My partner and I are moving to Tokyo in 2 weeks and i’m trying to organize our phone plan situation. We want to make sure we have data, calling, texting etc when we get into Tokyo. I’ve used Sakura mobile before for data only and thought they’d be good to start off since i see they have Data+Voice option for long term stay. But as i was reading further i noticed it said “For Voice+Data SIM card plan, there will be additional charges if you use SMS or make phone calls.” so does that mean i can only call and use data and not text? seems a bit odd…
does anyone use Sakura mobile as a cell phone provider? or does anyone have any recommendations for a cell phone provider for foreigners.. I want to have at least 25GB if data and calling and texting. Appreciate any help or recommendations 🙏🏽
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**Cell phone company recommendations?**
My partner and I are moving to Tokyo in 2 weeks and i’m trying to organize our phone plan situation. We want to make sure we have data, calling, texting etc when we get into Tokyo. I’ve used Sakura mobile before for data only and thought they’d be good to start off since i see they have Data+Voice option for long term stay. But as i was reading further i noticed it said “For Voice+Data SIM card plan, there will be additional charges if you use SMS or make phone calls.” so does that mean i can only call and use data and not text? seems a bit odd…
does anyone use Sakura mobile as a cell phone provider? or does anyone have any recommendations for a cell phone provider for foreigners.. I want to have at least 25GB if data and calling and texting. Appreciate any help or recommendations 🙏🏽
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Sakura and Mobal are the big two for fresh foreigners. Other options would be to go to a place like bic camera and look into the third party carriers. (Sakura and Mobal are also third party). They will be a bit cheaper that the foreigner advertising ones. I use Iijmio and it’s very affordable. As far as phone calls are concerned it’s normal to pay extra for an actual voice plan with minutes. Most people including me use the data and voice plan just pay the extra if we need to make an actual phone call. Things like Line and Facebook messenger as well as Facetime make data a better deal. Make sure though you do have an actual Japanese phone number on your sim though as that very important to be able to recieve calls.
I’m happy with IIJMio [https://www.iijmio.jp/hdc/visitors](https://www.iijmio.jp/hdc/visitors) (the link says visitors but it’s an English page for both visitors and residents)
If you use 25GB Rakuten is an economical choice but they seem to have problems sometimes in densely populated area like in the middle of Tokyo.
Been very happy with Ahamo. 20gb for 2970¥. They let you use it while traveling in other countries too. ( I think for 15 days).
Not quite your 25gb, but I’ve never understood how people can use that much. Even tethering occasionally I’ve never hit my 20.