Fukuoka

๐Ÿ“ฑ

Mobile and Internet Services

Sections

1. Mobile Services in Fukuoka

Types of Mobile Plans

  • Prepaid SIM Cards: Ideal for short-term visitors. These are easy to obtain and do not require long-term contracts.
  • Postpaid Plans: Suitable for long-term residents. These plans often come with better rates and additional features but require a contract.
  • Data-Only SIMs: For those who primarily need internet access without voice or SMS services.

Notable Mobile Providers

  1. Major Carriers (Best for long-term residents):
    • NTT Docomo: Reliable coverage and high-speed data.
    • SoftBank: Competitive pricing and good network quality.
    • au by KDDI: Excellent coverage and family plans.
  2. MVNOs (Budget-Friendly Options):
    • Rakuten Mobile: Affordable plans with unlimited data in Rakuten network areas.
    • IIJmio: Flexible plans with good data options.
    • Y!Mobile: A subsidiary of SoftBank, offering cheaper plans with decent coverage.

Costs

  • Prepaid SIM Cards: ยฅ2,000โ€“ยฅ5,000 for 7โ€“30 days, depending on data allowance.
  • Postpaid Plans: ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ8,000 per month, depending on data and call allowances.
  • Data-Only SIMs: ยฅ1,000โ€“ยฅ4,000 per month, depending on data volume.

How to Obtain Mobile Services

  1. For Short-Term Visitors:
    • Purchase prepaid SIM cards at Fukuoka Airport, major electronics stores (e.g., Bic Camera, Yodobashi Camera), or convenience stores.
    • Bring your passport for identification.
    • Ensure your phone is unlocked and compatible with Japanese networks (check for compatibility with LTE Band 1, 3, or 19).
  2. For Long-Term Residents:
    • Visit a mobile carrier store with the following documents:
      • Passport
      • Residence Card (ๅœจ็•™ใ‚ซใƒผใƒ‰, Zairyลซ Card)
      • Japanese bank account details or a credit card
    • Choose a plan and sign a contract (usually 1โ€“2 years, though some carriers offer no-contract options).

Tips

  • If you donโ€™t speak Japanese, visit stores in larger shopping areas like Tenjin or Hakata, where staff are more likely to speak English.
  • Consider MVNOs for cheaper plans if you donโ€™t need unlimited data or extensive customer support.

2. Internet Services in Fukuoka

Types of Internet Services

  1. Home Broadband:
    • Fiber-Optic (ๅ…‰ๅ›ž็ทš, Hikari): The most common and fastest option.
    • ADSL: Rare but available in some areas.
  2. Pocket Wi-Fi:
    • Portable devices offering internet access for short-term or flexible use.
  3. Public Wi-Fi:
    • Available in cafes, hotels, and public spaces, but often limited in speed and security.

Notable Internet Providers

  1. Home Broadband Providers:
    • NTT Flets Hikari: The most widely used fiber-optic service.
    • SoftBank Hikari: Bundles available with SoftBank mobile plans.
    • au Hikari: Good for those using au mobile services.
    • Asahi Net: Reliable and affordable.
  2. Pocket Wi-Fi Providers:
    • Japan Wireless
    • Sakura Mobile
    • Global Advanced Communications

Costs

  • Home Broadband: ยฅ4,000โ€“ยฅ6,000 per month, depending on speed and provider.
  • Pocket Wi-Fi: ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ5,000 per month for rental, or ยฅ500โ€“ยฅ1,000 per day for short-term use.
  • Installation Fees: ยฅ10,000โ€“ยฅ20,000 for home broadband (often waived during promotions).

How to Obtain Internet Services

  1. Home Broadband:
    • Visit a providerโ€™s store or apply online.
    • Required documents:
      • Passport
      • Residence Card
      • Japanese bank account or credit card
    • Installation may take 1โ€“2 weeks, so plan accordingly.
  2. Pocket Wi-Fi:
    • Rent online or at Fukuoka Airport.
    • No long-term commitment required; just provide your passport and payment details.

Tips

  • If youโ€™re staying in a rental apartment, check if internet service is already included.
  • For faster installation, consider providers like SoftBank Air, which offers plug-and-play devices without the need for installation.

3. Public Wi-Fi in Fukuoka

  • Fukuoka City Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi available in major tourist areas, train stations, and public facilities. Look for the โ€œFukuoka_City_Wi-Fiโ€ network.
  • Cafes and Restaurants: Many chains like Starbucks and Doutor offer free Wi-Fi.
  • Hotels and Hostels: Most accommodations provide free Wi-Fi, but speeds may vary.

4. Short-Term Visitors vs. Long-Term Residents

Short-Term Visitors

  • Best Options:
    • Prepaid SIM cards for mobile data and calls.
    • Pocket Wi-Fi for group travel or heavy internet use.
  • Where to Buy:
    • Fukuoka Airport, major electronics stores, or online rental services.
  • Tips:
    • Download offline maps and translation apps before arrival.
    • Use public Wi-Fi sparingly due to security concerns.

Long-Term Residents

  • Best Options:
    • Postpaid mobile plans for better rates and features.
    • Home broadband for stable, high-speed internet.
  • Where to Apply:
    • Mobile carrier stores or online.
  • Tips:
    • Bundle mobile and internet services with the same provider for discounts.
    • Consider MVNOs for budget-friendly mobile plans.

5. Local Considerations in Fukuoka

  • Language Barrier: While some staff in major stores speak English, itโ€™s helpful to bring a Japanese-speaking friend or use a translation app.
  • Network Coverage: Fukuoka has excellent mobile and internet coverage, even in suburban areas.
  • Seasonal Promotions: Look out for discounts during the New Year (January) and summer (Julyโ€“August).
  • Cancellation Policies: Early termination of contracts may incur fees, so check terms carefully.

6. Summary of Recommendations

  • Short-Term Visitors: Opt for prepaid SIM cards or pocket Wi-Fi for convenience and flexibility.
  • Long-Term Residents: Choose a postpaid mobile plan and home broadband for cost efficiency and reliability.
  • Providers to Consider: NTT Docomo, SoftBank, au, Rakuten Mobile, and NTT Flets Hikari for reliable services.

By following this guide, youโ€™ll be well-equipped to stay connected in Fukuoka, whether youโ€™re visiting for a few days or planning to settle down.