1. Communications Phone and Internet

2. Phones Payphones : Useful until you are set up with a mobile / cell phone

3. Phones Skype (Google Chat): One of the best and cheapest way to make international calls. The Skype application for i-phone is very useful if you have wifi.

4. Mobile Phones ( 携帯電話） 3 main companies : Docomo, Softbank and AU.

5. 携帯電話 Docomo: Best coverage, good range of phones but expensive. Softbank: Bilingual service, affordable price plans,good range of phones (iPhone) AU: Smallest company but cheap price plans (i phone)

6. Your choice Most JETs choose Softbank White Plan or Double Plan : http://mb.softbank.jp/en/price_plans/whitepla n.html http://mb.softbank.jp/en/price_plans/whitepla n.html AU plan for iphone users: http://www.au.kddi.com/english/iphone/ryokin /plan.html “Everybody discount” http://www.au.kddi.com/english/iphone/ryokin /plan.html

7. Your choice Docomo plan for smartphone users : http://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/charge/introducti on/xi/image/index.html?tab=1 http://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/charge/introducti on/xi/image/index.html?tab=1 Make your choice based on service, usage and other JETs to keep the prices as low as possible.

8. Smartphones Smartphones can make your life easier in Japan Expensive at first but good in the long run. All in one: MP3, GPS,Internet, Email, Camera. Useful applications to learn Japanese.

9. Advice regarding mobile phones Explain to your supervisor/predecessor/Japanese friend what you need and ask them to explain for you in the store. Don’t be scared to ask questions before choosing one. Talk to other JETs about their plan.

10. Internet Options: Fibre Optic, ADSL Fibre Optic is most expensive but fast and reliable Yahoo BB and NTT Yahoo BB is the best option