Cellphone Queries

[Siyris]

I have a quick question. I have an old pay as you go phone from Vodafone from the time I spent abroad. It's been five years. Would I be able to use this (i.e. is the number still mine) once I put money on it? Or is this handset worthless now?

You -might- be able to revive it, but I don't think it is likely..... it's also not what you want to do.
Most ALTs I know use their cell as their primary form of contact with other ALTs as well as with coworkers. You need a reliable phone -- pay as you go does not give you that. I would very firmly suggest signing up for a contract phone here. Though keep in mind that Japan does not have one year contracts from any cell phone company except for Wilcom (at least that I have heard about). Even so, a pay as you go phone, is not going to be a good idea when you think about the fact that your coworkers, friends, or principals might call you about something important at a time when you are running low on your pre-paid minutes.

As to smart phone v. regular phone --- it doesn't much matter. I went with a smart phone, because I knew I wanted to be able to install some apps on it, as well as to be able to use the internet, google maps, and email (not the phone one, my pc one) on it. That, and that a regular phone was only about $150 less than an iphone. The smartphone monthly payments are only 2000 yen more per month than the basic ones... so I only pay about 4000 yen per month for unlimited data, as well as phone calls during the day. Nights and weekend calls cost some small fee, but it hasn't ever exceeded 1000 yen total per month in extra costs.
I will say that it's extremely useful when you first get to your placement (Especially if you're inaka and need a car) to be able to send and receive pins on maps from the other ALTs in the area of important places you might need to go (BoE, City Hall, Supermarket, places to eat, friends apartments, etc) and that is something that the regular phones will not do.

[tashikanakoto]

I have a quick question. I have an old pay as you go phone from Vodafone from the time I spent abroad. It's been five years. Would I be able to use this (i.e. is the number still mine) once I put money on it? Or is this handset worthless now?

You -might- be able to revive it, but I don't think it is likely..... it's also not what you want to do.
Most ALTs I know use their cell as their primary form of contact with other ALTs as well as with coworkers. You need a reliable phone -- pay as you go does not give you that. I would very firmly suggest signing up for a contract phone here. Though keep in mind that Japan does not have one year contracts from any cell phone company except for Wilcom (at least that I have heard about). Even so, a pay as you go phone, is not going to be a good idea when you think about the fact that your coworkers, friends, or principals might call you about something important at a time when you are running low on your pre-paid minutes.

As to smart phone v. regular phone --- it doesn't much matter. I went with a smart phone, because I knew I wanted to be able to install some apps on it, as well as to be able to use the internet, google maps, and email (not the phone one, my pc one) on it. That, and that a regular phone was only about $150 less than an iphone. The smartphone monthly payments are only 2000 yen more per month than the basic ones... so I only pay about 4000 yen per month for unlimited data, as well as phone calls during the day. Nights and weekend calls cost some small fee, but it hasn't ever exceeded 1000 yen total per month in extra costs.
I will say that it's extremely useful when you first get to your placement (Especially if you're inaka and need a car) to be able to send and receive pins on maps from the other ALTs in the area of important places you might need to go (BoE, City Hall, Supermarket, places to eat, friends apartments, etc) and that is something that the regular phones will not do.

Just curious, do you have Softbank? Is Softbank the only carrier in Japan with the iPhone?

[Siyris]

I do have softbank, and when I got here, it was the only one with the iphone....
About a month ago I had heard some talk that Docomo was picking up the iphone as well, but I have no idea if that was just rumor or not. If you do a quick google search you might be able to come up with the answer.

I would say at this point, you shouldn't try to decide what carrier you would like --- some parts of Japan only get service from one carrier and so the choice is have a phone or don't... and choosing 'don't' doesn't work very well.

[Cliodhna]

AU has the iphone as well.

[Gizmotech]

Gizmo's advice is pretty solid, but i have a few things to add.

Stuffs I wrote

this is not the only way to do this. all of the JETs in my city (i was the only one who went with a Japanese Android rather than iPhone) were able to get their iPhones on two year contracts with Softbank without paying upfront. the process is the same as what you detailed more or less, except we actually did go to Softbank, and took care of all of that there. the problem is that Softbank stores themselves seem to be very ESID. i've heard from friends that already had their phones/contracts taken care of for a while run into minor phone problems, but were told different things by different Softbank shops in my city. so you should be totally able to get your iPhone on contract with monthly payments towards the phone, but it largely depends on whether the staff at that particular store know what they're doing.

