Let's go to Japan - DoCoMo's pre-paid SIM for foreign visitors can rent it for free

For the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020, the discussion has been exchanged about "Can Japanese infrastructure comply with a large number of foreign tourists?" Wi-Fi in town has been substantial, but when you come as a traveler again you can not rely on a cafe or public free Wi-FI. Let's use an application that provides fun using Snapchat and location information to "Pokemon GO", and immediately upload the taken picture to Instagram, It is not easy to borrow mobile routers at the airport.

NTT DoCoMo announced a new prepaid SIM " Japan Welcome SIM " dedicated to data communication as such a means of communication for foreigners visiting Japan.

"Japan Welcome SIM" is a service that you can receive a SIM card at a facility etc. in the airport after visiting Japan, and receive a DoCoMo communication network for 15 days after applying on a dedicated site before your visit to Japan. APN setting is unnecessary and it can be used easily with your smartphone or tablet.

Indeed, in this case, you can continue to use your smartphone as it is and you do not have to carry a router. But interesting is that charge plan. By browsing ads or responding to questionnaires before you visit Japan you can also borrow 128 Kbps communication free of charge. Free advertising ... It's clever. Plan 1000 of 1,000 yen can use unlimited 128 Kbps communication. The 1,700 yen plan 1700 has high-speed communication (maximum of 682 Mbps at reception) up to 500 MB, and thereafter unlimited availability of 128 Kbps communication.

If you need additional high-speed communication you will be able to pay an additional fee, or you can get additional traffic by browsing advertisements.

Besides, with each plan, it is possible to charge a high-speed data communication volume, seeing advertisement movies, responding to questionnaires, etc. and charging a high-speed data communication amount corresponding to them, and a method of charging 100 MB / 200 yen (Tax not included), 500 Mb / 700 yen (excluding tax) purchase and charge.

So be careful... calls can not be made. Receiving only SMS.

I also research about the communication environment every time I return to Japan, but recently these services have been enriched. In the case of carrier T-Mobile contracting in the United States, I tied up with SOFTBANK in Japan and if enter the country with the SIM with US SIM as it is, I can use 2G communication unlimitedly, SMS ) Can also be sent and received without limit, voice call can also be used at 20 cents/minute. High-speed data communication seems to be able to purchase when paying an additional fee.

"Welcome to Japan!" A message received at the moment of arrival at the airport.

If WiFi can be used at the place of stay, there may be some people who feel that this is enough. 2G is pretty slow, but....

If not, Japan is an attractive destination, but with these improvements, it seems to be a more convenient place for tourists and business travelers.

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