Easiest/Cheapest Way to Make Single Call to Japan?

phatbirb on 02/09/2024 - 13:08
Last edited 02/09/2024 - 15:28 by 1 other user

Hi everyone, I am trying to purchase tickets for the Nintendo Museum in Japan when I go on my holiday later this year.

The problem is that when I go to purchase, I have to verify my identity by calling a Japanese number using my own phone number that I registered with. My plan doesn't allow for international calling, so I'm wondering what's the cheapest and easiest way to make a single phone call to Japan?

I did find a Skype international calling 30 day free trial, but I havent used it before so don't really know how it works e.g. does it call from a different mobile number? Don't want to sign up for it if it's not going to help.

I have tried a few things. Unfortunately WhatsApp requires both parties to have accounts registered and I can't use my friend's phone who has international calling as it has to come from my phone number. The cheapest international pack add on for the phone carrier that I am with is $15.

If you could please share any advice to an inexperienced traveller that would be amazing!! Thank you so much.

Mobile Asia Japan

Comments

    • phatbirb on 02/09/2024 - 13:19

      Ahh okay, thank you for letting me know. At least I tried!

  • eutama on 02/09/2024 - 13:25

    how bout "free"? Boost offer unlimited call to Japan.
    you may want to sign up with different number or.. port to boost.

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/864170

    • phatbirb on 02/09/2024 - 13:29

      Thank you! I'll see if I can port my phone number.

  • nige0090 on 02/09/2024 - 13:28
    +1

    I think that Skype does support spoofing the Caller ID
    https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/skype/how-do-i-change-my…

    I have my Skype Caller ID set to my mobile number and when I call my wife's mobile from my desktop Skype, it appears on her mobile as a call from my mobile.
    I think that this is what you are looking for.

    The only caveat I see is that I am using skype as part of my 365 subscription, not a Skype free trial.

  • node modules on 02/09/2024 - 13:46
    +1

    Japan telcos may block incoming calls from IP lines, including Skype. But as the other dude has said, spoofing the Caller ID might do the trick.

    • phatbirb on 02/09/2024 - 14:08

      Fingers crossed it'll work! Thank you.

  • 87percent on 02/09/2024 - 14:05

    just pay the $15 to make the call

    • phatbirb on 02/09/2024 - 14:07

      Aight just wanted to see if there were any other options but thanks!

    • Seraphin7 on 02/09/2024 - 14:31

      Extraordinarily likely to fit the bill for the "easiest way to call" … cheapest will then come down to how OP values their time.

  • jv on 02/09/2024 - 15:10
    +2

    Skype can be set up to display your phone number.

    Also, if you have a Microsoft 365 subscription, it includes 1 hour of free skype calls each month.

    • phatbirb on 02/09/2024 - 15:11

      Thanks, looks like this'll be the way to go!

      • jv on 02/09/2024 - 15:13

        It's good to have skype anyway as it is one of the few ways you can call landlines back in Australia for free as long as you have access to wifi…

  • starkers on 02/09/2024 - 15:26
    +1

    I had to make this same call yesterday!

    Ended up adding the international calling pack to my JB Telstra plan ($10). Will cancel today.

    FYI: The call literally just disconnects as soon as you dial it, and the the purchase page is updated. I was a little confused when I dialled it and nothing happened, but it appears to just be to confirm that you're a real person calling from that number. Once it connects to the call, it immediately disconnects and then just check the purchase page and you should be good to go.

    SO EXCITED FOR THIS!!!

    • phatbirb on 02/09/2024 - 16:46

      Thank you!! I hope you have a great trip 😄

    • 87percent on 02/09/2024 - 17:40

      When did you try and book tickets?

      • starkers on 03/09/2024 - 12:56

        It's a lottery system. I personally entered the ballot the day of the announcement (20/08) for an entry in the month of October. The ballots for October and November were drawn on Sunday (01/09). They're currently accepting entries for December.

  • sss333 on 03/09/2024 - 07:29

    Nice getting tickets through the lottery system they have.

  • phatbirb on 03/09/2024 - 18:43
    +2

    Thanks everyone! Managed to secure my tickets using the Skype method, it worked out smoothly for me 😄

  • mnko on 03/09/2024 - 23:08

    Buy a $5 phone calling card

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join