外人だ！: Landline & Mobile Phone Services

THERE are 3 main mobile carriers in Japan: NTT Docomo , Softbank, and AU by KDDI. All offer some phones with some degree of English ability.

Charges vary depending on the package and vary from about ¥3,000(~SGD51) to ¥10,000(~SGD170) per month. Each company has different requirements in order to sign up for a plan but one requirement that is constant for all telcos is you'll need your Alien Registration Card.

Major electronics department store such as BIC Camera or Yodabashi Camera , there will most likely be a person who speaks a little English. Depending on location, the main branch stores will have staff members who speak English. Some telcos are now offering prepaid cell phones that require no monthly fee or plan purchase, but work mostly on pre-paid cards for usage. Pre-paid phones generally have basic functions such as text messaging but may not have more advanced functions such as Internet access.

Most telcos will require a bank account to sign up for a regular phone plan(usually a yearly or bi-yearly plan). With this, your monthly balance will be automatically withdrawn from your account. Therefore, it is recommended to open a bank account prior to applying for a mobile account.

Payments can also be made at a store branch or convenience stores for those who receive a monthly paper statement. For pre-paid phones, there will be a flat fee for the cost of the phone and for usage you will need to purchase pre-paid cards (usually ¥3,000 [~S$47] or ¥5,000 [~S$78]).

Landline (Home Phone Line)

The best thing to do is to go to a major electronics department store (e.g. Yodabashi Camera,

BIC Camera, K’s Denki, Kojima Denki) as they usually have special packages that allow you to buy a landline, and the right to use a phone line for around ¥30,000 (~S$470). It would be helpful to provide the representative with your address as the choice of telephone providers differs by area.

You will need your Alien Registration Card and hanko before you can set-up an account. For more details on the requirements, please visit the electronics store in your area and speak to a representative.