The first problem that many foreign visitors to Japan face is network communication. For foreigners staying for a short period of time, it is extremely difficult to use mobile phones and smartphones provided by Japanese telecommunications companies on a contract basis. Hence it is more convenient to purchase a prepaid SIM that can be used up in cash prepaid form. You can purchase them at convenience stores or electronics stores inside the airport. No subscription or registration is required for this.
If possible, we recommend you to verify in advance that some of the prepaid SIMs sold in Japan have been confirmed to work on your smartphone.
The demerit of prepaid SIM is that it is only for data communication and cannot be used for voice calls. However, if you use applications equipped with voice call function, such as Skype or LINE, then it is possible to make phone calls. An IP phone service with the number of 050 is also available.
Prepaid SIM rates are relatively high, so if you stay for a long time, you can sign up with a Japanese telecommunications company after your residence is fixed. We recommend you to use a prepaid SIM for short period of time temporarily and to sign up with a Japanese telecommunications company when you settled down in your new living place.
