Yokohama
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Mobile and Internet Services
Overview of mobile network providers and internet service options for newcomers in Yokohama.
Sections
1. Types of Mobile and Internet Services Available
Mobile Services
- Voice and Data Plans: These include plans for calls, SMS, and mobile data. Most providers offer 4G LTE and 5G services in Yokohama.
- Prepaid SIM Cards: Ideal for short-term visitors or those who donโt want a long-term commitment.
- Postpaid Plans: Best for long-term residents, offering better rates and more data.
- eSIMs: Increasingly popular for travelers and expats, allowing you to activate a plan without a physical SIM card.
Internet Services
- Home Broadband: Fiber-optic (FTTH) is the most common and fastest option, with speeds up to 1 Gbps or more.
- Pocket Wi-Fi: Portable Wi-Fi routers are popular for temporary or flexible internet access.
- Public Wi-Fi: Available in cafes, train stations, and some public spaces, but often limited in speed and security.
- Mobile Hotspot Plans: Offered by mobile carriers, allowing you to use your phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot.
2. Costs
Mobile Services
- Prepaid SIM Cards: ยฅ2,000โยฅ5,000 for a SIM card with 1โ5 GB of data, valid for 7โ30 days.
- Postpaid Plans: ยฅ3,000โยฅ8,000 per month, depending on the data allowance and whether calls are included.
- eSIMs: Prices are similar to prepaid SIM cards, with added convenience.
Internet Services
- Home Broadband: ยฅ4,000โยฅ6,000 per month for fiber-optic internet. Installation fees (ยฅ10,000โยฅ20,000) may apply but are often waived during promotions.
- Pocket Wi-Fi: ยฅ3,000โยฅ5,000 per month for rental, or ยฅ10,000โยฅ20,000 for purchase.
- Public Wi-Fi: Free, but often requires registration.
3. Major Service Providers
Mobile Providers
- NTT Docomo: Reliable coverage and extensive 5G network.
- SoftBank: Competitive data plans and good international roaming options.
- au by KDDI: Strong network and family discounts.
- Rakuten Mobile: Affordable plans, but coverage may be limited in some areas.
- MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators): Budget-friendly options like IIJmio, Y! Mobile, and UQ Mobile.
Internet Providers
- NTT Flets: The largest fiber-optic provider in Japan.
- SoftBank Hikari: Offers bundled discounts with SoftBank mobile plans.
- au Hikari: Another major fiber-optic provider with good speeds.
- Asahi Net: Known for excellent customer service and English support.
- GMO Internet: Affordable and reliable.
4. Process for Acquiring a Mobile Plan or Internet Connection
Mobile Plan
- Choose a Provider: Research plans and decide whether you want prepaid, postpaid, or an eSIM.
- Visit a Store or Website: Major providers have physical stores in Yokohama, often in shopping malls or near train stations. Some providers also allow online registration.
- Provide Required Documents:
- Passport (for visitors).
- Residence Card (Zairyu Card) for long-term residents.
- Proof of Address (e.g., utility bill or rental agreement).
- Japanese Bank Account or Credit Card (for postpaid plans).
- Sign the Contract: Contracts are typically in Japanese, so bring a translator or use translation apps if needed.
- Activate the SIM: Insert the SIM card or activate the eSIM as instructed.
Internet Connection
- Choose a Provider: Compare speeds, costs, and promotions.
- Contact the Provider: Visit their website or call their customer service. Some providers offer English support.
- Provide Required Documents:
- Residence Card.
- Proof of Address.
- Japanese Bank Account or Credit Card.
- Schedule Installation: For home broadband, a technician will visit your home to set up the connection. This can take 1โ2 weeks.
- Set Up the Router: Once installed, youโll receive a router and instructions for setup.
5. Documents Required
- Passport: Required for prepaid SIM cards and short-term services.
- Residence Card (Zairyu Card): Mandatory for postpaid plans and home internet.
- Proof of Address: Utility bill, rental agreement, or residence certificate (Juminhyo).
- Japanese Bank Account or Credit Card: Necessary for postpaid plans and most internet services.
6. Prepaid vs. Postpaid Options
Prepaid
- Pros: No long-term commitment, easy to acquire, and suitable for short-term stays.
- Cons: Higher cost per GB, limited data, and fewer features.
- Best For: Tourists, short-term visitors, or those without a Japanese bank account.
Postpaid
- Pros: Lower monthly costs, more data, and additional perks (e.g., family discounts).
- Cons: Requires a long-term contract (usually 1โ2 years) and cancellation fees may apply.
- Best For: Long-term residents with a Japanese bank account.
7. Local Considerations
- Language Barriers: Most contracts and customer service are in Japanese. Some providers, like Rakuten Mobile and Asahi Net, offer English support. Alternatively, bring a Japanese-speaking friend or use translation apps.
- Service Quality: Major providers like NTT Docomo, SoftBank, and au have excellent coverage and speeds in Yokohama. MVNOs are cheaper but may have slower speeds during peak hours.
- Recommendations for New Arrivals:
- Start with a prepaid SIM or pocket Wi-Fi while you settle in and decide on a long-term plan.
- Use comparison websites like Kakaku.com or SimCardGeek to find the best deals.
- Consider bundled discounts if you plan to use the same provider for mobile and home internet.
8. Recommendations
- For Short-Term Visitors: Get a prepaid SIM card or rent a pocket Wi-Fi device. Providers like Sakura Mobile and Japan Wireless cater specifically to tourists and offer English support.
- For Long-Term Residents: Opt for a postpaid plan with a major provider like NTT Docomo or SoftBank. For home internet, NTT Flets or SoftBank Hikari are reliable choices.
- For Budget-Conscious Users: Consider MVNOs like IIJmio or UQ Mobile for mobile services and Asahi Net for home internet.
By following this guide, youโll be able to set up your mobile and internet services in Yokohama with ease. If you need further assistance, feel free to ask!