Advice wanted: SIM only (with data!) for Japan trip

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Talkiet

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#101914 11-May-2012 16:17

I am pretty sure I already know the answer ("Get stuffed"), but I guess I'll ask.

Apart from renting a 3G type access point (or USB data stick), are there any prepay options for getting a SIM _INCLUDING DATA_ when visiting Japan? It would seem that unless you're a Japanese resident then you have a REALLY hard time getting prepay mobile services over there.

I am going for a couple of weeks in July and would prefer not to rent a phone, or rent a 3G access point. I would ideally like to buy a prepay SIM but the vast majority of the options are voice and text only (ie. they actively exclude data).

There is one place ( http://www.bmobile.ne.jp/lineup.html ) I have found that apparently does prepay sims but you need to order them in advance and I couldn't negotiate their site easily.

All the people I have spoken to have essentially said this is impossible but I'm hoping maybe someone has visited there recently and has better news.

Cheers - N

Please note all comments are from my own brain and don't necessarily represent the position or opinions of my employer, previous employers, colleagues, friends or pets.

stevenz

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#623609 11-May-2012 16:48

Temporary\visitors visa = they're not real keen.

You can "rent" one from someone like http://www.jcrcorp.com/ though.

Or a datapuck from http://japanmobilerental.com/

Or: http://www.econnectjapan.com/

Otherwise you generally have to rent a phone with SIM in place.

@KnightNZ

vinnieg

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#623614 11-May-2012 17:13

Was in Japan in December, and it's a hard process. I ended up just using my work phone.

There is mostly enough Wifi to get around. Trying to buy/rent a SIM proved too much of a hassle, and very expensive.

I have moved across the ditch. Now residing in Melbourne as a VOIP/Video Technical Trainer/Engineer.

jarodcn

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#623640 11-May-2012 18:14

I think b-mobile is the only choice,u can order from online before the trip and mail it to your hotel or u can get 1GB 30days sim card from many japan electronic store like dick smith.

vinnieg

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#623654 11-May-2012 18:47

Where are you flying in/staying?

Ikebukuro has an awesome BIC Camera, I spent hours there! Check out the 8 story Game! store(mostly computers actually) next door too. They have b-mobile sims, and a variety of NEC/Sharp mobiles too

If you are flying into Narita, then after training into Tokyo, short train to Ikebukuro, then BIC Camera is pretty easy to find, will be about a 10 min walk from the Station

If you are flying into Osaka, I recommend getting a SIM card delivered first, or picked up at the airport. Osaka is a lot more spread out than Tokyo, and harder to find specific stores.

Did Narita, Tokyo, Ikebukuro, Shibuya, Shinjunku, Ueno(amazing zoo), Osaka, Kyoto

I still want to check out further South, and further north. But that will have to wait for another year

I have moved across the ditch. Now residing in Melbourne as a VOIP/Video Technical Trainer/Engineer.

Talkiet

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#623662 11-May-2012 18:55

I'm flying into Narita, staying overnight and then taking the Shinkansen bullet train down to Osaka... The train isn't cheap, but it's cool :-)

Because of timings I am really only going to have the chance to do something at Narita airport (unless I arrange something in advance and get it sent to the hotel - also at the airport)

It's all sounding about as hard as I had previously been told :-(

Cheers - N

Please note all comments are from my own brain and don't necessarily represent the position or opinions of my employer, previous employers, colleagues, friends or pets.

vinnieg

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#623665 11-May-2012 18:58

Talkiet: I'm flying into Narita, staying overnight and then taking the Shinkansen bullet train down to Osaka... The train isn't cheap, but it's cool :-)

Because of timings I am really only going to have the chance to do something at Narita airport (unless I arrange something in advance and get it sent to the hotel - also at the airport)

It's all sounding about as hard as I had previously been told :-(

Cheers - N

Tbh, Narita airport doesn't have many, if any cell shops. It's actually pretty disappointing in terms of shopping/food. Except for the Sushi train up the north end

Yup, the Shinkansen is cool :) did the same, took the Hikari down to Shin-Osaka from Tokyo, got a 10-day rail pass, cost just over $1200 for 2x people. Definitely worth it though

I have moved across the ditch. Now residing in Melbourne as a VOIP/Video Technical Trainer/Engineer.