Originally Posted by
dingmah
....but as we all in this forum know, foreigners can't purchase SIM cards in Japan.
This is incorrect.
Temporary foreign visitors with a 90-days passport stamp cannot activate voice SIM (doesn't mean foreigners cannot buy/activate a SIM), but CAN absolutely purchase and activate ANY data-only SIM card (as this is what you want).
The hurdle up to a month or so ago was that those SIMs can only be purchased online through a Japanese language website, delivered to a Japanese address. I have ordered one back in January, sent to my hotel on the day of my arrival.
But now, you can purchase B-Mobile 1GB 30-days data-only SIM from Yodobashi and BIC stores, and probably most other electronics stores. The price is 3480yen.
http://www.biccamera.com/bicbic/jsp/...=4560122191568
The 1-month unlimited SIMs must still be ordered online through B-Mobile website.
Originally Posted by
ficklepickles
The only caveat is, you need a Japan mobile number to activate the SIM (in other words, know someone that will activate the SIM from his/her mobile phone). A Japan land-line won't work. It has to be a Japan mobile number.
This is incorrect.
The SIM card can be activated by regular land-line. The procedure is clearly outlined on the B-Mobile English website.
http://www.bmobile.ne.jp/english/activate_en.html
I activated my 1-month unlimited SIM card through Skype(essentially landline).
If you activate with a Japanese mobile phone, the call is free and full activation is instantaneous. Activate through other means, you make a toll call (English support available) which takes 15-30 minutes. At the end of that call, your card is activated for 10 days. An activation code will be sent to your Japanese address by snail mail. You let them know(by e-mail or phone call) the code once you receive it and the card is fully activated.
A Japanese rental mobile phone can be used to activate the service as well. International NH passengers are eligible for free mobile phone rentals.