| Due to the expansion of many companies | | | | A less expensive option that will allow you to use |
| overseas, many business people are finding it | | | | your 3G cellular phone while you are visiting Japan |
| necessary to make trips to a variety of different | | | | is to rent a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card |
| countries. One of the most common destinations | | | | that you can obtain from a Japanese cell phone |
| in these travels is the country of Japan. If you | | | | service provider. This card will allow you to use |
| are wondering if your cellular phone will function | | | | your own cell phone with a Japanese phone |
| during your visit, there are a few things that you | | | | number which will enable you to pay lower local |
| will need to keep in mind. | | | | rates. |
| Japan is one of leading countries in the number of | | | | If you have a phone that is incompatible with the |
| cell phones users. 75% of the total population | | | | Japanese cellular service, you may want to rent a |
| owns these devices, and that number continues | | | | cell phone. Many companies offer these rental |
| to grow at astounding rates. Due to the number | | | | services right at the major airports and some will |
| of technological advances that this country has | | | | also mail the device to your hotel room or your |
| made in recent years, it operates with the 3rd | | | | residence. To rent one of these Japanese cellular |
| generation cellular technology, also known as | | | | phones, you will need to present a picture ID and |
| WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access). | | | | a valid credit card. These rental agreements |
| If you have a GMS (Global System for Mobile | | | | usually include a rental fee that costs between |
| Communication) cellular phone, it will not function | | | | 250 and 1000 yen per day and a usage fee which |
| while you are in Japan. These devices are 2nd | | | | costs between 70 and 250 yen per minute. |
| generation technology and the Japanese offer no | | | | Purchasing a prepaid cellular phone or a |
| availability to this type of system. | | | | subscription plan in Japan if you are a foreigner is |
| If you own a 3G cellular phone, you may have | | | | almost impossible. You must present proof of |
| the ability to use your device during your visit. | | | | Japanese residency such as a Japanese driver's |
| These 3G phones are the only foreign ones that | | | | license or obtain an alien registration card. Unless |
| will work in this particular country. If you have | | | | you plan to be in the country for an extended |
| difficulties using this type of cell phone, you can | | | | period of time, a prepaid cellular phone or a |
| use an international roving plan that can be set up | | | | subscription plan are not viable options. |
| with your own service provider, although the | | | | Traveling overseas to another country can be an |
| company will charge you international rates which | | | | exciting if not exhausting endeavor. To ensure |
| can lead to a great deal of added expense. You | | | | that you will have use of a cell phone during your |
| can contact your cellular phone service provider | | | | visit, your best bet is probably to plan to rent one |
| to discover if your phone will be compatible with | | | | of these devices when you enter the country so |
| the Japanese service system. | | | | you can better enjoy your visit to Japan. |