Japan - Prepaid data SIM for visitors somewhat guide to buying

It's been a while since I have contributed something here, so I figured I could write this short "guide" of sorts for the B-mobile 1G prepaid data plan (30day version).

This is intended for short term visitors who I often see asking questions about prepaid data plans, wifi rental, wifi availability etc etc.
Note this is only about a prepaid data plan (no voice, but skype can be used on it).

The guide is intended for people who need access to emails, googlemaps, etc while outside of their hotel for the day. As I mention on the site, for most visitors this should be enough to get what they need done while outside of a hotel or business center's internet access. Also the reason I recommend the B-mobile 1G prepaid data version over others to visitors is because it's something you can walk into a Yodobashi or Bic Camera and purchase immediately, no need to navigate a Japanese website to order and input a Japanese address etc for delivery like the USIM 300 version.


Here's my guide on how to actually purchase and activate the B-Mobile 1G Prepaid data sim:
http://japanprepaid.hostingsiteforfree.com/

For those interested in reading more about the b-mobile sims (technical data etc etc) and other data sims this web blog covers them in great detail: Note that isn't my site, only the guide above is.
http://softbanksucks.blogspot.com/2011/09/b-mobile-1gb-flat-rate-sim.html
http://softbanksucks.blogspot.com/2011/06/comparison-of-all-b-mobile-sims.html

It's been a while since I have contributed something here, so I figured I could write this short "guide" of sorts for the B-mobile 1G prepaid data plan (30day version).

This is intended for short term visitors who I often see asking questions about prepaid data plans, wifi rental, wifi availability etc etc.
Note this is only about a prepaid data plan (no voice, but skype can be used on it).

The guide is intended for people who need access to emails, googlemaps, etc while outside of their hotel for the day. As I mention on the site, for most visitors this should be enough to get what they need done while outside of a hotel or business center's internet access. Also the reason I recommend the B-mobile 1G prepaid data version over others to visitors is because it's something you can walk into a Yodobashi or Bic Camera and purchase immediately, no need to navigate a Japanese website to order and input a Japanese address etc for delivery like the USIM 300 version.


Here's my guide on how to actually purchase and activate the B-Mobile 1G Prepaid data sim:
http://japanprepaid.hostingsiteforfree.com/

For those interested in reading more about the b-mobile sims (technical data etc etc) and other data sims this web blog covers them in great detail: Note that isn't my site, only the guide above is.
http://softbanksucks.blogspot.com/2011/09/b-mobile-1gb-flat-rate-sim.html
http://softbanksucks.blogspot.com/2011/06/comparison-of-all-b-mobile-sims.html

Great advice you can also get unlimited 6 month and 12 month data cards from Bmobile at very reasonable prices. Good deal if you spend much time in Japan or have a device from overseas that you want to use in Japan.

Thanks for the info on how to activate via mobile. I'd wondered if it would send a text msg confirming as some inexpensive rental phones don't offer that function.

Here's the English Amazon link to get the 1 GB full sized SIM card
http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/switch-language/product/B005LAZDTM/ref=dp_change_lang?ie=UTF8&language=en_JP
and micro
http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC%E9%80%9A%E4%BF%A1-%E6%9C%89%E5%8A%B9%E6%9C%9F%E9%96%9330%E6%97%A5%E9 %96%93%E3%80%8Cb%E3%83%A2%E3%83%90%E3%82%A4%E3%83% AB-1GB%E5%AE%9A%E9%A1%8D%E3%80%8D%E3%83%91%E3%83%83%E 3%82%B1%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B8-%E3%83%9E%E3%82%A4%E3%82%AF%E3%83%ADSIM%E3%82%B5%E 3%82%A4%E3%82%BA%E7%89%88-BM-FRM-1GBM/dp/B005LAZDVK/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1328066959&sr=1-4

Useful if you're quickly transiting off to less urban areas of Japan. You can still have it shipped with an English checkout system.

I used the B-Mobile products twice, both times activated by Skype calls (i.e. land line from their point of view)

After you have reached an English speaking rep, you will be called back at your hotel or wherever to confirm that you exist. The card is immediately activated for 10 days.

An activation code can be snail-mailed to you for full activation beyond 10 days. This last time they asked if I needed it for more than 10 days. I said no, and the call ended at that point. Took all of 5 minutes and $0.3 in call charges.

If you need it for more than 10 days, you can arrange for the snail-mailing of the activation code, OR repeat the activation process again after 10 days.

thanks for the guide. So b mobile 1gb still the best to use now?

Not if you need more than 1GB, or you don't need more than 300kbps speed.

So what is the other option?

