"Will my phone work in Japan?" It's one of the top questions people have before they travel to Japan—and it's a good one! Here's everything you need to know about using your phone in Japan.

See what your service provider covers

First things first, see if your phone plan already includes an international component. If so—easy!

If not, most services provide short-term, international options. AT&T and Verizon offer international day passes, which are both $10 per day, per device.

This is a simple solution (although it can get expensive) as you explore and document all the must-dos in Japan.

Buying SIM cards

Another option is to buy a SIM card for your phone (if it's unlocked). If this seems like a confusing task, benefit from a local tip—locals tell us you can buy SIM cards in kiosks at train stations and airports. 

Renting a phone/getting a prepaid phone

Another option is to either rent a phone in Japan, or purchase a prepaid phone. 

Locals tell us you can rent a phone at the airport. (You will have to show ID.) These usually cost around $10-$20 USD per day for smartphones (so a similar cost to purchasing an international plan).

Alternatively, you can purchase a prepaid phone. You can purchase this from a SoftBank store. The stores have English-speaking employees, and phones are usually $25–$70 USD.