Kobe

๐Ÿ“ฑ

Mobile and Internet

Details on obtaining a mobile phone plan or SIM card and internet services in Kobe.

Sections

1. Mobile Services in Kobe, Japan

Main Mobile Service Providers

Japan has three major mobile network operators (MNOs) and several Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) that offer affordable plans. The main providers are:

  1. NTT Docomo

    • Japanโ€™s largest and most reliable network with extensive coverage, including Kobe.
    • Offers a variety of plans, including prepaid and postpaid options.

  2. SoftBank

    • Known for competitive pricing and good coverage.
    • Offers prepaid SIM cards for tourists and long-term plans for residents.

  3. au by KDDI

    • Another major provider with excellent coverage and competitive pricing.
    • Offers both prepaid and postpaid plans.

  4. Rakuten Mobile (MVNO and MNO)

    • A newer player with affordable unlimited data plans.
    • Coverage is improving but may rely on partner networks in some areas.

  5. MVNOs (e.g., IIJmio, Y!Mobile, UQ Mobile, BIC SIM)

    • These providers use the networks of the major carriers but offer cheaper plans.
    • Ideal for budget-conscious users or those with moderate data needs.

Estimated Costs

  • Prepaid SIM Cards (Short-Term Visitors):

    • Data-only SIMs: ยฅ2,000โ€“ยฅ5,000 for 7โ€“30 days (1โ€“10 GB of data).
    • Voice + Data SIMs: ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ6,000 for 30 days (1โ€“5 GB of data).
    • Available at airports, electronics stores (e.g., Bic Camera, Yodobashi Camera), and online.

  • Postpaid Plans (Long-Term Residents):

    • Major carriers: ยฅ5,000โ€“ยฅ8,000/month for unlimited data and calls.
    • MVNOs: ยฅ1,500โ€“ยฅ3,000/month for 3โ€“10 GB of data.
    • Rakuten Mobile: ยฅ2,980/month for unlimited data (if within Rakutenโ€™s network area).

Procedures for Getting a SIM Card

  1. Prepaid SIM (Short-Term Visitors):

    • Purchase at airports, convenience stores, or electronics retailers.
    • No documents are required for prepaid SIMs, but you may need to activate them online.

  2. Postpaid SIM (Long-Term Residents):

    • Visit a carrierโ€™s store or authorized retailer.
    • Required documents:
      • Passport
      • Residence Card (ๅœจ็•™ใ‚ซใƒผใƒ‰, Zairyลซ Kฤdo)
      • Japanese bank account details or credit card for payment.
    • Some carriers may require proof of address (e.g., utility bill or rental agreement).

  3. Activation:

    • For postpaid plans, activation is done in-store or online.
    • For prepaid SIMs, follow the instructions provided in the package (usually involves scanning a QR code or visiting a website).

Tips for Avoiding Hidden Charges

  • Check for activation fees (ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ5,000 for postpaid plans).
  • Be aware of data overage charges; MVNOs often throttle speeds instead of charging extra.
  • Confirm if international roaming is included or if additional fees apply.
  • For postpaid plans, ensure you understand the cancellation policy to avoid early termination fees.

2. Internet Services in Kobe, Japan

Main Internet Service Providers

  1. NTT Flets (ๅ…‰, Hikari)

    • The most popular fiber-optic broadband provider in Japan.
    • Offers high-speed internet (up to 1 Gbps) with extensive coverage in Kobe.

  2. SoftBank Hikari

    • Uses NTTโ€™s infrastructure but offers bundled discounts for SoftBank mobile users.

  3. au Hikari

    • Another fiber-optic provider with competitive pricing and good speeds.

  4. Asahi Net, So-net, and other ISPs

    • These providers lease NTTโ€™s infrastructure and offer cheaper plans.

  5. Pocket Wi-Fi Providers (e.g., Sakura Mobile, Japan Wireless)

    • Ideal for short-term visitors or those without a fixed address.
    • Portable devices that provide Wi-Fi on the go.

Estimated Costs

  • Fiber-Optic Broadband (Long-Term Residents):

    • Installation fee: ยฅ15,000โ€“ยฅ20,000 (often waived during promotions).
    • Monthly fee: ยฅ4,000โ€“ยฅ6,000 for unlimited data (1 Gbps speed).
    • Bundled discounts: Save ยฅ1,000โ€“ยฅ2,000/month if you combine with a mobile plan.

  • Pocket Wi-Fi (Short-Term Visitors):

    • Rental fee: ยฅ500โ€“ยฅ1,000/day or ยฅ5,000โ€“ยฅ10,000/month.
    • Data: Unlimited or capped at 10โ€“30 GB/month.

Procedures for Getting Internet

  1. Fiber-Optic Broadband (Long-Term Residents):

    • Choose a provider and apply online or in-store.
    • Required documents:
      • Passport
      • Residence Card
      • Proof of address (e.g., utility bill or rental agreement).
    • Installation:
      • Schedule an appointment for installation (can take 1โ€“2 weeks).
      • A technician will visit your home to set up the connection.

  2. Pocket Wi-Fi (Short-Term Visitors):

    • Rent online or at major airports (e.g., Kansai International Airport).
    • No documents are required for short-term rentals.
    • Return the device at the end of the rental period.

Tips for Avoiding Hidden Charges

  • For fiber-optic plans, confirm if the installation fee is waived during promotions.
  • Check for cancellation fees if you plan to move or terminate the contract early.
  • For pocket Wi-Fi, ensure you return the device on time to avoid late fees.

3. Local and Cultural Considerations

  • Language Barrier:

    • Many service providers have English-speaking staff or websites, but smaller MVNOs may only operate in Japanese. Consider using translation apps or asking for help from a Japanese-speaking friend.

  • Payment Methods:

    • Credit cards are widely accepted for postpaid plans and broadband subscriptions.
    • Some MVNOs allow payment via convenience stores (ใ‚ณใƒณใƒ“ใƒ‹ๆ‰•ใ„, Konbini Barai).

  • Contract Length:

    • Postpaid plans often require a 1โ€“2 year contract. Look for โ€œno-contractโ€ options if youโ€™re unsure about your length of stay.

  • Customer Support:

    • Major providers like NTT Docomo and SoftBank have English-speaking customer support. MVNOs may have limited support in English.

  • Wi-Fi Hotspots:

    • Free Wi-Fi is available at many public places in Kobe, including train stations, cafes, and tourist attractions. Look for โ€œJapan Free Wi-Fiโ€ networks.

4. Recommendations for Short-Term and Long-Term Usage

Short-Term Visitors:

  • Opt for a prepaid SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi for convenience and flexibility.
  • Providers like Sakura Mobile and Japan Wireless cater specifically to tourists and offer English support.

Long-Term Residents:

  • Choose an MVNO like IIJmio or Rakuten Mobile for affordable mobile plans.
  • For home internet, consider NTT Flets or SoftBank Hikari for reliable fiber-optic broadband.
  • Take advantage of bundled discounts if you use the same provider for mobile and internet services.

By following this guide, youโ€™ll be well-equipped to set up mobile and internet services in Kobe, Japan, whether youโ€™re visiting for a short time or planning to stay long-term.