Mobile Phones

Overview

Like most places in the world, mobile phones are virtually ubiquitous in Japan. Mobile phones can contain anything from basic text messaging features to a digital television or debit card. While owning and operating a cell phone may not be necessary during your time at TUJ, having a constant and supportive link to friends and the internet could make the difference between getting lost in Shibuya for 3 minutes and getting lost in Saitama for 3 days. Before you're able to save yourself from a virtual nightmare, you must visit a cell phone distributor and purchase a phone. Depending on the location, some shops and stores will have English-speaking workers on staff, but you will most likely run into a difficult situation where the word 'kudasai' will only get you so far. Some words to remember:

  • Keitai Denwa (or keitai for short) - Cell Phone
  • Keiyaku - Contract
  • Purii Peido - Prepaid

How to Get a Cell Phone

There are 3 cell phone options: prepaid, contract, or rental phones. Purchasing a cell phone requires an alien registration card or documentation that proves that you reside in Japan. This requirement also applies to prepaid phones. Students on a tourist visa who intend to use a cell phone in Japan can rent one with a picture ID and a credit card.

The advantage of a prepaid cell phones is its ease of purchase. Only your passport and alien registration card are required as opposed to other materials that are necessary for making a contract (see below). However, prepaid cell phones are usually not as technologically sophisticated as their contract counterparts. Functions range from using the internet to text messaging, to general calling. For those that wish to do more with their phone (i.e. watch television while riding the train), making a contract is the best choice. The plan and type of phone you choose will determine costs.


Making a Contract

You can sign-up for a contract at any cell phone shop or large electronics store (ex. BicCamera). The plan and method of payment you choose will determine what you will need when creating the contract, but in general you will need the following:

  • Alien Registration Card - This is required regardless of the cell phone plan. The actual card is necessary, not the receipt. Stores will only accept the receipt if accompanied with a certificate of registered matters, which can be obtained when applying for registration at an additional cost. The card must be valid with at least 90 days remaining before expiration.
  • Passport - May be needed as a second form of identification.
  • Method of Payment - Cell phone payments can be made in person at convenience stores or automatically paid monthly by credit card. If you choose to pay by credit card, an invoice will arrive instead of a bill every month detailing what your credit card was charged.
  • Student ID - If you choose the student discount plan, a valid TUJ ID card is necessary. This should be obtained regardless of buying a phone within the first week of classes.

*TU students: Temple's Main Campus students must also obtain a TUJ ID card. Your OwlCard will not work in Japan.


Students Under 20 Years of Age

In Japan, the legal age is 20 years old. Many cell phone companies require minors to get a parent's signature upon purchasing a cell phone. This applies to regular and prepaid phones. Decide which provider you would like to use and inquire with them their procedures for issuing you a plan.


Cell Phone Companies

Mainstream cell phone companies in Japan:


Rental Phones

Students who are on a tourist visa can rent a cell phone with a picture ID and a credit card provided by the renting customer. The basic fees for rental phones range from 250-1000 yen per day and a usage fee of 70-200 yen per minute for outgoing domestic calls (incoming calls are free).

These companies offer cell phone rentals for individuals on tourist visas: