What kind of cell phone should I use while in Japan, to contact people in the USA?

Question

I'm going to Japan for a year as a foreign exchange student and my parents insist on me having a cell phone while I'm there so I can contact them in the US along with people in Japan. Is there a kind of international cell phone I could get or something? Sorry, I know hardly anything about cell phones, much less using them in foreign countries...

Answer 1

You can get an American cell phone that has international roaming and use it in Japan. This would be very expensive, so it's not recommended except for short trips.

It would be much better for you to get a Japanese cell phone. Depending on how frequently you plan on using it, it can be a regular cell phone or a prepaid phone. You will need to get your Japanese phone after you get your alien registration card, since that's the only form of ID they'll accept when you're getting a cell phone there.

Japanese cell phones work on a system called "caller pays." You pay the call fees when you make a phone call. It's free for you to receive a call, because whoever is calling you has to pay the call fee.

It can get expensive to make international calls on any cell phone, so it's a good idea to keep in touch by email for the most part and use voice when absolutely necessary. There are other (free) voice call options such as voice chat on AIM and YM. I never liked the sound quality on Skype, but that's also an option.

Answer 2

If you are going to talk to people in the US,You should not use cell phone.Because it costs to much.But you should use skype.there are some spots where you can use internet.And you can download skype software and you can talk to them for free.If you can not find internet available place,please e-mail me.I will assist you.

Don't worry and don't hesitate.I just want to communicate with foreigners.If you are interested in this idea,please e-mail me.

Answer 3

You don't need a special type of cell phone, just ask any cell phone company about their international plans.

Answer 4

If you need to get a cell phone I would recommend getting a prepaid cell phone. Many Japanese cell phone companies require a 2 year contract.  It can be very expensive to call international from a Japanese cell phone and it is very expensive to call one.  My parents just paid 8.00 for a 20 minute call to my Japanese cell.  

If you are going to have access to high speed internet I would highly recommend using a service like Voice Pulse or Vonage.  That way you can have an American phone number (in your family's calling area) to make and receive calls from the States.  I've had mine for 2 years and I love it.  It does not cost my family any money to call because it is local.  I pay $26.00 a month for this service and it's worth every penny!!  I believe these services require a one year contact, but you can continue to use the service anywhere in the world.  The only downfall is that you have to be home to use it.  Good Luck!