I actually found this thread after googling for hours, it was nice to confirm that you can activate the bmobile cards for 10 days at a time using landline, because I won't have a Japanese mobile and I'm only there for 3 days (so there's no point waiting for the snail mail card).

rookiecz, from what I've seen this appears to be the two options for short term stays:
b-mobile SIM U300 (purchase online only, deliver to hotel) - 2980 yen (http://www.bmobile.ne.jp/sim/index.html)
b-mobile 1G (can be purchased at Yodobashi Akihabara or BIC Camera) - 3480 yen (http://www.bmobile.ne.jp/1gb/index.html)

Both are activated the same way. OP is referring to the 1G card. If you don't need more than 300 kbps transfer speed, you can save a few bucks but need to arrange for delivery of the U300 SIM/microSIM to your hotel.

It's been a while since I have contributed something here, so I figured I could write this short "guide" of sorts for the B-mobile 1G prepaid data plan (30day version).

This is intended for short term visitors who I often see asking questions about prepaid data plans, wifi rental, wifi availability etc etc.
Note this is only about a prepaid data plan (no voice, but skype can be used on it).

The guide is intended for people who need access to emails, googlemaps, etc while outside of their hotel for the day. As I mention on the site, for most visitors this should be enough to get what they need done while outside of a hotel or business center's internet access. Also the reason I recommend the B-mobile 1G prepaid data version over others to visitors is because it's something you can walk into a Yodobashi or Bic Camera and purchase immediately, no need to navigate a Japanese website to order and input a Japanese address etc for delivery like the USIM 300 version.


Here's my guide on how to actually purchase and activate the B-Mobile 1G Prepaid data sim:
http://japanprepaid.hostingsiteforfree.com/

For those interested in reading more about the b-mobile sims (technical data etc etc) and other data sims this web blog covers them in great detail: Note that isn't my site, only the guide above is.
http://softbanksucks.blogspot.com/2011/09/b-mobile-1gb-flat-rate-sim.html
http://softbanksucks.blogspot.com/2011/06/comparison-of-all-b-mobile-sims.html

Thanks OP, this is great!

I heard about B-mobile's AEON SIM cards (http://www.bmobile.ne.jp/aeon/) the other day. You can get up to 100kbps unlimited* for 980 yen per month, or 400kbps unlimited* for 2980 yen per month. *Looks like some people found out there is a limit of 3million packets for 3 day period. The plans specifically exclude Skype and other VOIP applications. This is only sold at AEON locations.

Will a temporary visitor be able to sign up for these plans?

I heard about B-mobile's AEON SIM cards (http://www.bmobile.ne.jp/aeon/) the other day. You can get up to 100kbps unlimited* for 980 yen per month, or 400kbps unlimited* for 2980 yen per month. *Looks like some people found out there is a limit of 3million packets for 3 day period. The plans specifically exclude Skype and other VOIP applications. This is only sold at AEON locations.

Will a temporary visitor be able to sign up for these plans?

To purchase b-mobile AEON SIM cards, you are required ID such as Japanese driver license and Certificate of Alien Registration which showed address in Japan.
So, temporary visitor is not able to purchase.

*Looks like some people found out there is a limit of 3million packets for 3 day period.

The website says that if you hit the limit they may throttle your connection, but not that they will cut you off or charge you more.

If you are going through HKG at all before JPN, get a 3HKG card with the global roaming. This allows UNLIMITED roaming in JPN on Docomo for 300HKD/day. I have used it multiple times, and it works perfectly...

If you are going through HKG at all before JPN, get a 3HKG card with the global roaming. This allows UNLIMITED roaming in JPN on Docomo for 300HKD/day.

The b-mobile card mentioned above is more like 300 HKD per month.

If you are going through HKG at all before JPN, get a 3HKG card with the global roaming. This allows UNLIMITED roaming in JPN on Docomo for 300HKD/day. I have used it multiple times, and it works perfectly...

That's USD ~40 per day. I wouldn't call that cheap. Softbank has the equivalent outside Japan for 2900 yen a day -- unlimited phone and data.

To understand the Bmobile card better: it is possible to activate with a landline but only works for 10 days?? But activate with a Japanese cell phone it works for an unlimited time period.

To purchase b-mobile AEON SIM cards, you are required ID such as Japanese driver license and Certificate of Alien Registration which showed address in Japan.
So, temporary visitor is not able to purchase.
Thanks for the information, but that's a bummer for temporary visitors. I kind of expected it though.

There is new SIM card from b-mobile, named “b-mobile 0Yen SIM” (Data only)
You can purchase at “Yodobashi Camera” all over Japan.

SIM Package 3,150Yen(Card only)

Usage cost per month
0-100MB: 37.8Yen/1MB
100MB-1GB: 3,780Yen (Flat Rate)
If you want to use more than 1GB, You have to set up at online, up to 2GB.

