code phone number, without the zero
• United States: 1 state code phone number, without the zero
• United Kingdom: 44 area code phone number, without the zero
• Canada: 1 area code phone number, without the zero
• Australia: 61 area code phone number, without the zero
• New Zealand: 64 area code phone number, without the zero

Making smart calls

International calls can be very expensive from Japan. Thankfully, other options are available these days, such as Skype, Facetime, WhatsApp and Line. Theser are cheap and sometimes free alternatives that are accessible via the Internet.

Subscribe to a landline in Japan 

To subscribe to a contract with a telephone company in Japan, you must provide your residence card (zairyu card), a proof of address (your address, written on the back of your zairyu card, will suffice in most cases) and your bankbook or bank card.

Bear in mind that contracts are valid for 2 years and are subject to a cancellation fee in case of early termination. Contracts are also automatically renewed. If, after 2 years, you wish to terminate your contract, you must contact your provider before the automatic renewal.

Useful links:

Sakura mobile

Line mobile

U Mobile SIM Prepaid 

U mobile packages (in Japanese)

Bic camera sim (in Japanese)

JRPass sim card