Were your JETs signing up for automatic withdrawal via cash card or credit card? If not I would REALLY like to hear how they were signing up. My comments were based around the fact that most JETs out in my area of inaka had to wait at least a week before getting a cash card whereas my stuff was all done on the first day.

in my case my CC just wtf'd at a charge from Japan (despite the fact that i had called to advise them of my international move), and so i got a letter from Softbank about the failed payment including the handy-dandy automatic withdrawal postcard and just had my person-who-assists-supervisor-with-ALT-miscellany fill it out for me.

my phone was taken care of not on the first day but on the second or third day or so, though i do live in a city, and i did have to wait on the bank card for a week or so. (i got the bank book the day i opened the account, though i had to wait for my hanko to be finished in order to open the bank account.)

Yes, the Japanese are quite forgiving at the the idea of rejected payments. So long as you get a payment in in a reasonable amount of time, automatic withdrawals that bounce aren't a problem to them. This seems to happen a lot with cash auto-withdrawals as they are setup for damn near everything.

I have a quick question. I have an old pay as you go phone from Vodafone from the time I spent abroad. It's been five years. Would I be able to use this (i.e. is the number still mine) once I put money on it? Or is this handset worthless now?

You -might- be able to revive it, but I don't think it is likely..... it's also not what you want to do.
Most ALTs I know use their cell as their primary form of contact with other ALTs as well as with coworkers. You need a reliable phone -- pay as you go does not give you that. I would very firmly suggest signing up for a contract phone here. [...] Even so, a pay as you go phone, is not going to be a good idea when you think about the fact that your coworkers, friends, or principals might call you about something important at a time when you are running low on your pre-paid minutes.

This. If you're at a single base school it's not that big of a deal, but when you get stuck on the travelling circus routine going to many different places it is MUCH handier to have a handset that you know won't have a problem due to "insufficient funds".

As to smart phone v. regular phone --- it doesn't much matter. I went with a smart phone, because I knew I wanted to be able to install some apps on it, as well as to be able to use the internet, google maps, and email (not the phone one, my pc one) on it. That, and that a regular phone was only about $150 less than an iphone. The smartphone monthly payments are only 2000 yen more per month than the basic ones... so I only pay about 4000 yen per month for unlimited data, as well as phone calls during the day. Nights and weekend calls cost some small fee, but it hasn't ever exceeded 1000 yen total per month in extra costs.
I will say that it's extremely useful when you first get to your placement (Especially if you're inaka and need a car) to be able to send and receive pins on maps from the other ALTs in the area of important places you might need to go (BoE, City Hall, Supermarket, places to eat, friends apartments, etc) and that is something that the regular phones will not do.

Unless you're coming over to live in destitute poverty (ie bringing a deadbeat significant other along for the ride) you should have enough money/month to afford the smart phone. The extra 2-3k for it is worth it in having access to a portable map alone, and if you haven't been to Japan before the country is the worst place in the entire world to navigate... even with a map. All the other stuff is a plus for sure, but the map alone saves lives.

Just curious, do you have Softbank? Is Softbank the only carrier in Japan with the iPhone?

Softbank is not the only carrier anymore to have the iPhone. I know AU has it, and not sure about Docomo. Though no carrier in Japan will unlock an iPhone so if you get one here, don't expect to be able to bring it back when you're done. Don't worry about carriers yet, figure out what has the BEST reception in your area (you might not have a choice).

[teabot]

Gizmo's advice is pretty solid, but i have a few things to add.

Stuffs I wrote

this is not the only way to do this. all of the JETs in my city (i was the only one who went with a Japanese Android rather than iPhone) were able to get their iPhones on two year contracts with Softbank without paying upfront. the process is the same as what you detailed more or less, except we actually did go to Softbank, and took care of all of that there. the problem is that Softbank stores themselves seem to be very ESID. i've heard from friends that already had their phones/contracts taken care of for a while run into minor phone problems, but were told different things by different Softbank shops in my city. so you should be totally able to get your iPhone on contract with monthly payments towards the phone, but it largely depends on whether the staff at that particular store know what they're doing.

Were your JETs signing up for automatic withdrawal via cash card or credit card? If not I would REALLY like to hear how they were signing up. My comments were based around the fact that most JETs out in my area of inaka had to wait at least a week before getting a cash card whereas my stuff was all done on the first day.

this was done with home country credit cards. my main point was that the method can be used at Softbank stores as well as Yamada Denki. (though the success rate seems to depend on how well trained the staff are in either case.)