Only one requirement is address in Japan (Not ID).
You need address to receive mail to extend monthly service.
B-mobile will send you letter to verify your address. May be you can use your friend or office address.

To activate card, you need access b-mobile web site with Japanese:confused:
This SIM will expire if you don't use 6 months.:td:

b-mobile 0Yen SIM is very useful for who visit Japan on regular basis.
b-mobile will charge how much you use, if you don't, its free.^

Appreciate the info in this thread.
We're going from Narita (Terminal 1) to Hiroshima on day 1. There doesn't appear to be a Bic Camera or Yodobashi Camera in Hiroshima. And in Narita Terminal 1, there appears to be:
Audio Space
Cameras Taiyodo
Fa-So-La Tax Free Akihabara
docomo World Counter
SoftBank Counter.

Any suggestions, on where I can source a b-mobile data sim in Narita or Hiroshima (and ideally getting the guy at the counter to call in and activate it on his own mobile phone? :D ).

I think the easiest Yodobashi to reach from NRT would be the one outside Keisei Ueno Station, at the other end of the Skyliner train. If you have a >4 hour layover you probably have enough time to run into the city and buy the SIM card.

Or if you read Japanese (which you would need to be able to do in order to activate the card anyway) you could order it on the Yodobashi web site (http://www.yodobashi.com/ec/promotion/newtopics/detail/10000000000000024339/index.html).

When I looked at the b-mobile website it listed other outlets like Yamada Denki (LABI). I think they are all over Japan.

Thanks for the info on how to activate via mobile. I'd wondered if it would send a text msg confirming as some inexpensive rental phones don't offer that function.

Here's the English Amazon link to get the 1 GB full sized SIM card
http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/switch-language/product/B005LAZDTM/ref=dp_change_lang?ie=UTF8&language=en_JP
and micro
http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC%E9%80%9A%E4%BF%A1-%E6%9C%89%E5%8A%B9%E6%9C%9F%E9%96%9330%E6%97%A5%E9 %96%93%E3%80%8Cb%E3%83%A2%E3%83%90%E3%82%A4%E3%83% AB-1GB%E5%AE%9A%E9%A1%8D%E3%80%8D%E3%83%91%E3%83%83%E 3%82%B1%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B8-%E3%83%9E%E3%82%A4%E3%82%AF%E3%83%ADSIM%E3%82%B5%E 3%82%A4%E3%82%BA%E7%89%88-BM-FRM-1GBM/dp/B005LAZDVK/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1328066959&sr=1-4

Useful if you're quickly transiting off to less urban areas of Japan. You can still have it shipped with an English checkout system.

Just wanted to report back on my own successful purchase and use of the 1GB b-mobile sim shipped by Amazon.co.jp

Purchase:
It was fairly simple to follow the similar Amazon flow to add it to cart. The only tricky part was filling in the shipping address via "Manage your Address Book" > "Add a Japanese Address". According to the Japanese "Add a Address" page, the address fields accept up to 15 characters each: "You can enter up to 15 characters. If more than 15 characters, please enter divided into 1, 2 address."

When you fill out the shipping page, it will ask for
Full Name:
ZIP/Postal Code: -
Prefecture:
Address Line 1:
(or company name)
Address Line 2:
(optional)
Company Name:
(Optional)
Phone Number:

Sample:
Full Name: <Your name and res id>
ZIP/Postal Code: 160-0023
Prefecture: Tokyo-to
Address Line 1: 新宿区西新宿 3-7-1
(or company name)
Address Line 2:
(optional)
Company Name:
(Optional)
Phone Number: 353221234 ‎

Then add your credit card billing address to the address book via "Add International Address". I used a US issued CC with no issues.

ETA: Thanks gnaget for the address clarification - post 25
jib71 and beep88 for addressee "Full Name" change - post 22, 24 (I would hope that would work for a mixed-tenant type building? Where a hotel is on top of an office complex?)

Shipment receipt:
I had e-mailed the hotel I stayed at (Hotel Trusty Abeno in Osaka's Tennoji area) to let them know that a package was expected. They placed the unopened box in my room along with my luggage I had dropped off before check-in. I had ordered it on April 12. Amazon shipped it April 13 and it arrived at the hotel on April 14.

The box itself has a nice little zip strip pull so you shouldn't need scissors to open it.

Card activation:
Very simple to follow the posted blog instructions and I activated with a free cellphone rental from ANA (http://www.telecomsquare.co.jp/ana_inbound/en/). It took me 1 minute and 6 seconds. I listened for a few seconds after the activation acknowledgement. The automated message basically tells you it will be activated shortly (5 or 15 min, I forget). No Japanese needed.

I did need to manually add the APN which is printed inside the folder. The fields are written in Japanese, so just write down the info from the blog linked in the first post or take a guess on which field is which (what I did).

