Mobile hire in Japan

lotto

Does anyone know any good deals for hiring a mobile phone in Japan, please?

Oscar_The_Grouch

Just googled it and found a company called Mobell (clicky). Have no idea what they are like. £2 per day seemed like an ok price to rent the phone, but £1 a text sounds expensive - call people as it's cheaper!!

smcaul

I admit to knowing nothing about the Japanese phone network, but could you not just get an international sim for roaming http://www.roamingsims.com/country/japan.php seems much cheaper then renting!!!!

thatsean

No, because the Ops European GSM phone won't work over there, unless it's 3g, and then it'll only have coverage in some parts of the country. Try Adam phones - they have been going for years and are Voda and 02 rental partners

choc_mouse

If you just want a phone so you can be contacted in Japan for a temporary stay, this deal from Mobal (not Mobell) basically works out FREE!! (Used it myself). I think they're a US company.
http://www.mobalnarita.com/ - book online, bring the confirmation to the airport (note their pick up desk is only located in terminal 1, so you prob have to take the free bus or walk from T2). No hefty deposits required either.

If you do plan to use it to call it's about £1.80/minute or £1/text. A lot, but free to receive calls and texts.

If staying a bit longer or if you plan to make more than a few calls/texts per day, check out local companies like Softbank:
http://www.softbank-rental.jp/campaign/jpng/

Or search on Narita Airport's phone rental sites.
Hope this helps.

P.S. If you've got a 3G enabled phone and SIM from the UK it will work alright but not guaranteed!

ruggedtoast

I would just buy a payg. Very easy to top them up at convenience stores too.

choc_mouse

ruggedtoast wrote: »

I would just buy a payg. Very easy to top them up at convenience stores too.

Also a good idea, but chances of success are hit and miss from what I've heard.

Most shops say you need an Alien registration card + Japanese address but others have said they got one with a passport + hotel address.

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2223.html

Due to past criminal abuse of prepaid phones, phone sellers must now verify the identity and place of residence of their buyers. Typical proof can be in the form of a Japanese driver's license, a Japanese Passport, or an alien registration card. Some stores will accept foreign passports along with a hotel address as verification.