Been reading through the whole thread. My head's spinning. So a quick question to those in Japan.

I might be in Japan for about 12 days in August next year (2009), and from what I understand, GSM phones don't work in Japan. 3G does, and that is fine as my phone supports 3G fine. The thing is, roaming is horrendously expensive, and I need to be contactable, as I will be traveling with a partner.

Now the thing is, normally when I go abroad, I always pick up a local SIM card for a local number. But from what I understand, that is not possible in Japan, am I right?

So short for forking out 600 yen A DAY for a rental phone (not counting any call charges!), is it possible to get a local Japanese number like Malaysia, where you rock up to a shop and buy a SIM card?

Many thanks in advance.

Hi Haya...August 2009 still long to go we cant expect anything yet nor latest promo...currently, IF you talk about Tokyo area of even of prepaid phone is SOLD OUT of Softbank. To buy a simcard you must buy together with the phone. Even your phone is 3G, YES if unlock and it can be used for incoming and outgoing call ONLY because its NOT supported phone settings for SMS and MMS, most ppl here using MMS/mobile email.
Thats my simple explanation (just wait lor, always surf with updaye of Softbank, AU and Doomo promo for the prepaid) as I told you before the guys selling prepaid phone for 25,000yen! plug and play BUT if you buy on any dealers you still need a passport for the registration..
cheers

currently using Postpaid and prepaid softbank...YES its support SMS(softbank to softbank)and other network ONLY mobile email!
last 2 weeks my frenz from Germany the luckiest ever in Tokyo to get a last unit in Akihabara the prepaid softbank...as she search whole over internet she still cant find in Tokyo unless sub burbs in Japan may be...she bought a prepaid phone and its must with phone..I just ask 'CANT BUY THE SIM ONLY?' she replied "NO,why?"

HALLOOOO ..you are the 'sempai'(senior) in Japan whatttt  !!?? You lah the 1st...otherwise CLEMOONG   ...how bout that Firedauz? hehehe yeehaaa!

wow! so cool dude!
I got no time now for the new photos of Autumn, I think i miss the shot lor..today morning raining in Tokyo...so all the 'daun berguguran' hehehe..
Is it WINTER SEASON now?heard that north of Japan oledi got snow

Anyone bought a warm can of this drink?
Can eat the corn inside the can as well

Nice to drink especially during this autumn-winter season

I was walking down Akihabara and guess what I saw...

I'm planning to stay in Hotel Vintage Shinjuku, located in Kabuki-Cho. I know its an entertainment/red-light district. Is it safe in general?

I did expect Japan to be expensive, but I didn't expect being in touch to be so expensive!

6000 yen for a phone sounds average, and if it is nice it might even give some of the better phones in Malaysia a run for their money. The thing is through, it does sound like I will end up with a Japanese phone. Can they be used outside Japan (ie Malaysia) with a normal (say) Celcom SIM card?

I'll be in Tokyo for about 12 days. Renting a phone is about 500yen/day. Thats 6000yen just so that the office can call me! Roaming is not much cheaper: RM1.50/minute incoming call.
I'll consider the offer.
Is the legacy of Vodafone still there? (For those who don't get it, Vodafone's slogan is "Make the most of now")

Anyway, I think I get your point, that there is a shortage of prepaid phones currently in the Tokyo region.

Thanks to all who provided the information. Was most useful and helpful.

hajimemashite tanoshi san
watashi irie desu....
juz a suggestion here......
can u add list for people who wanna stay in japan also?
hehehe
if yes put me in the 1st row....hahaha
onegaishimasu

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Added on November 19, 2008, 6:01 pmminna nihon benkyou shimashou......

so, i just have a normal wind breaker with me? is that fine? Just saw the weather at tokyo. its 17 C . as cold as genting

ohh, i noticed your Sig, do i bring my normal 18-55mm lens or 18-135mm?
dont wanna bring 2 lenses along.

lol , yea. what was i thinking  . I did not sell my 18-55 because its lighter than the 18-135 . Easier for me to use.

its not? it is heavy for me.

A SALE ? seriously. aww man. i am there till teh 30th dec .
i am using a D50 btw. I am still quite new to DSLR, so i m still getting used to the weight. and whats more, my bag can only fit 2 lens .

from tokyo to okinawa . how to go ?

zzzzz . can anybody teach me how to go okinawa from tokyo ? i want visit that tree restraunt . i dont swim nor fly . thanks