ETA: People more familiar with Japanese addresses, please do chime in there are better ways to fill out the address. This is what I did and the package reached the hotel.
For deliveries to hotels, I would suggest entering your own name and other reference information (dates of stay or reservation number) in the name field.

Or if you read Japanese (which you would need to be able to do in order to activate the card anyway)

no you don't. http://www.bmobile.ne.jp/english/activate_en.html

For deliveries to hotels, I would suggest entering your own name and other reference information (dates of stay or reservation number) in the name field.

I always do that, and with the official B-Mobile website, you can schedule the actual delivery. Never wrote to hotel re. my package.

Not sure why you are persisting in writing the address in Japanese if you don't really understand what you are writing. You wouldn't split off the numbers like that. That's like entering a Western address and splitting off the street number on a separate line. And the 3 is integrally connected in defining the 3rd chome of Nishishinjuku (西新宿).

東京都新宿区西新宿 3-7-1 reads "Tokyo-to Shinjuku-ku Nishishinjuku 3-7-1". So you are actually writing Tokyo-to twice. (Nishi means west, btw.)

So if you are writing the address western style then write 3-7-1 Nishishinjuku on the first address line and Shinjuku-ku on the second line and you can do it in English/ romaji. Or you could write both on the same line separated by a comma. That's the recommend way by Japan Post.

Or, I guess you could write 新宿区西新宿 3-7-1 on address line 1.

In practice the zip code will pinpoint the location and then the next critical piece of information is 3-7-1 Nishishinjuku.

Just wanted to report back on my own successful purchase and use of the 1GB b-mobile sim shipped by Amazon.co.jp


You would want to fill it out with both address lines, not everything on address line 1 since Amazon.co.jp will state the address is not valid
Full Name: Park Hyatt Tokyo
ZIP/Postal Code: 160-0023
Prefecture: Tokyo-to
Address Line 1: 東京都新宿区西新宿
(or company name)
Address Line 2: 3-7-1
(optional)
Company Name: <Your name and res id>
(Optional)
Phone Number: 353221234 ‎

Then add your credit card billing address to the address book via "Add International Address". I used a US issued CC with no issues.

ETA: People more familiar with Japanese addresses, please do chime in there are better ways to fill out the address. This is what I did and the package reached the hotel.


I did need to manually add the APN which is printed inside the folder. The fields are written in Japanese, so just write down the info from the blog linked in the first post or take a guess on which field is which (what I did).

So if you are writing the address western style then write 3-7-1 Nishishinjuku on the first address line and Shinjuku-ku on the second line and you can do it in English/ romaji. Or you could write both on the same line separated by a comma. That's the recommend way by Japan Post.



Thanks for the clarification. I thought it was a bit odd to fill out the address form that way, too, and gave both methods you describe a try before I resorted to the number on a separate line to get the form to accept it. Just tried it again with prefecture included and get a "Your request is missing information or needs correcting. Please fix the areas indicated below. When you are done, please press the Continue button to send your information again." error. Nice and cryptic.

Working through it more, I believe there's a 15 character max limit per line. "新宿区西新宿 3-7-1" on address line 1 works. "3-7-1 Nishishinjuku" probably exceeds the character limit and it does not work.

I'm chalking it up to user error + the magic of form validation and will update my original post's example.
ETA: Oh, and as for why, well, I figure better to try it and find out for myself if it will get there or not. Worst that happens is a lost package and some of my own money. Best is being able to get stuff shipped to a hotel so I can shop online before I arrive and hopefully pass on this info so others have options, too.

Good to know if I ever order anything from Amazon.jp. I managed Rakuten without problems.

I assumed that Amazon would be designed to accept Romaji addresses. I guess not. Unless your chome has a few letters, I suppose.

Thanks for the clarification. I thought it was a bit odd to fill out the address form that way, too, and gave both methods you describe a try before I resorted to the number on a separate line to get the form to accept it. Just tried it again with prefecture included and get a "Your request is missing information or needs correcting. Please fix the areas indicated below. When you are done, please press the Continue button to send your information again." error. Nice and cryptic.

Working through it more, I believe there's a 15 character max limit per line. "新宿区西新宿 3-7-1" on address line 1 works. "3-7-1 Nishishinjuku" probably exceeds the character limit and it does not work.

I'm chalking it up to user error + the magic of form validation and will update my original post's example.
ETA: Oh, and as for why, well, I figure better to try it and find out for myself if it will get there or not. Worst that happens is a lost package and some of my own money. Best is being able to get stuff shipped to a hotel so I can shop online before I arrive and hopefully pass on this info so others have options, too.

Wanted to report on my experience...

