If you are traveling or on a business trip abroad, one of the things you are probably concerned about is how to use your smartphone overseas.
"I want to use data, voice calls, and SMS on my smartphone overseas just like I do at home, but which method is best?"
Some people may be afraid that they will be charged a high fee if they use their smartphone overseas.
To conclude, we recommend "overseas roaming," which allows you to continue using domestic telecommunications carriers.
If you are concerned about the usage fees, you don't have to worry about being charged a high amount if you use a flat-rate plan or a fees plan.
In this article, we will introduce how to use data communication, voice calls, and SMS overseas.
International roaming is a method of using your domestic carrier overseas.
This is also called "international roaming."
Specifically, it is a system that allows domestic telecommunications carriers to use the networks of telecommunications carriers that provide services in overseas countries and regions to conduct data communications, voice calls, and SMS.
You can rest assured that fees will be sent by your usual domestic telecommunications provider, so you can pay fees in the same way as usual.
For example, if you use a smartphone with a povo contract in Korea, povo will use the network of a Korean telecommunications carrier to provide you with an "overseas roaming" service.
With international roaming, you can use your smartphone overseas by simply completing a simple procedure on your regular smartphone.
There is no need to carry around any other devices besides your smartphone, such as a Wi-Fi router, or to replace the SIM card, so it's hassle-free.
If your domestic carrier supports international data roaming, you can use data communications.
Data roaming is a service that allows you to use the local carrier's radio waves to communicate data when you take your smartphone, which you use in Japan, overseas. If you turn on data roaming in your device settings, you will be able to connect to the Internet even when you are overseas.
Depending on your carrier, you can often easily use data communication by simply turning on the data roaming function from your smartphone's settings screen.
However, depending on your carrier, they may not support the country you want to use it in, or you may need to sign up for a separate plan, so be sure to check in advance.
Overseas roaming allows you to use not only data communications but also voice calls and SMS.
Some people may wonder, "What is the difference between voice calls and SMS when roaming overseas and international telephone services?"
Specifically, there are the following differences:
・International telephone service: You can make international calls from Japan to overseas immediately without any procedures.
・International roaming (voice calls): You can make and receive calls and send and receive SMS in over 200 countries and regions overseas without changing your phone number.
SMS is a service that allows you to send short messages to phone numbers.
Depending on your carrier and plan, you may not be able to use voice calls or SMS, so please check with your carrier for details.
You may have the impression that using a smartphone overseas will result in high charges.
It is true that there are cases where you may be charged a high fee when using a smartphone overseas, but if you check your plan in advance and take measures, you won't have to worry about being charged a high fee.
In the first place, in cases where high charges are incurred, it is often because the user is using a pay-as-you-go plan, fees only for what they use, and is unintentionally using their smartphone a lot.
If you leave the automatic app update function turned on, unintentional data communication may occur, so be careful, especially if you frequently use search or map apps overseas.
To avoid high bills, we recommend using a prepaid plan where you can only use what you pay in advance, or a flat-rate plan where the bill is fixed.
For example, if you pay 5,000 yen in advance for a prepaid plan, you won't be fees any further and can use your smartphone safely overseas.
There are two benefits to international roaming.
1. Can be used with the same smartphone you normally use
2. The procedure is simple
The first advantage is that you can start using it using only your regular smartphone.
If you bring the smartphone you normally use in Japan and use international roaming, you can continue to use the same carrier.
There is no need to carry around any other devices besides your smartphone, like a Wi-Fi router, and there is no need to sign up for a new carrier separately.
The second advantage is that the process is simple.
The procedure for using international roaming varies depending on the carrier, but in most cases, the process can be completed simply by turning on the data roaming function from your smartphone's settings screen.
There is no need to change the SIM card, and the process is simple.
When traveling or going on a business trip abroad, you're probably very busy, with all the preparations you need to make beforehand and plans to keep you busy once you arrive.
In such cases, we recommend international roaming, which is easy to apply for and can be started with just one smartphone, allowing you to use your smartphone overseas without any hassle.
The procedure should be simple
・It's a hassle to sign up with another carrier
・There is not enough time before departure
・I don't want to carry any devices other than my smartphone.
For such people, international roaming is suitable.
Overseas roaming is easy to apply for and you can start using it with just one smartphone.
Since you can continue to use the same telecommunications provider you have in Japan, it is also recommended for those who find it troublesome to sign a contract with a new telecommunications provider.
Overseas roaming is convenient and easy to use, but there are some things to keep in mind.
Here are some points to keep in mind when using international roaming.
Overseas fees plans vary greatly depending on the carrier.
There are various fees plans available, including fees only for what you use, and flat-rate plans where the billing amount is fixed.
Make sure you check the plan you plan to use.
If you thought you were on a flat-rate plan but it turns out you're on a pay-as-you-go plan, you may be charged an unexpectedly high fees.
Also, be aware that if you use international roaming for a long validity, fees will often increase.
