Dorming in Japan/International Calling

Question

I'll be dorming in Japan for the next entire year as an exchange student. The dorms I'm staying at don't have internet access throughout the entire building. Internet is only available in the first floor computer labs where you can either use the school's computers or plug in your own. The problem I'm having though is that I plan on using Skype to talk to my family, friends and boyfriend while I'm gone and I would appreciate privacy when I do so. In this situation though, that's impossible. Are there any other solutions to how I could talk to them in the privacy of my room for an inexpensive amount? There is a landline that's available in the room, but I haven't been told yet what the fees for using it would be like. I was also looking at Skype to Go (which is for cell phones), but I'm still researching that option since I'm somewhat confused as to how exactly it works.

Answer 1

I think you may be on to something with Skype to Go. Get yourself a pre-paid cell phone and then use an access # for a Skype type service to call overseas.  

Answer 2

In Japan, Skype to Go is not popular and I'm not sure if they provide the service now.

I think the best solution for you is to make avalable the wireless LAN in your dormitory because it's a cheap way.

If you have PSP or buy it in Japan, you can use Skype from PSP through a wireless LAN connection, but you may not prefer it because of the privacy concern.

If you can afford, I guess the best connection is emobile, a rather new cell phone provider in Japan.

http://emobile.jp/

They provides a high speed HSDPA type connection to the Internet typically 1M b/s, but it depends on your environment how fast you can connect to.

I often use skype confortably through the connection they provide.

It costs 5,980 yen flat per month.

http://emobile.jp/charge/dataplan.html

I'm not sure that you can make contract with them, but I think you can ask a help of your school in Japan.