Decided to purchase the sim on Amazon.jp instead of buying in store. Entered the Hiroshima hotel's address as best as I could using the suggestions earlier in the thread and google translate. For company I put down "my wife's name - reservation number". As part of the shipping options, I asked for it to be delivered the evening we were arriving. My wife emailed the hotel saying that we were going to be expecting a package. Didn't receive a reply.

Seemed to have some probs with my credit card info purchasing from Amazon based on an email I received back from Amazon saying that they were having probs authenticating. I logged back on, messed around with the billing address, etc. Called my CC bank and they said it looked like it went through. Eventually received confirmation from Amazon that my order was being processed through.

Sim arrived at the hotel no prob. The clerk went to grab it when we checked in. Didn't even have to ask.

Called into the helpdesk the next morning to activate the Docomo sim that came in the package. Waited on hold a bit. Got a rep that didn't speak english who put me on hold and grabbed one that did. Very knowledgable guy. Went through a bunch of questions. I had to give him my hotel info as he said he had to call me back to verify stuff. Called me back in about 10mins and said I would be good to go within 30mins.
Outbound Skype call cost me about $0.50. No hotel charge for the helpdesk calling me back.

My unlocked phone had probs using the sim. Eventually figured out it didn't use the same band as Docomo. Got an unlock code for my main phone, configured it, and away I went.

Appreciate all the helpful info on the thread.

New "U300 SIM card for visitors" doesn't require activation, and can be purchased with an English website from B-Mobile.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/1346075-b-mobile-visior-sim-u300-no-activation-required-buy-online-get-delivered-use.html

There is another SIM rental/purchase option econnect Japan (http://www.econnectjapan.com/)

Look to be a recent provider. Never came up in my previous searches.

4100 yen for activated SIM or Micro SIM last 30 days with 1GB speed up to 14Mbps and no need to return.

There is also an option to rent a wifi to go device which will need to be returned.

I bought the B-Mobile 1GB Micro-SIM card with data easily at Yodobashi Camera (about 37,000 yen for 30 days or 1 GB data). Because I had no mobile phone, I asked the salesperson if he could activate it for me, and they were more than helpful in that. Remember to thank them!

Skype worked well when I tried it at Harajuku. Phone battery dies a little quicker because it tends to search for alternate networks though, because it is not locked onto any specific network, but that was okay.

There is another SIM rental/purchase option econnect Japan (http://www.econnectjapan.com/)

Look to be a recent provider. Never came up in my previous searches.

4100 yen for activated SIM or Micro SIM last 30 days with 1GB speed up to 14Mbps and no need to return.


1. 4100 + 790 shipping = 4890.
2. realistic maximum speed is 1.5Mbps , same as B-Mobile as it is a B-Mobile product.


B-Mobile now offers 1GB visitor SIM , pre-activated, cheaper, valid for 15 days, with English website. Since it's a limited capacity SIM, 15 days vs 30 days validity is not real difference in reality for most users.

I just wish they'd offer the PairGB (set of 2 SIMs, 2GB data shared) in a "visitor" version as well, since I sometimes go with other people, and it's handy to have one package to receive and activate instead of two.

Be careful on the terms of the PairGB package. The price of the PairGB package does not include any service. For example, Amazon.co.jp/Yodobashi Camera sells the SIM package for 3150 yen. To use the service you will need to pay 2970 yen per month. The first month will cost about 6000 yen for 2GB, which has the same per gigabyte price as two 1GB prepaid cards.

True, but what I like is the convenience of having a 2GB pooled allowance. For example, my sister just uses Facebook, WhatsApp, and Line all day while I like to use Google Maps, online games, and streaming video, resulting in a bit of an imbalance if we were to use separate 1GB cards.

A friend of mine just did the B-mobile thing as a temporary visitor and posted a lengthy account of it here:

http://www.mutantfrog.com/2012/11/22/using-a-smartphone-as-a-visitor-to-japan/

A friend of mine just did the B-mobile thing as a temporary visitor and posted a lengthy account of it here:

http://www.mutantfrog.com/2012/11/22/using-a-smartphone-as-a-visitor-to-japan/

Same as his experience, except print a picture of the item! Or save the picture and show it to anyone. Find out the word for 'SIM card' in Japanese and show it to them. Be a leech and ask/beg for the salesguy's help in activation of SIM. I got in and out of the store under 10 minutes with an activated card.

Same as his experience, except print a picture of the item! Or save the picture and show it to anyone. Find out the word for 'SIM card' in Japanese and show it to them. Be a leech and ask/beg for the salesguy's help in activation of SIM. I got in and out of the store under 10 minutes with an activated card.

Any reason you didn't use the B Mobile 1gb Visitor SIM product? Or was it just not available at the time?

Will be in Tokyo in January and am weighing my options. Using the SIM with an unlocked iPhone 4.

http://www.bmobile.ne.jp/english/1gb.html

Any reason you didn't use the B Mobile 1gb Visitor SIM product? Or was it just not available at the time?

