Can I use an unlocked iPhone 4 in Japan

[hajime]

Hello. Can I use an unlocked iPhone 4 (bought in another country) in Japan? Is it as simple as buying a pre-paid SIM card from a Japanese carrier and then insert it into the iPhone? Thank you.

 

[almonde]

It will work as Japan has 3G, it's just 2G GSM phones (such as original iPhone) that won't work.

However japanese carriers don't really have pre-paid plans like everyone else, you pretty much have to sign a contract and need residents permit if you are not a japanese resident.

 

[acarney]

There are a couple online web sites that sell prepaid data/voice or just voice plans for Japan. It'll cost you a little bit more then if you were able to just buy from Softbank but they do seem to rock compared to roaming prices. I had my girlfriend go over there and really wished she had an unlocked iphone so we could do that instead of rent her a "feature" phone for two weeks PLUS pay for voice. I can't remember the sites right now but google it and you'll find them. Unlocked phone will work fine, all they do is ship out a SIM to you before you leave your home and it'll work once you get onto the Softbank network (I'm pretty sure that's the network they resell) and you'll pay a small fee per day (I think) and then just pay for your voice and data if you do that.

Or if you have a friend over there that can setup a no contract plan and give you the SIM yes, an unlocked phone will work.