Thought I would keep a thread going on this. Since both Japan and South Korea are "alone" right now on NOT supporting native GSM devices this is a good place to get a rough idea of how to use a GSM based SIM card in each country.


South Korea
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The primary network operator allowing a GSM SIM card to work on local SPECIAL handset is KTF (Freetel/Icom). Their Global Roaming service allows you to pick up and rent a HANDSET only at certain airports. You use your SIM card. Your call charges get billed to your home network. You pay KTF fees for the handset rental only.
See: http://www.ktfroaming.com/english/inbound/index.jsp Look at "Automatic SIM roaming"

Coverage:
http://www.ktfroaming.com/english/in.../coverage2.jsp

To see GSM Networks that can do SIM roaming to KTF go to this link: http://www.ktfroaming.com/english/in...er/partner.jsp (Select your region)

Japan
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Vodafone Japan seems to be at the lead of this so far. Most US and some Europe networks WILL arange for a loaner Nokia WCDMA handset (paid of course). Put your SIM card in it and off you go. You are limited to Vodafone's WCDMA coverage which is still developing and not as extensive as their PHS coverage.

NTT DoCoMo WAS to offer the same service, but I have not heard of any 2 way roaming agreements being locked in (NTT DoCoMo users can roam in other countries with a special rental handset for GSM with their USIM *AND* with some upcoming WCDMA/GSM handsets have one owned phone for global roaming).

For Vodafone Japan Rental info (renting a WCDMA phone to use with your SIM card) go to:
http://www.vodafone-rental.jp/en/phones_roam.htm

Coverage:
http://www.vodafone-rental.jp/en/coverage_3g.htm

Roaming Partners:
http://www.vodafone-rental.jp/en/pdf...ngpartners.pdf


For reference, NTT DoCoMo's link to International services: http://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english/p_s/world/ Mentions their customers ability to roam on GSM networks but not the inverse yet.