Will my GSM phone work in Japan?

Network compatibility These days, thanks to the advancements in technology, most modern mobile phone models from other countries are compatible, so there is a very high likelihood that your iPhone or Android phone will work in Japan without any hassle.

What mobile carriers are in Japan?

The biggest Japanese mobile phone companies are NTT docomo, au by KDDI, Softbank (formerly Vodafone, and before that J-phone) and Rakuten Mobile.

What is the best cell phone service in Japan?

In terms of the major Japan mobile carriers, Docomo leads the Japanese mobile phone market with about 50% market share, followed by AU and then Softbank.

How do I get cell service in Japan?

Getting a cell phone in Japan: The best service plans

1. Sign up for a phone plan. To subscribe to a phone plan you will need a Japanese ID (Zairyū card), passport, and a Japanese bank account (bring your bank book).
2. Get a SIM card.
3. Prepaid cell phones.
4. Pre-paid data-only SIM cards.
5. Pocket Wifi.
6. Rental phones.
7. Roaming.

Can you use a GSM cell phone in Japan?

As first-generation analog cellular networks gave way to digital, something called the GSM (or Global Standard for Mobile) was developed. If you still use the older GSM standard, sometimes known as 2G, and can only connect to 2G networks, then you cannot use your cell phone in Japan.

How can I get my phone to work in Japan?

To determine if your foreign will work in Japan, you have to check for the following: You have to find out whether your device is unlocked or locked. If your phone is locked, this means it can only work with your phone network, and not with other carriers.

How is the mobile network coverage in Japan?

Network coverage in JAPAN. A key part of any mobile phone specification is its operating frequency bands. The supported frequency bands determine whether a certain handset is compatible with a certain network carrier. Beside the mobile phone specifications, GSMArena is happy to also provide you with its own country-based frequency band directory.

Can a 3G phone work on a 4G network in Japan?

Since all 3G smart phones are compatible with the Band 1 network, you can use your smartphone if it is a 3G model. In addition, if your phone works with the Band 19 network, you can expect additional coverage across rural areas. To access the 4G mobile network in Japan, you will need a 4G capable phone.