Cell Phone Options While In Japan

Many of you have asked about cellular options while in Japan.  This blog post is a way to communicate options for you or your student traveler for the duration of the trip.

DOMESTIC PLAN OPTIONS:

• AT&T: AT&T has several options via their AT&T Passport option.  Depending on usage and data options, this will range from $30 - $120/month  plus a per minute rate for calling.  You can learn more here:  AT&T Passport

• SPRINT: Sprint has options via their international travel packages.  Depending on the phone type, usage, data options--the pricing will range from $40-80/month plus per minute rates .  You can learn more here (you will need to select your phone type): Sprint International

• TMOBILE: T-Mobile has free data with $.20/minute calling from Japan.  You can learn more here: T-Mobile International

• VERIZON: Verizon's options start at $25/month plus per minute calling rates.  Find out more here: Verizon Global 

• SKYPE: There will be several parent's on the trip with computers that can be used to skype home during the trip (advanced request and scheduling needs to occur so that everyone is not trying to use the service at the same time).  If you are interested in this option, please set up a skype account here: SKYPE and also schedule during a future parent trip planning meeting.

RENTAL PHONES:

• Several companies within Japan offer phones for rent.  In this option, you order the phone you want online and THEY SHIP THE PHONE DIRECTLY TO YOUR HOME!!  The phone will arrive about 1 week before the trip is scheduled.  Once the trip is over, the user merely mails the phone back at the airport before boarding the plane for home.  This is often times the lowest price option available to you.  Options available are:

1. Rentafonejapan
2. Softbank (these guys don't ship the phone to you)
3. Pupuru
4. Global Advanced Communications
5. Mobal
6. My Japan Phone

I hope that this information and these links are helpful!  More information to come--so subscribe to our RSS Feed!

Cyndi Jones
Dublin Taiko Secretary