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The prepaid SIM card for Japan with a world cell phone is the most convenient and economical solution for staying in touch while in Japan. All incoming calls while in Japan are FREE, regardless of where they originate. Pay the local rate for local calls and use your cellular phone in Japan like you do at home. And unlike home, your Japan SIM card and cell phone service is prepaid so there is no need for a contract.
Japan SIM Card (SoftBank) Highlights
Prepaid Japan SIM card (SoftBank) with JPY 3000 (approx. US$33.35) starter airtime credit
A local phone number while in Japan
Free incoming calls
Voicemail
SMS (text messaging)
GPRS - High Speed Data
Please Note:
Your Japan SIM Card (SoftBank) will require a SIM-unlocked GSM compatible international cell phone. If you do not have your own international cell phone, we have several models available for rental or purchase.
Your Japan SIM card will provide you with a Japan cellular phone number, which can be found on the front of your SIM card package. You need to scratch the grey protective layer to reveal your number.
* Travel to Japan
* Be sure that the battery is adequately charged
* Insert the Japan SIM chip into the cellular phone*
* Turn on your phone
* Enter the PIN code^
* Dial 1400 and enter your Japan mobile phone number when prompted
* Start calling**
*You will need to snap out the thumbnail sized Japan SIM card along the perforated edge of its holder and then insert the Japan SIM card into your international cell phone with the gold contacts of the SIM card facing the metal contacts of your international cellular phone.
^Your phone will prompt you for a 4 digit PIN code (PIN), which is printed on the card where your SIM card is detached from. The PUK is only required to unblock your cell phone if you enter the PIN code incorrectly 3 times. Follow your international cellular phone manual instructions to correctly use the PUK to unblock your phone.
**When calling overseas from the United States to your Japan cell phone, callers will need to dial 011 followed by country code 81 and your Japan cell phone number, omitting the first 0 (zero). To call abroad from your Japan cell phone simply dial + followed by the country code and phone number.
Customer service for your prepaid Japan SIM card can be contacted at between 9:00am and 8:00pm. anytime by dialing 157 free from your Japan cellular phone. Press 8 for English support.
For emergencies while using your local Japan SIM card in Japan please dial 119 from your cell phone.
Domestic calls are calls placed with your Japan SIM card whilst you are in Japan, calling a number located in Japan. All incoming calls, regardless of where they originate, are FREE.
All domestic calls with your Japan SIM card are charged at JPY 9 / 6 seconds (JPY 90 / minute (approx. US$1.01).
International Calls
International calling is available with your Japan SIM card. To dial an international number, please dial the following string:
* 010 (country code) (area code) (phone number)
Rates vary from JPY 90 (approx. US$1.01) to JPY 300 (approx. US$3.05) / minute. To get detailed information on rates, please contact customer service on 157 (press 8 for English voice prompts).
Roaming Calls (calls placed when traveling outside of the country)
International Roaming is currently not available with your Japan service.
For the most convenient roaming solution with excellent coverage in over 130 countries, we recommend the Passport SIM Card.
GPRS Data Rates (Wireless Internet)
GPRS is available with your Japan service. GPRS data transfers are charged at JPY 0.32 (approx. US$0.01) / KB.
Your prepaid Japan SIM card comes with an initial starter airtime credit of JPY 3000 (approx. US$33.35). You can top-up your prepaid Japan SIM card by purchasing a top-up card (airtime vouchers), not another SIM card. These airtime vouchers are available locally at tabac shops, convenience stores, petrol stations, SoftBank centers and authorized dealers.
To recharge your Japan service, please:
* Purchase a SoftBank airtime voucher
* Scratch off the protective layer to reveal your recharge voucher code
* Dial 1400 from your Japan cell phone and follow the voice prompts, you will be instructed to enter the voucher code
To check the balance on your Japan SIM card simply dial 1400 from your Japan cell phone (charges may apply).
Your Japan SIM card comes preloaded with JPY 3000 (approx. US$33.35), which will expire 60 days after the activation date. Your Japan telephone number will remain active as long as you place chargeable calls. The number remains active 365 days after the last usage. Failure to place a chargeable call or recharge your account within the 365-day period, will result in a permanent suspension of your account. In order to continue using your Japan service, you will need to purchase another Japan SIM card.
More Information and Resources
Keeping in touch while in Japan can be very a frustrating and expensive experience without an international cell phone and Japan SIM card.
Sometimes a payphone takes coins (But how many is anybody's guess!!!), other times a proprietary calling card and still others only a credit card will do with accompanying instructions that would take a week to understand.
Japan cellular phone rentals can significantly cut down on the frustration of calling home while abroad but the airtime rates would bankrupt all but the thickest of wallets. Airtime rates for a Japan cell phone rental can typically start at $1.50 and may be as high as $2+/minute.
Think you got a deal on your world phone and plan on doing some international roaming? With international roaming charges the airtime rate you will pay is out of this world.
The Japan prepaid SIM chip is a quick and easy way to convert your existing world phone into a prepaid Japan cell phone for Japan and as discussed is more economical then a Japan cell phone rental. For your next assignment or vacation in Japan, this SIM chip (combined with an unlocked GSM World cell phone) helps you stay connected while avoiding those international roaming surcharges that always accompany your 'home' SIM card while abroad. We offer a growing selection of prepaid SIM Cards for other international destinations as well as a wide variety of GSM cell phone accessories and GSM international cell phones. |
