Cellphones in Japan
Having a cellphone during your time in Japan can make the difference between enjoying your free time a bit, and enjoying it a lot. It's the one tool that massively simplifies making friends, so we absolutely recommend either bringing your own (if you can confirm that it works in Japan) or renting one here. For stays of one or two weeks, GenkiJACS rents prepaid cellphones. However, for any longer stay, we recommend you to rent one through AIRS, a rental cellphone provider. They offer cheaper rates, and credit card payment.
If you plan to bring your own phone, confirm with your cell phone company that your phone supports Japanese 3G networks. Also confirm the roaming charges, so you aren't hit with a big bill at the end of your stay!
If you won't bring your own phone, use the chart below to decie which rental option is best for you.
Comparison of GenkiJACS and AIRS Rental Cellphones
| GenkiJACS | AIRS | |
| Rental cost | 500 yen per week | 500 yen per week plus 350 yen return postage fee |
| Payment method | Prepaid: buy talk time at store | Billed to credit card at end of stay |
| Per minute cost (domestic calls) | 90 yen | 60 yen |
| Per minute cost (international calls) | depends on country | 100 yen |
| Cost to receive calls | Free | Free |
| SMS | Not supported | 20 yen per message (domestic), 80 yen per message (international) |
| Cellphone pickup | At GenkiJACS on first day of school | At GenkiJACS on first day of school |
| Cellphone return | At GenkiJACS on last day of school | By post on last day of stay in Japan |
| Deposit | None | None, but credit card details must be provided |
| Charge for damage to phone | 3000 yen | Up to 20,000 yen or more, depending on damage (insurance available) |
| Availability | Limited | Ample |
Procedure to apply for an AIRS phone:
- Fill out the reservation form on the AIRS website.
- Make sure to read the Terms and Conditions carefully.
- Type your email address twice, to confirm.
- When your booking has been confirmed, you will receive an email with details, and a link to their credit card form.
- Fill out your credit card details on the secure form.
- Your phone will be sent to GenkiJACS, to be waiting for you on the first day of classes, along with a return envelope. Put this return envelope in a safe place.
- Use your phone for the duration of your stay.
- On the last day of your stay, put your phone in the return envelope, and drop it in a post box.
- Your credit card will be billed for rental and calling charges after your phone is returned safely, and you will receive a receipt by email.