Overseas roaming allows you to use not only data communications but also voice calls and SMS.
However, depending on the carrier and smartphone model, only data communications may be supported for international roaming, and voice calls and SMS may not be available.
Therefore, you may find yourself trying to make a call from overseas only to find that your phone does not support voice calls.
Consider whether you only need data communication or whether you also want to use voice calls, and check whether the plan you choose supports this.
However, even if you cannot use voice calls, there is a way to make voice calls using apps that use data communication, such as LINE.
The countries and regions where international roaming is available vary depending on the carrier and plan. Be sure to check in advance whether international roaming is available in your destination.
Especially if you want to use international roaming in multiple countries, it is essential to check whether it is compatible with all countries.
In fact, there are other ways to use data communication overseas besides international roaming.
From here on, we will introduce data communication methods other than overseas roaming.
Another option is to rent a Wi-Fi router that can be used at your destination.
Wi-Fi routers are also called mobile routers, small routers, or rental Wi-Fi.
If you rent a Wi-Fi router, you can connect not only your smartphone but also your computer or tablet to Wi-Fi and use it. Multiple people can also use one Wi-Fi router at the same time.
However, you will need to carry the Wi-Fi router itself with you, and you will also need to be mindful of the remaining battery life and charging status.
Furthermore, since you will need to go through the procedures of receiving and renting the equipment, it is more time-consuming than overseas roaming.
Another option is to purchase a SIM card that is compatible with the country you are traveling to.
If you plan to use the service for a long period of time, it may be more economical to purchase a SIM card.
However, it can be a hassle and time-consuming to purchase a SIM card at the airport or locally.
Once you purchase a SIM card, you cannot use it immediately; you must insert the SIM card into your smartphone and set it up to start using it.
You may need to switch to the SIM card you use in Japan, and you may be confused about how to set it up.
If you are familiar with setting up a SIM card or would like to use the service for a long period of time, we recommend purchasing a SIM card.
Another option is to use the local free Wi-Fi instead of preparing your own SIM card or Wi-Fi router.
You can use data communication for free by using the free Wi-Fi available in facilities such as restaurants, cafes, and hotels.
It's recommended for those who want to keep costs as low as possible, but free Wi-Fi connections can be unstable, and security issues must be taken into consideration. It can also only be used in certain locations.
If you want to look at a map or check train or bus transfers while traveling, you'll likely be in trouble if you don't have free Wi-Fi and can't use your smartphone.
Especially if you are traveling abroad for work, it is better to avoid using free Wi-Fi, which has security concerns, and instead use other methods of data communication.
So far, we've explained how to use your smartphone overseas, but many of you may be wondering which method is best. For those of you who are wondering, we recommend povo2.0 (※1) international roaming.
povo2.0 is an online-only brand provided by au, which has a basic fee of 0 yen (※2)(※3)(※4) and allows you to enjoy data communication, calls, etc. by purchasing the necessary Topping (for a fee) in advance.
International roaming will also be available from July 20, 2023. Just like domestic roaming, you can use data communication by purchasing a data Topping. Because you purchase a data Topping, you are not charged by pay-per-use, so you don't have to worry about high bills.
There are a wide variety of combinations of data capacity and number of days you can use, allowing you to use it flexibly according to validity your stay and the country or region you are traveling to.
Furthermore, if you sign up for povo2.0 in Japan, you can start using international roaming while you are in the country, which is very convenient.
It can also be used as a backup in case other lines are unavailable.
povo2.0 's international roaming service can be used just like regular Topping; you purchase it through the app and then turn on the roaming function from the settings screen on your smartphone. There's no need for complicated contracts, and the process is easy.
For more information about povo2.0 international roaming and procedures, please see below.
Reference: "Overseas roaming" (povo)
If you are planning a trip or business trip, please take this opportunity to consider povo2.0.
*1: This is an online-only plan, so all procedures and support are online. povo2.0 Please contact us through the application or the official website. 2: If there is no purchase of paid Topping for more than 180 days, the use of the service may be suspended or the contract may be terminated.
5 lines under the same name (*) For the cumulative sixth line and thereafter, a contract administration fee of tax included 3,850 yen/line will be charged.
*Includes lines that have been terminated or cancelled by the Company within the past year. 3: For Data Only, initial Topping purchase is required at the time of contract. Calls＋Data For domestic calls: tax included 22 yen/30 seconds Some calling charges may differ, such as calls to satellite phones. For more information The company will charge a specified rate for calls to the following numbers. In addition, designated call charges will apply to phone numbers set by other companies to fees. Sending domestic SMS: tax included 3.3 yen/text (up to 70 characters) Receiving: Free Up to 670 full-width characters can be sent depending on the model. However, up to 134 characters will be charged for two SMS, and after that, one SMS will be charged for every 67 characters. *4: When 0 yen and 0 GB, the maximum sending/receiving speed is 128 kbps. The names of products and services mentioned in this article are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies. LINE" is a trademark or registered trademark of LINE Corporation.
