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+--- Thread: Iphone in Japan, can I get on a plan? (/thread-12181.html)
Iphone in Japan, can I get on a plan? - jimbua - 2014-09-12
Good morning all, I will be visiting Japan soon and plan to stay for a year. I have an unlocked iPhone 5S from Australia and am wondering can I get it set up on a plan in Japan? Will my phone be compatible in Japan and do they have plans where you can bring along your own phone. Thanks for reading..
Iphone in Japan, can I get on a plan? - s0apgun - 2014-09-12
From what I understand, you will have to get a phone while you are in Japan to work with their network. I don't think bringing an unlocked iphone will do it. Not 100% on this so hopefully people in Japan can chime in!
Iphone in Japan, can I get on a plan? - vix86 - 2014-09-13
Phone usage in Japan always comes down to cell frequency. You need to check if your iphone can work on the same frequencies that are in Japan, that includes 2G, 3G, and LTE.
Iphone in Japan, can I get on a plan? - jimeux - 2014-09-13
Your best bet is to read through the sites of the main providers, like Docomo, AU, Softbank and Y! Mobile. Even if there is such a plan, like vix86 said, you need a phone that supports the networks here.
I use this ¥900/month data plan that doesn't allow you to make calls, but you'll have the same problems finding a compatible device. I got a Docomo Xi 白ロム from Amazon. About ¥35,000 for a new Galaxy Note 3. The calls things can be an inconvenience though.
Iphone in Japan, can I get on a plan? - jimbua - 2014-09-13
Thanks for the help. I think Ill just sell my phone here before I go. Japan here I come!!
Iphone in Japan, can I get on a plan? - Stansfield123 - 2014-09-13
Your phone will be compatible. Apple's website lists KDDI, NTT docomo and Softbank as the Japanese providers with "certified" LTE networks that support the 5S. But I bet there's plenty more non-certified ones that offer the same thing.
The bigger issue is that you'll need some paperwork to actually be allowed to buy a subscription. That kind of ridiculousness is specific to Japan. I don't understand why it exists, but it does. So check what it is, and have it ready. Shouldn't be a problem if you're staying for a year (legally).
Iphone in Japan, can I get on a plan? - vix86 - 2014-09-13
Stansfield123 Wrote:Your phone will be compatible. Apple's website lists KDDI, NTT docomo and Softbank as the Japanese providers with "certified" LTE networks that support the 5S. But I bet there's plenty more non-certified ones that offer the same thing.Where the hell are you seeing that?
https://www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/
Because when I look at it, the 5S from Australlia doesn't support Japan on the LTE bands.