How to Use a Cell Phone in Japan

Before practicing origami or visiting a mysterious Zen rock garden during your next visit to Japan, you should ensure that you can use your cell phone in an emergency. Just follow these steps.

Things You'll Need

• Plug adaptor
• Transformer

Instructions

1. Ensure that your cell phone charger has the correct plug for Japan. Japan uses the same plugs as the United States, so unless your charger was purchased in another country, you shouldn't need a plug adaptor. If your charger has a different plug type, purchase plug adaptors "A" and "B" from an electronics store before leaving for Japan.

2. Charge your phone with a transformer that can handle 100 volts, which is the voltage used in Japan. Your cell phone likely will fry if you do not use the correct transformer.

3. Call your cell phone provider to see if they offer phone coverage in Japan. Request an upgrade to international roaming.

4. Consider renting a cell phone or SIM card to use with your personal cell phone if your cellular company does not offer coverage in Japan.

5. Learn how to dial locally within Japan. Unless your cell phone has the same area code as the number you're calling, dial "0," the area code and the phone number.

6. Learn how to call the United States from Japan. First dial "010" (this is the international prefix to dial outside of Japan). Then dial "1" (this is the international code used to dial to the U.S.). Follow that with the area code and phone number.

Tips & Warnings

• Charge your cell phone each night.