[word]

Unless you're coming over to live in destitute poverty (ie bringing a deadbeat significant other along for the ride) you should have enough money/month to afford the smart phone. The extra 2-3k for it is worth it in having access to a portable map alone, and if you haven't been to Japan before the country is the worst place in the entire world to navigate... even with a map. All the other stuff is a plus for sure, but the map alone saves lives.

word

Had a dumbphone the first two years, an Android phone for the third, and I can't believe I didn't just go with the smartphone upon arrival. It would've made my life a million, gazillion, bajillion times easier. It is worth its cost five times over. iPhone or Android phone... you won't regret it.

[coop52]

Yeah, smartphones really are worth it. It's extremely helpful to have access to maps and train/bus schedules with you at all times.It doesn't cost that much more than a regular phone; you just need to get the unlimited data plan. au has a couple of models that are free with the plan, too. I started out with a regular phone and just upgraded this past summer. I kind of regret not getting one sooner.

As for providers, I'd recommend avoiding Softbank if at all possible. Their service is spotty in places, especially the deep inaka. Nearly everyone I know that uses them has had some major issues with their customer service as well. I agree with whoever said it earlier- each store is very ESID.Some stores apparently won't let foreigners sign up without a Japanese credit card. Just the fact that I couldn't guarantee the same quality of service at all there stores would turn me off of them. I have au and have had no issues getting good customer service at any store. Haven't had any major issues with the signal strength either, except when I tried to use it in America.

[Boneydog22]

I currently have an unlimited plan with AU and pay ￥8900 a month on a two year contract. I have an ISO03 Android phone and LOVE IT. I chose to pay upfront for the phone (I think like 3man).I think smartphones are incredibly worth it- if only for google maps They give you something to do when you're on trains, highway buses and all that fun stuff.

[Gizmotech]

I cannot stress this enough, there is NO reason to pay for the phone upfront. It does not give you a discount/price break on your plan, it does not generate ANY customer loyalty or retention information, it just means you come here and fork out 300-500$ on a smartphone. Pay for it over 2 years, it comes out the same either way. There are likely to be FAR more pressing issues in your life (booze-socializing) that require that 300-500$ when you arrive. 9k/month... good lord. i paid 6.3k last month and that was because I made a few too many calls and texts to non-Softbank subscribers. My default bill is 5750.

Soft banks speed might not be all that hot, but when they do have coverage it's okay. If you're not a knuckle dragging mouth breather who breaks their phone every other week you shouldn't have any problem. Small benefit of purchasing an iPhone over Android in Japan is Apple takes care of any service problems, AND Softbank out in my neck of the woods gave my friend a loaner iPhone until his came back from Apple (got a defective unit out of the box pretty much).

The deep inaka problem is why you attempt to connect with your peers once you know your placement so you can plan ahead.

[teabot]

Soft banks speed might not be all that hot, but when they do have coverage it's okay. If you're not a knuckle dragging mouth breather who breaks their phone every other week you shouldn't have any problem. Small benefit of purchasing an iPhone over Android in Japan is Apple takes care of any service problems, AND Softbank out in my neck of the woods gave my friend a loaner iPhone until his came back from Apple (got a defective unit out of the box pretty much).

just wanna add this is not limited to iPhone users. i have a Galapagos Android model with Softbank, and while it was cool at first, i've become less-than-satisfied by it now. anyway, for some reason i've managed to need to send my phone in for repairs twice (once due to a fall, and another time due to a part mysteriously breaking) over the past 8 months or so. (i'm not typically a phone-breaker, though... :/)

fortunately after hemming and hawing over insurance, i did decide to insure my phone so all of my repairs have been free, but in both cases the phone had to be sent off to the factory for repairs and in both cases i got a loaner phone in the meantime. (it was not the same model or make, but it was still an android-based smartphone, so good enough.)

i will offer a word of caution about iPhones in particular, though, because of the glass over their screens. make sure you secure it before riding a bike... you'll likely be biking a lot more than in your home country (i definitely do), and i can't tell you how many ALTs at my BoE have cracked screens on their phones (just the glass, not the actual LCD), because the phone hopped out of their pocket or bike basket while biking and was run over by the bike itself or by a car. the phones are fine for the most part, they're just a little less shiny looking, and i'd imagine the occasional glass shards loosening themselves is a pain as well. (i've definitely dropped my own phone this way several times, but have yet to get it run over fortunately.)

[Siyris]

I cannot stress this enough, there is NO reason to pay for the phone upfront. It does not give you a discount/price break on your plan, it does not generate ANY customer loyalty or retention information, it just means you come here and fork out 300-500$ on a smartphone. Pay for it over 2 years, it comes out the same either way. There are likely to be FAR more pressing issues in your life (booze-socializing) that require that 300-500$ when you arrive. 9k/month... good lord. i paid 6.3k last month and that was because I made a few too many calls and texts to non-Softbank subscribers. My default bill is 5750.

