Mobile Phone info

[tatsujin]

Hi guys,

I'm off to Japan at the end of the month for a months hols. I think I have most things covered (thanks to this site ), however I don't know what to do regarding a mobile.

I've heard a prepaid is an option, but you apparantly get a mank phone, which doesn't have English which doesn't help for someone with my limited japanese skill.

So, can anyone recommend what would be the best option? Is there any decent links out there?

Thank you for all your time

[Blah Pete]

There are a few rental companies at Narita airport. Not sure about Kansai. When my compnay sends people here on business they all rent phones at Narita. Not sure of the prices though. Check the Narita Airport web page. Last time one of our guys rented from Vodaphone so check their site.

[tatsujin]

Thanks Pete - much appreciated

[Taro Toporific]

I've heard a prepaid is an option, but you apparantly get a mank phone,

Prepaid phones to be outlawed in Japan
Saturday, October 23, 2004 / fasol.com
Prepaid phones to be outlawed in Japan
The government coalition in Japan is preparing a law to outlaw prepaid mobile phones. The reason given is that too many prepaid phones are used for crimes, e.g. the "ore ore" fraud.


bill to ban prepaid cell phone sales
Japan Today,- Oct 20, 2004The Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner, the New Komeito party, decided Wednesday to submit legislation to the current Diet session to ban sales of prepaid cell phones, which are often used in fraud crimes ...

[tatsujin]

Thank you Taro - much appreciated

A friend of mine was telling me its the norm for teenagers to have bill-phones in Japan, I find that incredible! I'm amazed pre-paid phones haven't taken off more in Japan.

I guess its going to be the rental option for me then, its damn expensive though - 15,000 yen approx for the month, and thats without the cost of calls!

[Taro Toporific]

I guess its going to be the rental option for me then, its damn expensive though - 15,000 yen approx for the month, and thats without the cost of calls!

Vodaphone still has prepaid phones---the ban has not gone effect yet. As the articles said, " Vodafone has about 10% prepaid users, and TuKa about 20%". TuKa is real dirt cheap phone service prices. Since use my phone about twice a month, I ought to switch to prepaid.