Will be in Tokyo in January and am weighing my options. Using the SIM with an unlocked iPhone 4.

http://www.bmobile.ne.jp/english/1gb.html

It was available when I was there in June earlier this year. I did a bit of research as well, and you can only buy the Visitor SIM online or have it shipped over to a domestic address in Japan. It is also only 14/15 days compared to the other one that is up to one-month/1GB so I can pass it to a friend afterwards plus not worry about the card activating before I can get my hands on it.

It is also slightly cheaper (3700+ vs 3900+) and easy to get on the spot at Shinjuku with the help of the staff; just a lot less work and stress trying to coordinate things. Save the picture from this site: http://www.japanmobiletech.com/2011/09/b-mobile-1gb-flat-rate-sim.html because the packaging looks exactly the same.

I think you can buy it off Amazon.jp if I'm not wrong. So if you want to see it upon arrival but not worry about it activating before you're there, that's another option.

Do bring a portable charger because using Maps would kill your battery so quickly. :D

I'll be in Tokyo in January as well, and I might be getting it again despite being there for only less than a week.

So the b-mobile prepaid SIMs http://www.bmobile.ne.jp/english/index.html are still the only ones available for visitors and the best deal about?
Are there any SIMs that also support voice calls that can be obtained easily?

Thank you for the help and this very useful thread!

Yes, b-mobile is still the best deal. It's not the only option, there are Softbank rental SIMs and such, but b-mobile is the best option. They do have "talking" SIMs as well that support voice calls. They're not listed on the English pages but I believe they are still available to visitors; give the English helpline a call and refer to the "talking" SIMs.

I used Skype for calls, since the data connection was pretty awesome. And Line/Whatsapp for texting purposes.

They do have "talking" SIMs as well that support voice calls. They're not listed on the English pages but I believe they are still available to visitors; give the English helpline a call and refer to the "talking" SIMs.

The "talking" SIMs require Japanese ID for purchase and thus are unfortunately not routinely available to visitors. Because the activation is all automated, they're pretty strict about this.

On the other hand, Softbank stores can still occasionally be convinced to accept just a foreign passport as ID for one of their prepaid phones (a friend got away with this about two weeks ago) even though this isn't technically permitted.

Legally, buying a prepaid voice SIM is permitted for everyone, the decision not to sell prepaid SIMs to non-residents is a business decision on the part of the mobile companies due to, well, racism -- the strange belief that temporary foreign visitors to Japan are responsible for their drug problems.

But once you have one of the Softbank SIMs the number will stay active if you recharge it within a year of the last charge. It is still quite limited in that there is no voice mail and it only allows you to send SMSs to other Softbank customers although you can receive them from anyone. If there is data service (I forget), it is outrageously priced.

bMobile is still way better for data. I guess it hasn't yet been discovered by all the temporarily visiting drug dealers.

Anyone know of a source for prepaid Japan NANO SIM cards, i.e. the new smaller size that fits iPhone 5?

Anyone know of a source for prepaid Japan NANO SIM cards, i.e. the new smaller size that fits iPhone 5?

Unfortunately, as far as I know, no one is selling these.

Your best bet is going to be cutting down a micro SIM: http://www.miniinthebox.com/aluminium-nano-sim-card-cutter-with-adapters-for-iphone-5-and-ipad-mini_p444727.html

Unfortunately, as far as I know, no one is selling these.

Your best bet is going to be cutting down a micro SIM: http://www.miniinthebox.com/aluminium-nano-sim-card-cutter-with-adapters-for-iphone-5-and-ipad-mini_p444727.html

bMobile released a nano-SIM data only card on January 11. (May work for voice but only certified for data.)

bMobile released a nano-SIM data only card on January 11. (May work for voice but only certified for data.)

That's great news—I have a few friends with iPhone 5s who will be thrilled. :)

Do you have a link? The only reference to a nano-SIM I can find on their website is for monthly subscriptions including voice service (and thus requiring ID) from back in November:

http://www.j-com.co.jp/news/release/1230.html

bMobile released a nano-SIM data only card on January 11. (May work for voice but only certified for data.)

Thank you!

I'm guessing you have to contact them directly? Don't see any way to order on their website.

bMobile released a nano-SIM data only card on January 11. (May work for voice but only certified for data.)

I have been emailing with bMobile, and they state that they are not offering a Nano SIM card for vistors:

Dear MattPol,

Thank you for contacting the b-mobile Helpdesk.
Answers to your questions are provided below.

Unfortunately we do not have the nano-sized sim cards for visitors.

