Do you want to connect with friends, family, or business associates in Japan from the comfort of your home in the US, using your trusty Verizon service? You've come to the right place! Calling internationally can seem a bit daunting with all the codes and time differences, but don't worry, we'll break it down into easy, digestible steps. Let's get you connected!
Calling Japan from the US with Verizon: Your Comprehensive Guide
Making an international call involves a specific sequence of numbers, often called the "dialing format." For calls from the US to Japan using Verizon, this format remains consistent whether you're calling a landline or a mobile phone. The primary differences will be in the area code or mobile prefix and the length of the local number.
Step 1: Gather Your Essential Information
Before you even touch your phone, let's make sure you have everything you need. This preparation will save you time and frustration.
The full Japanese phone number: This is crucial! Make sure you have the complete number you intend to call. Double-check for any missing digits.
A clear understanding of the time difference: Japan operates on Japan Standard Time (JST), which is UTC+9. This means Japan is 9 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). To avoid calling at inconvenient hours (like the middle of the night for your Japanese contact!), calculate the time difference carefully. For example, if it's 10 PM on Monday in New York (EDT, UTC-4), it would be 11 AM on Tuesday in Tokyo. Always confirm the local time in Japan before placing your call.
Step 2: Understanding the International Dialing Format
Every international call from the US follows a general structure:
US Exit Code + Japan Country Code + Japanese Area Code/Mobile Prefix + Local Phone Number
Let's break down each component:
Sub-heading: The US Exit Code
This code tells your phone carrier that you are making a call outside of the United States.
For calls from the US, the exit code is always 011.
Pro-Tip: On most smartphones, you can also press and hold the "0" key until a "+" symbol appears. This "+" symbol automatically acts as the international exit code, making dialing slightly simpler, especially if you're saving the number in your contacts. So, instead of dialing "011", you can just use "+".
Sub-heading: The Japan Country Code
This code directs your call to Japan specifically.
The country code for Japan is 81.
Sub-heading: Japanese Area Codes (for Landlines) and Mobile Prefixes (for Mobile Phones)
This is where it gets a little nuanced. Japan uses area codes for landlines and specific prefixes for mobile phones.
For Landlines: Japanese landline area codes vary in length (1 to 5 digits) and correspond to specific cities or regions. You will need to know the specific area code for the city you are calling. For instance:
Tokyo: 3
Osaka: 6
Kyoto: 75
Sapporo: 11
Yokohama: 45
Important Note: Japanese area codes often start with a "0" when dialed within Japan. However, when dialing from outside Japan, you must omit this leading "0". For example, if the area code for Tokyo is commonly seen as 03, you would dial 3.
For Mobile Phones: Japanese mobile numbers generally start with a specific prefix, usually 70, 80, or 90. These act as the "area code" for mobile calls.
Sub-heading: The Local Phone Number
This is the final part of the sequence and refers to the specific individual or business you are trying to reach.
Japanese landline numbers typically have 4 to 8 digits after the area code.
Japanese mobile numbers are generally 8 digits long after the mobile prefix.
Step 3: Assembling Your Call: Step-by-Step Dialing
Let's put it all together with examples!
Sub-heading: Calling a Japanese Landline from the US (Verizon)
Dial the US Exit Code: Start by dialing 011 (or use the "+" symbol on your smartphone).
Dial the Japan Country Code: Next, dial 81.
Dial the Japanese Area Code (omitting the leading 0): Find the correct area code for the city you're calling and dial it. Remember to not include any leading "0". For example, for Tokyo, you'd dial 3.
Dial the Local Landline Number: Finally, dial the remaining digits of the local phone number.
Example for a Tokyo landline number 1234-5678: 011 - 81 - 3 - 12345678 (or +81-3-12345678)
Sub-heading: Calling a Japanese Mobile Phone from the US (Verizon)
Dial the US Exit Code: Start by dialing 011 (or use the "+" symbol on your smartphone).
Dial the Japan Country Code: Next, dial 81.
Dial the Japanese Mobile Prefix: This will usually be 70, 80, or 90.
Dial the Local Mobile Number: Finally, dial the remaining 8 digits of the mobile phone number.
Example for a Japanese mobile number 80-1234-5678: 011 - 81 - 80 - 12345678 (or +81-80-12345678)
Step 4: Understanding Verizon International Calling Plans and Rates
Verizon offers several options for international calling from the US to Japan. Understanding these plans can significantly impact your cost.
Sub-heading: Verizon's Global Choice Plan
What it is: This plan allows you to choose a specific country and get a bundle of minutes for a monthly fee.
Cost for Japan: For Japan, the Global Choice plan typically offers 180 minutes per month for $10 per line.
After Allowance Rate: After you use up your 180 minutes, the rate for calls to Japan typically becomes $0.05 per minute.
Best for: Users who frequently call Japan and want a predictable monthly cost.
Sub-heading: Verizon's Global Calling Plus
What it is: This plan offers unlimited calls from the US to landlines in over 60 countries and mobile phones in over 30 countries, plus discounted calls to 160+ countries.
Cost: Approximately $15 per line per month.
Check if Japan is included: While it offers broad coverage, you'll need to check Verizon's official Global Calling Plus page to confirm if Japan is among the "unlimited" or "discounted" call destinations specifically for your needs (landline vs. mobile).
