How to get a mobile phone in Fukuoka

Getting your own mobile phone or your own phone number.

Many students of Asahi Nihongo ask us how to get a mobile phone or how to using their own phone with a Japanese phone number. Unfortunately, you cannot get a monthly service contract with a Japanese provider unless you will live in Japan for at least two years.

However, you have two other options for mobile service:
1. Buy mobile phone with prepaid card
2. Use your own phone with Japanese SIM Card

In either case, you will need your passport, current address in Japan, and some contact information (e.g. school phone number and address).
The standard mobile phone in Japan is 3G. In case you are not sure about your phone, you should go to your local Softbank branch and the staff will check it out.

Also visit these websites:
http://www.softbank-rental.jp/en/phones/

1. Buy mobile phone with prepaid card

With choice one, you can go to your local Softbank and purchase a phone with a prepaid card. The initial phone and card purchase price ranges from 5,000 yen to over 10, 000 yen. Usually all incoming calls and mails are free. Call cards are available from 3000 yen.

Outgoing rates are as follows:

Purchase price for the mobil phone: 7500-10 000 Yen
Price for renting the prepaid simcard: 3000 Yen Miete (20 min free of charge, after that you have top paty about 100 yen a minute)
Total: around 10500 Yen for the first month and than 3000-5000 Yen per month

2. Use your own phone with Japanese SIM Card

With the second choice, if you have an iphone or a 3G phone you can purchase a sim card (approx. 3500 yen) with a rented Japanese phone number for (105\/day). Once again, all incoming calls and text are free. This SIM card is only at the Fukuoka Airport available.
You have your own phone and it is the best choice for very short stay in Japan.

Outgoing rates are as follows for the Airport Softbank Simcard:

Price for renting the prepaid simcard: 105 Yen per day
Price per minute: 105 Yen
Total: 3000 Yen + Phone calls