Hello,
A group of us are going to Japan for 10 days and I'm wondering where to get a SIM card to use in Japan? In case the group gets split up, we can contact each other. I guess a WIFI hotspot can do too. Can anyone share some tips on where to get a pocket WIFI router? If not possible, what kind of SIM card should we get?
Thanks in advance.
thanks. any idea on the cost?
Only Data-sim available for tourist, so get a Skype account if you need to call someone.
http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/japantravelfaq
thanks mate
from memory it starts from 3000 yen to 5000 yen or even more.
http://www.pupuru.com/en/service/emobile/ is also a good website to 'pre-order' your modem and pick up in airport
Just remember that if you're opting to pick up, make sure you arrive within the operating hours of the airport post office
thanks mate
Non-Japan resident cannot purchase prepaid data & sim card, only data sim.
I got mine from this mob http://www.globaladvancedcomm.com/
You need to order in advance, a couple of weeks before travel if possible. Option for me was to pick from post office at airport for free (you have to arrive within the airport post office's business hours) or delivery to hotel for a fee.
I rented 5 pocket wifi for 12 of us and we used whatsapp or facetime if we need to call each other. Each pocket wifi cost about $5 per unit per day.
Don't rely on those Jap telcos that offers tourists to use their free hot spots, even in Tokyo they can be hit and miss. Also don't skim on communication cost, a big group of people can be challenging to manage.
I've used this data sim plenty of times in Japan: http://www.bmobile.ne.jp/english/ . Just use Facebook messenger/Whatsapp/Skype etc. to make voice calls if required.
Has great coverage on the DoCoMo network. Can pick up from airport, deliver to hotel or purchase in person at BIC Camera and Yodobashi Camera stores.
Also used bmobile and vouch for them, good service. If using an iPhone you might need to connect to a wifi hotspot to download a profile.
Depends how often the group will be split up and whether organising a meet up time and location will be enough?
I've been to Japan twice for ten days each time and I've not needed data. Just organised times and places in advance. Might not work as well for you if you're planning on splitting up a lot.
I bought this for sons ski trip $40 15 days 3.5GB data http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/JP-Mobile-SIM-Card-Prepaid-Data-S…
Bought it in advance so the SIM got sent, set up the profile with the SIM on home wi-fi so it was ready to go (but you could also do this at a wi-fi hot spot once there)
All reports it worked fine.
Get a data+calls SIM card from vending machines available in Japan airports