Yokohama

๐Ÿ“ฑ

Communication

Key details about mobile phone registration, internet services, and postal services in the city.

Sections

1. Mobile and Internet Services in Yokohama

Mobile Services

Japan has a well-developed mobile network, and Yokohama, being a major city, is no exception. Hereโ€™s how to get started:

Major Mobile Providers

  1. NTT Docomo

    • Known for excellent coverage and reliability.
    • Offers a variety of plans, including prepaid and postpaid options.
    • Website: www.nttdocomo.co.jp

  2. SoftBank

    • Popular among international residents due to English support.
    • Offers competitive pricing and family plans.
    • Website: www.softbank.jp

  3. au by KDDI

    • Another major provider with strong coverage and a variety of plans.
    • Website: www.au.com

  4. Rakuten Mobile

    • A newer provider with affordable plans, especially for data-heavy users.
    • Coverage is improving but may not be as extensive as the others.
    • Website: www.rakuten.co.jp

  5. MVNOs (Budget Providers)

    • Examples: Y! Mobile, UQ Mobile, IIJmio, and Line Mobile.
    • These providers use the networks of the major carriers but offer cheaper plans.
    • Ideal for light users or those on a budget.
Costs and Plans

  • Prepaid SIM Cards:

    • Cost: ยฅ2,000โ€“ยฅ5,000 for a SIM card with 1โ€“5 GB of data.
    • Available at airports, electronics stores (e.g., Bic Camera, Yodobashi Camera), and online.
    • Validity: Typically 7โ€“30 days.

  • Postpaid Plans:

    • Monthly cost: ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ8,000 depending on data and call allowances.
    • Requires a residence card, Japanese bank account, or credit card.
Setup Procedure
  1. Visit a mobile providerโ€™s store or authorized retailer (many have English-speaking staff in Yokohama).
  2. Bring your passport, residence card, and Japanese bank account details (if opting for a postpaid plan).
  3. Choose a plan and complete the registration process.
  4. Insert the SIM card into your phone (ensure itโ€™s unlocked) and configure APN settings if necessary.

Internet Services

Yokohama has excellent internet infrastructure, with options for home broadband, pocket Wi-Fi, and public Wi-Fi.

Home Broadband Providers

  1. NTT Flets (Fiber-optic)

    • High-speed internet with plans starting at ยฅ4,000โ€“ยฅ6,000/month.
    • Requires a contract (usually 1โ€“2 years).

  2. SoftBank Hikari

    • Bundles internet with mobile plans for discounts.
    • Monthly cost: ยฅ4,000โ€“ยฅ6,000.

  3. au Hikari

    • Similar pricing and speed to NTT and SoftBank.
Pocket Wi-Fi
  • Portable Wi-Fi devices are ideal for short-term visitors or those without a fixed address.
  • Rental cost: ยฅ500โ€“ยฅ1,000/day or ยฅ5,000โ€“ยฅ10,000/month.
  • Available at airports, electronics stores, and online rental services.
Public Wi-Fi
  • Free Wi-Fi is available in many public areas, including train stations, shopping malls, and cafes.
  • Look for networks like โ€œJapan Free Wi-Fiโ€ or โ€œYokohama Free Wi-Fi.โ€
  • Note: Public Wi-Fi may require registration with an email address or phone number.

2. Accessing Public Telephones

Public telephones are still available in Yokohama, though their use has declined due to mobile phones.

  • Locations: Found in train stations, convenience stores, and public buildings.
  • Types:
    • Green phones: Accept coins (ยฅ10, ยฅ100) and prepaid telephone cards.
    • Grey phones: Accept international calls.
  • Cost: Local calls start at ยฅ10 for 1 minute.
  • Prepaid Telephone Cards: Available at convenience stores in denominations of ยฅ500 and ยฅ1,000.

3. Postal Services

Japanโ€™s postal system is highly efficient and reliable. The main provider is Japan Post.

Post Offices in Yokohama

  • Post offices are located throughout the city, with many offering English-speaking staff.
  • Main Yokohama Post Office: Near Yokohama Station.

Services

  1. Mailing Letters and Parcels

    • Domestic and international services available.
    • Costs depend on weight and destination.

  2. Yu-Pack (Parcel Delivery)

    • Convenient for sending packages within Japan.

  3. International Shipping

    • Options: EMS (Express Mail Service), airmail, surface mail.

  4. Postcards

    • Domestic: ยฅ63.
    • International: ยฅ70.

Hours

  • Standard: 9:00 AMโ€“5:00 PM (weekdays).
  • Some branches have 24-hour ATMs for postal banking.

4. Commonly Used Communication Apps

In Yokohama, as in the rest of Japan, certain apps dominate for communication:

  1. LINE

    • The most popular messaging app in Japan.
    • Used for texting, voice/video calls, and even payments.
    • Free to download and use.

  2. WhatsApp

    • Less common but used by international residents.

  3. Skype/Zoom

    • Popular for business and international communication.

  4. Google Translate

    • Essential for non-Japanese speakers to bridge language gaps.

  5. Yahoo! Japan

    • Frequently used for local news and services.

5. Cultural Considerations for Communication

Understanding Japanese communication etiquette is crucial for building relationships and avoiding misunderstandings.

Key Points

  1. Politeness

    • Use honorifics and polite language when speaking Japanese.
    • Bowing is a common gesture of respect.

  2. Indirect Communication

    • Japanese people often communicate indirectly to avoid confrontation.
    • Pay attention to non-verbal cues.

  3. Silence

    • Silence is valued and not necessarily awkward.

  4. Phone Etiquette

    • Avoid talking on the phone in trains or other quiet public spaces.
    • Use messaging apps instead of calling whenever possible.

  5. Business Communication

    • Exchanging business cards (meishi) is a formal ritual.
    • Present and receive cards with both hands.

6. Local Tips for Newcomers

  1. Language Barrier

    • While many younger people and professionals in Yokohama speak some English, learning basic Japanese phrases will go a long way.

  2. Emergency Numbers

    • Police: 110.
    • Fire/Ambulance: 119.
    • English-speaking helpline: 03-5774-0992 (Tokyo English Lifeline, also serves Yokohama).

  3. Community Support

    • Join local expat groups on Facebook or Meetup to connect with others.
    • The Yokohama International Association offers resources for foreign residents.

  4. SIM Cards for Tourists

    • If youโ€™re visiting, consider purchasing a tourist SIM card at Narita or Haneda Airport before heading to Yokohama.

By following this guide, youโ€™ll be well-equipped to navigate communication in Yokohama, whether youโ€™re staying short-term or settling in for the long haul. Let me know if you need further assistance!