IPhone vs. Japanese cell-phone?

Question

I am going to be living in Japan for one year. I am thinking about buying an iPhone. I know they say that Japanese cell phones are far more superior, but as far as a non-Japanese resident, is this case. Will my Japanese cell phone work in China and S. Korea? Can I use the internet like on an iPhone? Which one is better for a non-Japanese person who is just there for one year?Will I even be able to obtain one? If so, how? If anyone has lived in Japan, please help!! Also, what is the "hot" Japanese cell phone to have?

Answer 1

If you buy an iPhone in Japan you'll have to pay full price, which is 80,000 yen, as you're probably not going to be able to get it on installments since you're only going to be in Japan for a year.

You can use Japanese cell phones in China and Korea, but with roaming charges. If you use a local SIM card, most of the fancy features won't work!

Answer 2

Japanese cell phones are made to only be used in Japan with the japanese system. So if you were to bring that phone out you would have to get it modified to get it working outside. Besides once you bring it out of Japan, you may be able to use the phone but most of the functions that it has availbe will not function liek the TV and video chat. If you ahve extra money, you can purchase a japanese phone. I mean they dont  have them in US. It would be nice to have one. But if you really don'tw ant to spend extra then i suggest you get the i phone. Since you can use that again once you leave the country.  

Answer 3

Did you know that we have Japanese version of iPhone "iPhone 3G"?

>Will my Japanese cell phone work in China and S. Korea?

Some cell phones have roaming service and can be used in many other countries.

>Which one is better for a non-Japanese person who is just there for one year?

I think Japanese cell phones are better.

>Can I use the internet like on an iPhone?

EVERY Japanese cell phone has Internet access.

>Will I even be able to obtain one? If so, how?

You can just buy it after you finished alien registration.

>what is the "hot" Japanese cell phone to have?

It depends on your needs.

Addition:

After all, iPhone 3G is "the hottest" cell phone in Japan now. If you like iPhone, you buy iPhone 3G.