If you have any further questions, please do not
hesitate to contact us here at the b-mobile Helpdesk.
Thank you for your continued support of b-mobile.
*******************************************
b-mobile Helpdesk for visitor（Only in English）
Junko Tanaka
TEL : 03-6721-5032
e-mail : helpdesk@j-com.co.jp
Business hours : Monday - Saturday
7 a.m. to 11 a.m. （Except national holidays）
*******************************************

Thank you!

I'm guessing you have to contact them directly? Don't see any way to order on their website.

Link is here.
http://www.bmobile.ne.jp/devices/devices.html?t=1

I have been emailing with bMobile, and they state that they are not offering a Nano SIM card for vistors

According to the website, you have to upload a scan of a Japanese ID card of some kind in order to apply for it.

We just travelled to Japan for 10 days and hired 3 1gb data cards for our iphone 4s's. We got two from bmobile and one from econnect. All worked fine for both but I just wanted to say that even though econnect was slightly dearer 4600yen vs 3800 yen (or something like that) their communications were much better than bmobile. Econnect emails were answered promptly by people that speak good english, and I needed help with the settings whilst there (cos I couldn't find my way round the iphone!!) and they replied straight away.

Also econnect were able to deliver a sim card to our hotel within 24 hours notice when I contacted them by email.
BTW we used the skype messaging service to contact each other whilst out and about. We couldn't seem to get the skype voicecalls up and running. Have to work on that now that we are back home. Also you can't hotspot with the cards.

I hotspot with the B-Mobile 1GB (domestic and visitor versions) on iPhone 3GS/4s just fine.

I wound up ordering a NANO SIM (with unlimited 3G) from iPhoneTrip.com, will report back with results.

And I bought a micro SIM for my Droid Razr Maxx. It doesn't find a signal. I think this phone, which I now notice is not on the list of known approved phones buried deep on the bMobile site, doesn't transmit/receive on DoCoMo 3G frequencies.

Anyone want an unused SIM that is good until March 29? PM me!

And I bought a micro SIM for my Droid Razr Maxx. It doesn't find a signal. I think this phone, which I now notice is not on the list of known approved phones buried deep on the bMobile site, doesn't transmit/receive on DoCoMo 3G frequencies.

This is a known issue with most Android devices - they show no signal but if you have configured the APN settings correctly they will still get a data connection. It gets a mention in the comments of this site (http://www.japanmobiletech.com/2012/08/b-mobile-visitor-sims-for-tourists-in.html).

Sadly I can't find the site I read this on, but apparently this is caused by the bmobile SIM having no voice capability, which is very unusual. Failure to register with the voice part of the network causes Android to show no signal no matter what.

According to the website, you have to upload a scan of a Japanese ID card of some kind in order to apply for it.

http://www.bmobile.ne.jp/english/note_1gb_n.html

b-mobile VISITOR SIM 1GB Prepaid Nano SIM card
b-market price : 3,980yen (tax included)

They deliver to hotels or pick-up at the Airport post office.

Seems like pretty straightforward. Check it out.

I'm heading to Japan in 3 weeks with an iPad mini 3G.
Can anyone advise if they have had success cutting down the docomo foam micro sims from econnectjapan? The iPad mini needs a nano sim.

I'm just concerned because somebody told me the sims are the wrong size for cutting down and you just destroy them in the process...

Thanks in advance!

>> This is a known issue with most Android devices - they show no signal but if you have configured the APN settings correctly they will still get a data connection.

Same for my various iPhone's and Sony Ericsson dumb phone but they all worked fine with the B Mobile. Who cares what the signal meter says. However the phones did show the carrier name "DoCoMo". That's the proof that a connection has been made.

>> This is a known issue with most Android devices - they show no signal but if you have configured the APN settings correctly they will still get a data connection.

Same for my various iPhone's and Sony Ericsson dumb phone but they all worked fine with the B Mobile. Who cares what the signal meter says. However the phones did show the carrier name "DoCoMo". That's the proof that a connection has been made.

No I don't get that, it shows no service and no operator, but I will try it later again and see if I get data regardless. When I ask it to search for operators sometimes it sees DoCOMo and KDDI, but not always.

Edited to add: I tried it, it didn't work. I have emailed their helpline (which I forgot to call this morning, it's only open from 7-11am) asking if they have any suggestions. Guess I won't hear back until tomorrow.

Here is their totally canned reply. I gave them a LOT of information in my email, if anyone who looked at it cared or was knowledgable about anything technical, they could have done a lot better. I would say that if you have an Android phone the odds are reasonably high that you will have wasted Y3,900 since if it doesn't work, you will get no help. Also their list of approved devices is quite short and very dated.

Dear Sir or Madam,

Thank you for contacting the b-mobile Helpdesk.
Answers to your questions are provided below.

