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kinu-garage / hut_10sqft

Computer setup tools for my own environment, and public discussion place holder.
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Is Google Pixel4 usable in Japan temporarily #713

Closed 130s closed 1 year ago

130s commented 1 year ago

Technical research for https://github.com/130s/30y-130s_life/issues/1524

Req (subject to change)

130s commented 1 year ago
130s commented 1 year ago

https://dnus.jp/articles/67 shows multiple more SIM rental(?) options in Japan. Seems Mobal and Sakura Mobile are popular options, both can be picked up at the airports in JP.

130s commented 1 year ago

Sakura Mobile seems out of stock for the day I want to pick up at the airport. Going for Mobal.

Can't find device compatibility. https://www.mobal.com/blog/new-products-features/a-brand-new-data-viewer-tethering-for-android-your-myaccount-puts-you-in-control/ reads:

*Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that every single Android device will work as a personal hotspot using Japan Unlimited. We have found that Google Pixel phones have issues supporting hotspot tethering with our SIM cards, but we aren’t currently aware of any other models that don’t work.

So at least Pixel works (but no hotspot).

130s commented 3 weeks ago

Summarizing my personal experience about getting cellphone & Internet connection temporarilly in Japan.

As a "frequent visitor" to Japan, I just share what I know about phone & internet situation for temporary visitor. Note I'm not super knowledgeable nor have done research very well. Vendors listed may have more options than what I'm writing here (esp. due to my particular usecases, I haven't looked into options e.g. e-SIM, pocket-wifi). Also my experience is limtied to entering from Haneda airport.

One-liner summary for myself: For future stay in Japan, I'd first go with Sakura Mobile. Or Mobal (only when I have a luxury to stay without call & Internet ability for the first few days).

Vendor Available type Price range Ease of use Customer support Booking recommended Comment
AnyFone SIM (so your phone must be unlocked) High High Ok Very much so I used AnyFone twice in the 5 few years. Process is smooth, which is nice at an arriving airport (exhaused & stressful). WARNING it gets expensive for longer term (I once miscalculated and kept using for a month, then the bill soared to $300 so had to discontinue and returned items remotely, which was a painful process). For short term, e.g. 2 weeks, it was $100 for me so still expensive but not as bad if you prioritize the convenience.
Mobal SIM Low Low Bad Yes In my case in 2022, the service didn't start for 24 hours, I had to ping-pong with their customer support, which was slow. Could get hyper frustrating if you're in dire need of Internet initially.
Sakura Mobile ? ? ? ? I guess so? Tried to book once but I was told all booked, so no experience.
Softbank Global Rental Phone device (iPhone in my experience) Good Good Good Yes I've used this a few times. If you just need phone call & Internet this is a good option (i.e. if you need during your stay in Japan a lot of stuff that is conveniently available on your phone in your country, this may not be a good option). Internet/Data option can be turned on/off every day to avoid extra charge. For 10-day stay with Internet on, it was about $130 for me, which is not bad as a short stay but could get expensive for longer stay. Personally I've used iPhone for the first time through this service so that was amusing (although I only found the usability of iPhone is poorer than Android objectively speaking)
AT&T roaming Roaming (from United States) $10/day? High ? No? I've never considered this option as the main method of call & data option in Japan.