Sub-heading: Pay As You Go
What it is: If you don't subscribe to an international calling plan, your calls will be charged at standard per-minute rates.
Cost for Japan (Pay As You Go): These rates can be significantly higher. For Japan, the pay-as-you-go rate for calls can be around $1.79 per minute.
Not Recommended for frequent calls: This option can become very expensive very quickly, especially for longer conversations.
Sub-heading: Wi-Fi Calling
What it is: If your phone supports Wi-Fi Calling and you are connected to a strong Wi-Fi network, you can make calls over Wi-Fi instead of your cellular network.
Cost: When making Wi-Fi calls from the US to international numbers (like Japan), they are typically billed according to your international long-distance plan (e.g., Global Choice rates apply). However, if you're calling a US number while overseas via Wi-Fi, it's generally free.
Benefit: Can offer clearer call quality and potentially lower costs if you're on a plan like Global Choice.
Step 5: Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, despite following all the steps, a call might not connect. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:
Incorrect Dialing Format: The most common mistake. Double-check that you've dialed the US exit code (011 or +), the Japan country code (81), the correct area code/mobile prefix (omitting the leading 0 for landlines), and the complete local number.
International Calling Not Enabled: For some older Verizon plans or accounts, international calling might need to be explicitly enabled. You can do this through your My Verizon account online or by contacting Verizon customer service.
Time Zone Discrepancy: If you're calling very late or very early in Japan, the recipient might not answer. Reconfirm the time difference.
Recipient's Phone Off/No Service: The person you're calling might have their phone turned off, be out of service, or in an area with poor reception.
Account Balance/Plan Limits: Ensure you have enough minutes on your international calling plan or sufficient funds if you're on a prepaid plan. If on "Pay As You Go," verify your current balance.
Network Congestion: Rarely, network congestion can cause issues, especially during peak calling times. Try again after a few minutes.
Device Issues: Restart your phone. Sometimes a simple reboot can resolve connectivity problems.
Contact Verizon Support: If you've tried everything and still can't connect, it's time to reach out to Verizon's customer support. They can check your account settings and network status.
Step 6: Tips for Saving Money on International Calls to Japan
While Verizon offers plans, there are other strategies to keep your costs down.
Utilize Messaging Apps with Calling Features: Apps like WhatsApp, Line (very popular in Japan), Skype, Google Meet, or Zoom allow you to make free voice or video calls over Wi-Fi or data. Both you and the recipient must have the same app installed. This is often the cheapest way to communicate if both parties have internet access.
Consider a Local Japanese SIM Card (if traveling to Japan): If you're actually in Japan and trying to call local numbers or back to the US, purchasing a local Japanese SIM card can be significantly cheaper than relying solely on Verizon's roaming plans like TravelPass. Ensure your phone is unlocked before traveling if you plan to use another carrier's SIM.
Schedule Your Calls: Plan your calls for when you have access to Wi-Fi if you intend to use calling apps, or during off-peak hours if your plan has variable rates (though Verizon's current international plans for Japan are generally flat-rate per minute after allowance).
Keep Calls Concise: If you're on a pay-as-you-go rate or have limited minutes, be mindful of your call duration.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to check the current time in Japan before calling?
You can easily check the current time in Japan by searching "current time in Tokyo" or "Japan Standard Time" on Google, or by using a world clock app on your smartphone.
How to add an international calling plan to my Verizon account?
You can add an international calling plan through your My Verizon account online, via the My Verizon app, or by contacting Verizon customer service directly. For Global Choice, you can often text the country's keyword (e.g., "JAPAN") to 4004.
How to know if my Verizon phone supports Wi-Fi Calling?
Most modern smartphones on Verizon support Wi-Fi Calling. You can check your phone's settings under "Network & Internet" or "Connections" for a "Wi-Fi Calling" option. You may also need to enable it in your My Verizon account.
How to call a Japanese toll-free number from the US with Verizon?
Generally, Japanese toll-free numbers (which often start with 0120) cannot be dialed from outside Japan. They are designed for domestic use only. You would need to find an alternative, non-toll-free number for international contact.
How to send a text message to Japan from the US with Verizon?
Sending a text message from the US to Japan with Verizon follows a similar dialing format: +81 [mobile number]. Text messages are typically included in most Verizon domestic plans for international destinations, or charged per message on a pay-as-you-go basis.
How to find a specific area code for a Japanese city?
You can find specific Japanese area codes by performing a quick online search for "Japan area codes list" or "area code [City Name] Japan". Remember to omit the leading "0" when dialing from the US.
How to tell if a Japanese number is a landline or mobile?
Japanese mobile numbers almost always start with 70, 80, or 90. If the number does not start with one of these prefixes, it's most likely a landline.
How to get help from Verizon while trying to call Japan?
If you encounter persistent issues, you can contact Verizon customer support by dialing 611 from your Verizon mobile phone or by calling their international support line at +1-908-559-4899 (toll charges may apply).
How to prevent accidental international calling charges on Verizon?
To prevent accidental charges, ensure you have an appropriate international calling plan if you plan to make calls. Otherwise, disable international calling on your line through your My Verizon account, or strictly use Wi-Fi calling apps like WhatsApp for communication.
How to check my international usage on Verizon?
You can check your international calling usage (minutes, texts, data) through your My Verizon account online or by using the My Verizon app. This will show you your real-time usage and any associated costs.