Cell Phones

Cell phones, or ‘Keitai denwa’ (携帯電話) are often heavily discounted or even free when you sign up as a new customer and are then paid off over your contract period (generally 12 or 24months). Upgrading mid-contract can therefore be very expensive.

See the First Month Checklist for what you need to bring when registering for service.

Keitai Companies

Docomo is typically the most popular and most expensive (Though only marginally). Excellent coverage, sometimes even as far as Busan, South Korea.

AU has slightly lower rates and faultless coverage within Japan.

Softbank is the cheapest carrier, a fact reflected in its service. Coverage is sometimes lost in rural areas and metal desk drawers.

Cell Phone Tips

• Reduce junk mail and spam by placing at least one numerical digit in your email address.
• Be wary of calls from unknown numbers, especially if they have a Tokyo area code (03). If you answer or call back, you may be hit with an outlandish fee on your next bill.

Other useful Tips:

• Calls from one landline to another do not require that you dial the area code if you are calling from within the same code.
• 092 is the area code for Fukuoka City.
• Phone numbers that start with 080 or 090 belong to keitai and must be dialed in full.
• Toll-free numbers start with 0120.