Hiroshima

๐Ÿ“ฑ

Mobile and Internet

Sections

1. Overview of Mobile and Internet Services in Japan

Japan has a highly developed telecommunications infrastructure, and Hiroshima, as a major city, offers excellent mobile and internet connectivity. The market is competitive, with options for both short-term visitors and long-term residents. Services are reliable, but navigating the process can be challenging due to language barriers and cultural nuances.

2. Mobile Services in Hiroshima

A. Options for Short-Term Visitors

Short-term visitors (tourists or those staying less than 90 days) can choose from the following options:

  1. Prepaid SIM Cards

    • Providers: Mobal, Sakura Mobile, Japan Wireless, IIJmio, and BIC SIM.
    • Features: Data-only or data + voice SIMs are available. Most prepaid SIMs are valid for 7, 14, or 30 days.
    • Cost:
      • Data-only SIMs: ยฅ2,000โ€“ยฅ6,000 for 1โ€“5 GB.
      • Data + voice SIMs: ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ8,000 for similar data limits.
    • Where to Buy:
      • Hiroshima Airport kiosks.
      • Electronics stores like Bic Camera or Yodobashi Camera.
      • Online (delivered to your hotel or address in Japan).

  2. Pocket Wi-Fi

    • Providers: Ninja Wi-Fi, Global Advanced Communications, Japan Wireless.
    • Features: Portable Wi-Fi routers that provide internet access for multiple devices.
    • Cost: ยฅ500โ€“ยฅ1,000 per day, depending on the data plan.
    • Where to Rent: Hiroshima Airport, major train stations, or online.

  3. eSIMs

    • Providers: Airalo, Ubigi, and local Japanese providers.
    • Features: Digital SIMs for data-only plans.
    • Cost: ยฅ1,500โ€“ยฅ5,000 for 1โ€“5 GB.

B. Options for Long-Term Residents

Long-term residents (staying more than 90 days) have access to more comprehensive plans, including postpaid contracts.

  1. Major Mobile Carriers

    • NTT Docomo: Reliable coverage, especially in rural areas.
    • SoftBank: Competitive pricing and good urban coverage.
    • au by KDDI: Strong network and family discounts.
    • Rakuten Mobile: Affordable plans with unlimited data in Rakuten network areas.

  2. MVNOs (Budget Carriers)

    • Providers: IIJmio, UQ Mobile, Y! Mobile, BIC SIM, and Line Mobile.
    • Features: Cheaper plans using major carriersโ€™ networks.
    • Cost: ยฅ1,500โ€“ยฅ4,000 per month for 3โ€“20 GB of data.

  3. Costs for Long-Term Plans

    • Postpaid Plans: ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ8,000 per month, depending on data and voice options.
    • Prepaid Plans: ยฅ2,000โ€“ยฅ5,000 per month.

  4. Where to Apply

    • Carrier stores in Hiroshima (e.g., SoftBank, Docomo, au).
    • Electronics stores like Bic Camera or Yodobashi Camera.
    • Online applications (some carriers offer English support).

C. Application Procedure for Long-Term Plans

  1. Required Documents:

    • Residence Card (ๅœจ็•™ใ‚ซใƒผใƒ‰, Zairyลซ Kฤdo).
    • Passport.
    • Japanese bank account details or a credit card.
    • Proof of address (e.g., utility bill or rental agreement).

  2. Steps:

    • Visit a carrier store or apply online.
    • Choose a plan (data, voice, or both).
    • Provide the required documents.
    • Sign the contract (usually 1โ€“2 years for postpaid plans).
    • Receive your SIM card or phone.

  3. Cultural Considerations:

    • Contracts are often in Japanese, so bring a Japanese-speaking friend or use translation apps.
    • Early termination fees may apply if you cancel before the contract ends.

3. Internet Services in Hiroshima

A. Options for Short-Term Visitors

  1. Pocket Wi-Fi

    • Same as mobile options above.
    • Ideal for temporary stays.

  2. Free Wi-Fi

    • Available at Hiroshima Airport, train stations, cafes, and tourist spots.
    • Look for โ€œHiroshima Free Wi-Fiโ€ networks.

B. Options for Long-Term Residents

  1. Home Internet Providers

    • Fiber-Optic (Hikari): The most common and fastest option.
      • Providers: NTT Flets Hikari, SoftBank Hikari, au Hikari.
      • Cost: ยฅ4,000โ€“ยฅ6,000 per month.
    • Cable Internet:
      • Providers: J:COM.
      • Cost: ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ5,000 per month.
    • Mobile Internet:
      • Providers: SoftBank Air, Rakuten Mobile.
      • Cost: ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ5,000 per month.

  2. Application Procedure

    • Required Documents:
      • Residence Card.
      • Passport.
      • Japanese bank account or credit card.
      • Proof of address.
    • Steps:
      • Contact the provider (online or in-store).
      • Schedule installation (can take 1โ€“4 weeks for fiber-optic).
      • Sign the contract (usually 1โ€“2 years).
      • Pay the installation fee (ยฅ10,000โ€“ยฅ20,000, often waived during promotions).

  3. Cultural Considerations:

    • Installation technicians may not speak English, so prepare to communicate in Japanese or have a translator.
    • Contracts are binding, and early termination fees may apply.

4. Financial Tips

  1. Compare Plans:

    • Use comparison websites like Kakaku.com or SimOptions to find the best deals.
    • MVNOs are cheaper but may have slower speeds during peak hours.

  2. Promotions:

    • Look for seasonal promotions (e.g., free installation or discounted rates for the first few months).

  3. Bundle Discounts:

    • Some providers offer discounts if you bundle mobile and home internet services (e.g., SoftBank Hikari + SoftBank Mobile).

  4. Avoid Overpaying:

    • Choose a plan that matches your data usage. Unlimited plans are often unnecessary unless youโ€™re a heavy user.

  5. Canceling Services:

    • If youโ€™re leaving Japan, cancel services in advance to avoid extra charges. Some providers require 1โ€“2 monthsโ€™ notice.

5. Local and Cultural Considerations

  1. Language Barrier:

    • Many service providers have limited English support. Use translation apps or visit stores with English-speaking staff (e.g., Bic Camera in Hiroshima).

  2. Punctuality:

    • Be on time for installation appointments or store visits, as punctuality is highly valued in Japan.

  3. Recycling Phones:

    • If you buy a new phone, consider recycling your old one. Many stores have recycling programs.

  4. SIM Lock:

    • Ensure your phone is unlocked before arriving in Japan, as locked phones may not work with Japanese SIM cards.

6. Recommendations

  • Short-Term Visitors: Rent a pocket Wi-Fi or buy a prepaid SIM for convenience.
  • Long-Term Residents: Opt for a fiber-optic home internet plan and a postpaid mobile plan with a major carrier or MVNO for cost savings.

By following this guide, youโ€™ll be able to set up mobile and internet services in Hiroshima smoothly and efficiently. Let me know if you need further assistance!