Finally leaving for Japan in a couple of weeks (woo!), and am starting to get into the little details. I’ve read that some people like to port their home number (US, in my case) to Google Voice so they can still get calls and texts from home over the internet, but that this must be done while still in your home country. Is this still true? If so, I will be without working cell service when I land, so the next question is, can I get a cell contract and service setup the next day with my hotel address and just update it after I find an apartment? How long does it usually take, and can I do it before the bank account?
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You can get a rental sim card (and/or pocket wifi) at the airport for temporary usage. You may want to reserve it beforehand, check online.
You don’t need a bank account, but I doubt phone carriers will let you sign up for a contract with a hotel address. There may be exceptions if you get lucky with a nice staffer, but in general, I don’t think so. You can still get something prepaid though.
Mobal is pretty decent. You can get a sim card sent via FedEx to you pretty quickly to your current location. Prices vary with different short term or long term plans and they provide support in English if you prefer. I ordered one on Wednesday and it should arrive by early next week.
Prepaid data sims (that means no SMS, no direct calling ability but you could use VOIP) can be readily purchased at electronic retailers (big camera etc) and don’t require any paperworks. Pretty sure you can buy them in convenience stores at the airport as well.
While we’re on the topic, any thoughts on Softbank vs Docomo vs Rakuten vs ??? I’m going to need internet service as well, so package deals would be cool. I read that Rakuten used to be dodgy, but may have improved?
If you’re not staying for more than a year or two, you can get a Mobal Japanese sim delivered to where you are now, and use it as soon as you land.
The google bit is about keeping and using your American phone number. You wouldn’t want to use it domestically in Japan for normal shit anyway.
You *can* get set up without a bank account if you sign up for a provider like IIJMio (budget provider that uses either docomo or au’s network depending on what you choose) that will accept your credit or debit card from home.