If your device is not on following list,
we are afraid we cannot guarantee the device would work with our SIM card.
<<Supported device list>>
http://www.bmobile.ne.jp/english/visitor_devices.html

As the setting side, please try followings;
-remove from the device and wipe your SIM card with dry cloth
-Reboot
-Reset settings

if you are using SIM free iPhone and cannot receive internet,
your device may not be registering the new settings correctly.
Please reset your network settings and enter the above information again.
To reset your network settings: tap Settings → General → Reset → Reset Network Settings.

If you have any further questions, please do not
hesitate to contact us here at the b-mobile Helpdesk.
Thank you for your continued support of b-mobile.

Let's all wipe off our SIMs with a dry cloth!

Here is their totally canned reply. I gave them a LOT of information in my email, if anyone who looked at it cared or was knowledgable about anything technical, they could have done a lot better. I would say that if you have an Android phone the odds are reasonably high that you will have wasted Y3,900 since if it doesn't work, you will get no help. Also their list of approved devices is quite short and very dated.



Let's all wipe off our SIMs with a dry cloth!

Were you able to get it working at all? I'm in exactly the same situation.

I ordered three SIMs from these guys (http://www.econnectjapan.com). To get them to work I had to create a custom APN. I'm using a Nexus 4.

Docomo seems to use 800MHz and 1700MHz (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UMTS_frequency_bands).

Had a similar problem when I bought the "old iteration" of the bMobile last year as it didn't work with my unlocked HTC Desire. Realized that the Desire didn't operate on Docomo's bands. Had to unlock my Samsung S2x, which I fortunately also brought with me, that is a pentaband phone

Bought the "new iteration" of bMobile's sim this year, plopped it in, and it worked asap as I still had the APN settings from last year.

One of the things that needs to be checked when travelling is the frequencies of the carrier you'll be using vs the frequencies your phone operates on.

Were you able to get it working at all? I'm in exactly the same situation.

Nope, despite both me and a Japanese friend talking to customer service. Never again.

As I am in the telecom industry, I asked around a bit and it appears that the owner of bMobile apparently is good friends with the minister of telecommunications. So don't expect them to worry much about you!

Nope, despite both me and a Japanese friend talking to customer service. Never again.

As I am in the telecom industry, I asked around a bit and it appears that the owner of bMobile apparently is good friends with the minister of telecommunications. So don't expect them to worry much about you!

I was able to use it in my MIFI device and connect my android phone via WIFI.

I was able to use it in my MIFI device and connect my android phone via WIFI.

You're evidently OK if your phone is on the list or get lucky. If your phone isn't on the list and doesn't happen to work, you're out the total amount.

Docomo seems to use 800MHz and 1700MHz (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UMTS_frequency_bands).

I'm pretty sure docomo is on 2100Mhz as well. My 3G stick is only 850,1900 and 2100 (Sierra Wireless usb308 hspa+) and it has been working with a b-mobile supplied SIM (the 1Gb plan) on docomo's network. Last used it last week.

Speeds were not fantastic - about 1 Mbps down - probably because I could not get a good signal strength - around -87dBm

I stand corrected: 800 and 2100. I've just read this previously quoted page more closely:
http://www.bmobile.ne.jp/english/visitor_devices.html

So, I've read through these 5 pages, which mostly speak to the b-mobile visitor SIM.... What about the rental program from Softbank?

http://www.softbank-rental.jp/e/rental-plan-ib03.php

This seemed like the simpler way to go. I'll be in Tokyo for 5 days at the end of April, and I ordered a SIM through softbank for my iPhone 4S, and it seemed very simple, with pickup at the softbank store at Narita T1.

Is there any reason I should consider going the b-mobile route instead?

Is there any reason I should consider going the b-mobile route instead?

The Softbank rental costs $16 a day plus a $3 admin fee for the contract, so it becomes very expensive if you use it for more than a few days. Also no tethering allowed, whereas using a b-mobile MiFi would let you share the connection with your PC and other devices.

I rented at Narita from JAL ABC

http://www.jalabc.com/english/index4.html

1290 Y/day (+210Y/day for insurance, not obligatory) for unlimited data usage. Speeds are quite good, I got up to ca 12 Mbs downstream - depending on signal strength of course. Used it from south of Osaka to north of Sendai, without issues. Got signal everywhere, even on Tokyo metro only in some railway tunnels was the signal dropped. In a few rural areas it dropped to 3G for a while.

The unit is a standard looking Huawei LTE unit - only issue is that battery is rather short lived. After 10-11 hrs it's completetly depleted. Charger is included in the package. It has a standard micro USB port, so if you can also charge it from most (any?) "juice packs"

iPhone 3GS and MacbookAir connects with no issues whatsoever.

Coverage on the Tokyo Metro is fairly new and there is still some trouble, but it's much better than it used to be, when there was no coverage!