Getting a Cell Phone

Shopping Guide

It's no surprise if you find yourself with a huge headache when it comes to picking a phone and a phone plan in technology-savvy Japan. NTT Docomo, AU and Softbank (in order of popularity) are the three biggest mobile phone companies in this country. Each offers a wide selection of phones and accompanying plans. On your second or third day in Yamagata, you'll be taken on a shopping trip for essential daily items, including a cell phone. To prepare you for this mission, here's a step-by-step guide to successfully getting a cell phone in Yamagata City, sans the headache.

Step 1: Choose a Phone

Once you're at the cell phone section of the electronics store, you'll be greeted by an impressive line-up of phones. Each phone belongs to one company. In other words, it's not possible to say, sign a contract with AU if you’re buying a Softbank phone, for instance. So, if you’re not fussy about the company, functions and cost, then simply choose your phone based on design, and proceed to step 2. If you favor one company over another, however, then choose only from that company’s selection of phones. Each company has its own unique privileges so it’s hard to say which one is better than the other. The popularity rankings may serve as some point of reference. Or, if there are specific functions that you’re looking for, such as internet browsers, games, cameras, TV, navigation or music players, then it’s best to consult a shop assistant. You’ll notice, too, that each phone comes with a price tag on the display rack. Note that that’s the cost of the phone only. You’ll definitely be paying more than this amount. To make the selection process quicker, if you have time before departure from your home country, you may want to check out each company’s product line-up on their websites (Docomo, AU, Softbank).

Docomo, AU and Softbank have expanded their smartphone line-up, as they have gained increasing popularity in Japan. Again, each phone belongs to a specific company. So, for example, if you’re interested to get an iPhone, since that’s offered by Softbank, you will have to enter into a contract with Softbank, and not another company. Almost all non-smartphones come with user-friendly internet browsers, mobile phone wallet, infrared, music players, cameras and TV. Many Japanese people continue to use non-smartphones because they are extremely functional and cheaper than smartphones.

Step 2: Choose a Plan

Here comes the tricky part of this mission. Once you've decided on your phone, you need to register for an accompanying phone plan. The easiest way to do this is to think about your usage pattern. Do you call or text more? Do you want to be connected to the Internet 24/7? Do you need voicemail? Do you have friends who are also connected to the same company? Yes, it’s complicated. But, the shop assistant would go through all these questions with you and select a plan tailored to your lifestyle. For all three companies, it is expected that you enter into a minimum two-year contract. If you leave after a year on the JET program, you just have to terminate the contract and pay a leaving fee. It’s the same, too, if you decide to leave your company in the midst of your two-year contract, for another company.

Step 3: Make your Payment

So, you have decided on the kind of contract you want. Now you will be asked to pay a registration fee. Anyone who enters a new contract with a company has to pay this amount. It’s the same too if one day you decide to leave a contract and start a new one with another company. You will pay this new-member fee at the new company. Another sum that you pay upfront would be for the price of the phone. But here, you can choose to pay the full sum outright, or, in monthly installments, which would be debited from your bank account together with the monthly bill from your contract. If at any point during the course of your contract, you realize that you’re using a particular service more, or less, you can always visit the shop to make changes to your contract. Or, if you have no trouble reading the Japanese instructions on the company websites, you can also apply to make changes to your contract on the internet. Please note, too, that all amounts relating to mobile phones are to be borne by you, not the city hall..

Step 4: Get and Stay Connected

Lastly, familiarize yourself with your phone. I’m sure it won’t be a difficult task since everyone these days are techies and I’m pretty sure all Japanese phones can operate on English language setting. If you have a Japanese cell phone, try the convenient infrared function to get contact data from your friends. Stay connected with your family and friends back home, your supervisors, the JET community and Japanese friends that you make, and enjoy the best of your time here in Yamagata.