If you're in an area that will allow you to make monthly payments, do so. However, I can vouch to the fact that not all softbank stores will permit you that option. I asked, my friends asked, my supervisor asked, my coworkers asked, and the softbank store still said, essentially, 'no since she is not a Japanese citizen she can not pay for it as she goes, pay up front or get a non-smart phone to pay it off with your monthly bill.'

I also agree about the 9k per month for an Iphone on AU... that seems obscenely high.... The MOST I've every paid was 6500 a month when I had a long (2 hour) conversation with a friend who's on docomo....

[Cliodhna]

I asked, my friends asked, my supervisor asked, my coworkers asked, and the softbank store still said, essentially, 'no since she is not a Japanese citizen she can not pay for it as she goes, pay up front or get a non-smart phone to pay it off with your monthly bill.'

See, that seems like such a scam. Why should store policy differ from place to place in a company? It especially doesn't make sense in Japan. They're trying to discriminate, because if other stores physically take your ARC in hand, record what they need to, and sign you up for a monthly contract with no problem, that means there is nothing by law forbidding them from doing so, and this store, claiming that there *is* is just full of BS and trying to give you a hard time for being a foreigner. You should have switched stores I think. :/

[Siyris]

I asked, my friends asked, my supervisor asked, my coworkers asked, and the softbank store still said, essentially, 'no since she is not a Japanese citizen she can not pay for it as she goes, pay up front or get a non-smart phone to pay it off with your monthly bill.'

See, that seems like such a scam. Why should store policy differ from place to place in a company? It especially doesn't make sense in Japan. They're trying to discriminate, because if other stores physically take your ARC in hand, record what they need to, and sign you up for a monthly contract with no problem, that means there is nothing by law forbidding them from doing so, and this store, claiming that there *is* is just full of BS and trying to give you a hard time for being a foreigner. You should have switched stores I think. :/

Switching stores would have required a 2 hour drive or so. As for discrimination: of course that's what it is... but it has a solid basis from years and years of ALTs coming for one year, breaking contract before the phone was paid off, and going home with the phone. There aren't laws against discrimination in Japan.... and the lady at the store said nothing about legalities of it... just that it was not something that she could do. And as my coworkers and supervisor also spoke with her, and her manager, it wasn't a language barrier thing. It's just how things work in a lot of areas.... I've heard of more people being told the same thing I was than I have heard of people being allowed to pay monthly along with their bill. She made it clear that if I was going to get a regular phone I would be welcome to pay that way... but that with an iphone or android, I would need to pay up front.

BS it might be, but telling the new incomers that they should definitely be able to do something that they very truly might not have the option of doing is misleading and unfair to them.

[Cliodhna]

I asked, my friends asked, my supervisor asked, my coworkers asked, and the softbank store still said, essentially, 'no since she is not a Japanese citizen she can not pay for it as she goes, pay up front or get a non-smart phone to pay it off with your monthly bill.'

See, that seems like such a scam. Why should store policy differ from place to place in a company? It especially doesn't make sense in Japan. They're trying to discriminate, because if other stores physically take your ARC in hand, record what they need to, and sign you up for a monthly contract with no problem, that means there is nothing by law forbidding them from doing so, and this store, claiming that there *is* is just full of BS and trying to give you a hard time for being a foreigner. You should have switched stores I think. :/

Switching stores would have required a 2 hour drive or so. As for discrimination: of course that's what it is... but it has a solid basis from years and years of ALTs coming for one year, breaking contract before the phone was paid off, and going home with the phone. There aren't laws against discrimination in Japan.... and the lady at the store said nothing about legalities of it... just that it was not something that she could do. And as my coworkers and supervisor also spoke with her, and her manager, it wasn't a language barrier thing. It's just how things work in a lot of areas.... I've heard of more people being told the same thing I was than I have heard of people being allowed to pay monthly along with their bill. She made it clear that if I was going to get a regular phone I would be welcome to pay that way... but that with an iphone or android, I would need to pay up front.

BS it might be, but telling the new incomers that they should definitely be able to do something that they very truly might not have the option of doing is misleading and unfair to them.

I know, and I do understand that this happens, and of course it's your choice whether or not to just roll with it or not, and sometimes rolling with it can be more convenient I'm sure. It's just frustrating to see it happen to you guys.