prepaid sim cards in japan

I have a phone that is UMTS2100 (3G) compatible and it is unlocked. Where can I purchase a prepaid SIM card in Japan?

Are prepaid SIM cards available for foreigners?

I have a phone that is UMTS2100 (3G) compatible and it is unlocked. Where can I purchase a prepaid SIM card in Japan?

Are prepaid SIM cards available for foreigners?

Prepaid SIM cards are not available at all in Japan. Prepaid phones are but they are not available to non-residents.

You can rent a SIM card from a few different companies but its is the same or more expensive than renting a cellphone.

Here's some general info on phones in Japan:

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2223_top.html

and a list of rental companies at Narita Airport:

http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/guide/service/list/svc_19.ht...

http://mb.softbank.jp/mb/en/prepaid/3G/index.html
Softbank now offers 3G prepaid phones. Some Softbank Shops deal with USIM-only prepaid contract as well.

This is, however, not available for foreign tourists (Certificate of Alien Registration is required).

I think yes, you can buy a (U)SIM card. I did buy it from Softbank for 0 yen. All you need is you passport and probably a document (sorry I don't remember) which proves your domicile in Japan. Of course you will also have to by and a 3.000 or 5.000 yen prepaid card to charge you account.
As for the mobile phone you intend to use in Japan, it depends on the phone you have. But in the worst case you would have to buy one such as the 811T, 902T...etc. If you are lucky you may find one in this site. (for ex., Forum Categories--�„Offer Goods, or Forum Categories--�„ Moving Sales)

I hope this fragment of information proves useful.

http://mb.softbank.jp/mb/en/prepaid/3G/index.html
Softbank now offers 3G prepaid phones. Some Softbank Shops deal with USIM-only prepaid contract as well.

This is, however, not available for foreign tourists (Certificate of Alien Registration is required).

Thanks for the update meringue4, I was unaware that softbank was doing this now. However what do you mean when you say that some stores are selling prepaid SIMs. Is is not a regular Softbank service offering? I don't see any mention of prepaid SIM service on their site.

In a Japanese page Softbank officially says "USIM-only prepaid contract is possible. Use it
with your existing Softbank 3G handset."

http://mb.softbank.jp/scripts/japanese/support/3G/contact/fa...

This guy says he actually made the contract at Softbank Shop Yokohama.

http://tshimizu.cocolog-nifty.com/good_job/2008/03/prepaid_u...

Do you have to have an existing Softbank handset to successfully apply for the prepaid Sim? I have an unlocked 3giphone that i want to use with the sim - do i have to buy another 3g handset to get the prepaid sim?

No you dont have to.

However some salesclerks may insist, by mistake or by their policy, that you have to.
To avoid it I recommend you to go to a Softbank Shop directly operated by Softbank, such as Shibuya or Roppongi.
(Most Softbank Shops are operated by agencies.)

Hi Ttaylor,
I too want to use my unlocked iphone 3G in japan without paying heaps on roaming charges. were you able to get yours working with a japanese sim card?
thanks in advance

''Do you have to have an existing Softbank handset to successfully apply for the prepaid Sim?''

this depend on... i don't know it is the same as everything in this country. they got an unwritten rule everywhere.
i went to softbank Jingumae.
first time i got my prepaid sim to use with my unlocked 3G phone.

second time with my j-friend. we could not get it, they said they can not apply for the service with out buy on of their phone!
we can not use an oversea unlock 3G phone.
now that is softbank service center!

then we ask why i could and i got the sim from here.
i got the contract and the phone show them right infront of their faces.
then they just simply say they really can not do it.
and we ask this rule is no where written on your site or catalog.
they have no good answer for their lies.
it is only they want or they don't want to do rule here in japan.

by the way, it was during newyear holiday, and we will report them to the government.

good luck

You should complain first to Softbank (they will generally try to fix things internally first in Japan) and later to NCAC (Kokumin seikatsu sentaa), if it doesn't help.

I was wondering how much it costs for one of the pre-paid phones at Softbank?

Samsung 730SC
4830 yen
https://onlineshop.mb.softbank.jp/ols/mobile/WOS004Cont...

Panasonic 822P
5880 yen
https://onlineshop.mb.softbank.jp/ols/mobile/WOS004Cont...

You also have to buy a recharge card and an AC adapter.

well, if you don't want to buy sim cards, I've actually found sites where you can "rent" them instead. Also rent pocket wifi devices so that you'll have wifi wherever you go in Japan.

http://nipponshop.mobi/?pid=22259236

https://www.globaladvancedcomm.com/pocketwifi.html

hope this helps

If you purchase their (softbank) cheap prepaid phones, is it possible to just move the SIM to your other unlocked phone? Or will they cut the service in this case?

So what is the base line ?
1)Can we only buy a Simcard and use it on our unlocked smart phone? or do we need to rent it?
2)Where to buy (anywhere in Japan) ?