Another Data Only Prepaid SIM Option
 

I am traveling to HK & Japan in January 2012. So I want to get a SIM card for use in both HK & Japan, but as we all in this forum know, foreigners can't purchase SIM cards in Japan.

So when looking at carriers for HK, I came across 3 and their prepaid SIMs, which also allows a "Data Daily Roaming Pass" in other countries. Most importantly, Japan for just $168 HK ($21 USD) per day for unlimited data usage according to their Data Daily Roaming Pass website.

The rate is very reasonable, and comparable to other SIM/phone rental options.

The only hitch is that you would have to purchase a 3 SIM from eBay before traveling to Japan.

So now I am looking into purchasing a prepaid 3 SIM from eBay before I travel to HK & Japan, and am wondering if this eBay seller's SIM can be activated with the Data Daily Roaming Pass option?

Thanks.

Kind of interesting since, as far as I know, 3 doesn't operate in Japan.

You use the 3 SIM (HK) to roam on DOCOMO's network for unlimited data at ~$22USD/day. Also works for other countries in Europe & Asia in the link I posted.

You can pick up a 3 SIM at the airport in HK. 3 has a shop right at the airport. No need to buy one from ebay. I did this last year when I went to HK.

As for Japan, you can do what I did and buy a data only sim from B-Mobile. They have a 30 day 1-GB data only SIM for a little over 3,000 yen. Way cheaper than the $22/day roaming from 3. 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.

Here's the B-Mobile SIM I purchased for my recent trip to Japan: http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B005LAZDVK (this one is a micro-sim, useable in iPhone and iPad). They have a regular sim product also. The nice upside to this is they allowing tethering.

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.


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.