Can I send and receive SMS (Short Message Service) messages?

SoftBank 3G SIM Cards can send and receive SMS messages both within Japan and to mobile phones overseas (International SMS). Please see the Overseas carriers' list (PDF) for available messaging service providers and their services.

Do I have to return the SoftBank 3G SIM Card?

Yes. If the card is not returned your credit card will be billed a replacement fee of 3,150 yen.

Can I receive my telephone number in advance?

Yes. If you book by 11:00am at least 3 days prior to the rental start date we can inform you of the phone number 2 days prior to pick-up.

Is it possible to make free-dial calls?

Communication charges will apply when calls are made from SoftBank Global Rnetal mobile phone to toll-free numbers.

What number I'll have with your SIM card?

With our SIM cards you'll have Japan based number.

What type of iPhone does the rental SIM card take?

The iPhone SIM card can be used in iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, and iPhone 4. The iPhone 4 micro SIM cannot be used in iPad or any other tablet PC and it is only available at airport counters except New Chitose Airport (same-day rental only).

How much does it cost to use 3G data?

The data communication (e.g. web browsing, web based email, packet communication etc.) charge is 0.32 Yen/packet (128 bytes). This charge is capped at an amount equal to the number of days of the rental multiplied by 1,500 Yen (for example 3 day rental * 1,500 Yen = 4,500 Yen cap). Data cap plan does not cover rental fee, voice calls, video calls, SMS, S!Mail(MMS), International SMS, or International S!Mail(MMS). Mobile phone connections to a computer via USB cable or mobile data transmission using a connector card are ineligible for the data cap plan and subject to the charge of 0.32 Yen per packet (128 bytes) based on the data volume. These data communications can be browsing of large volume data and may result in substantial data communication charges.

Where can I use your SIM cards?

3G Coverage in Japan

If I turn on Wi-Fi and join Wi-Fi networks, can I use the Internet free?

Wi-Fi networks can be used free of charge(some Wi-Fi networks require a fee). If no Wi-Fi networks are available or you choose not to join any, iPhone connects to the Internet over a cellular data network and that requires a fee (0.32Yen/128Byte). Note that free Wi-Fi network is not widely available in Japan.

Can I send/receive emails(MMS) or use Internet with SoftBank 3G SIM Card?

Yes. Emails(MMS) and the Internet are available under the following circumstances.

・Your phone is a 3G phone from SoftBank Mobile Corp.
・If you are using a non-SoftBank phone, the phone needs to establish the connection to the SoftBank Mobile's APN automatically. *SoftBank Mobile Corp. does not disclose their APN information to the public.

IMPORTANT
Data communication is metered and customers pay for the amount of data used. Please be aware that large volume data may result in sustantial data chares.

What is "data-free SIM card"?

The data-free SIM card is unconfigured for data communications such as emails(MMS) and the Internet and it can basically be used for voice calls and SMS. However, if the phone is a smartphone(a mobile phone offering advanced capabilities, often with PC-like functionality such as email, Internet, e-book reader capabilities, etc.) it can be connected to the Internet and may result in the data charges becasue some smartphones can establish the connection to the SoftBank Mobile's APN automatically and you will be billed 0.32Yen/Packet(128Byte) each time the phone connects to the Internet, i.e. web-based applications, GPS functions, checking and retrieving messages from mail server, and etc. You will be responsible for all Internet connections made from your smartphone. Regarding any questions about your phone settings, please check with the manufacturer or your retail store.

Is the SoftBank 3G SIM Card compatible with my mobile phone?

Please ensure that your phone is a 3G handset (W-CDMA/UMTS compatible only). GSM phones will NOT work in Japan.