Using foreign phones in Japan 


A lot of foreign visitors come to Japan expecting that their phone will work here, as it did when they traveled to other countries.
As so often, Japan is different, and few foreign phones work here.

To use a foreign phone in Japan (with foreign SIM where applicable):
1) The phone must be able to work on a Japanese network :
For GSM phones-
The phone must work on the Japanese 3G W-CDMA system as well as GSM, which is not used in Japan ( many Japanese phones are now W-CDMA 3G/ GSM dual-mode so can be used abroad).
For 2G CDMA phones-
Very unlikely to work due to differences in frequencies.
For 3G W-CDMA phones-
There is a larger chance that it will work in Japan
*** Even if the maker says a phone will work in Japan, there is still quite a chance it will not as there are technical differences between the Japanese W-CDMA 3G system and that used abroad.
2) The foreign cell phone carrier must have a roaming agreement with either Docomo or Softbank in Japan (all major carriers do so, and most have roaming agreements with both Docomo and Softbank).

To use a foreign phone in Japan with a Japanese SIM :
1) The phone must be able to work on a Japanese network - see above.
2) The phone must be SIM-unlocked. If not, you can only use you carrier's SIM in the phone.
If these conditions are met, it can be used with a Softbank or Docomo SIM card.
( AU, the other major Japanese cell phone company, works on a different system so within Japan AU SIM cards can only be used in AU phones - you can, however, use AU SIM cards in SIM-unlocked GSM phones overseas in countries where AU has roaming agreements ).
Note that unless you are registered as living in Japan you will not be able to buy a prepaid SIM or register for a postpaid contract.


To use a Japanese phone with a with foreign SIM :
1) The phone must be SIM-unlocked.
2) The foreign cell phone carrier must have a roaming agreement with either Docomo or Softbank in Japan (all major carriers do so, and most have roaming agreements with both).

Call rates for roaming in Japan :
If you do actually use your foreign phone / SIM in Japan, it will be very, very expensive- an hour of calls to a local number plus an hour to the US, plus receiving the same would cost upwards of $400, whereas the charge for such use with a regular Japanese SIM would be about $50.
Here is information on roaming with phones from the major US carriers :
AT&T
$2.29 per min Standard International Roaming / $1.69 per min World Traveler ($5.99 per month charge)
(incoming and outgoing calls, both local and international, are charged the same)
Standard International Roaming :  1 hour calling in Japan + 1 hour to US + same incoming = $549.60
World Traveler :  1 hour calling in Japan + 1 hour to US + same incoming = $405.60

T-Mobile
 $2.29 per min for both incoming and outgoing calls, local and international
1 hour calling in Japan + 1 hour to US + same incoming = $549.60
Sprint / Verizon have the same rates - $1.99 per min for both incoming and outgoing calls, local and international
1 hour calling in Japan + 1 hour to US + same incoming = $477.60




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