Navigating the Land of the Rising Sun: A Comprehensive Guide to Using Verizon in Japan
Planning a trip to Japan? Exciting! From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, Japan offers an unforgettable experience. But before you dive into cherry blossoms and sushi, let's talk about staying connected. If you're a Verizon customer, you might be wondering: "How does Verizon work in Japan?" Well, you've come to the right place! This lengthy guide will walk you through everything you need to know, step-by-step, to ensure seamless communication during your Japanese adventure.
Step 1: Assess Your Verizon Plan and Device - Are You Ready for Roaming?
Before you even think about packing your bags, let's make sure your Verizon plan and device are travel-ready!
Sub-heading: Confirming Your Device's Compatibility
First things first, does your phone support international roaming? Most modern smartphones (often referred to as "World Devices") are designed for global use. Verizon primarily uses CDMA technology in the US, but internationally, it relies on GSM and LTE networks. Fortunately, Japan's mobile infrastructure is highly advanced, primarily using 4G LTE and 5G.
Action: Head to Verizon's website (
vzw.com/tripplanner
Sub-heading: Understanding Verizon's International Plans
Verizon offers several options for international travel, with TravelPass being the most popular and often the most convenient for short to medium trips.
TravelPass: This allows you to use your existing Verizon plan's talk, text, and data allowances for a daily fee. In Japan, TravelPass costs $12 per day. You're only charged on the days you actually use your phone abroad (make/receive calls, send texts, or use data). You typically get a certain amount of high-speed data (e.g., 0.5 GB to 5GB depending on your plan's TravelPass benefits), after which data speeds are reduced to 3G equivalent for the remainder of the 24-hour session.
International Monthly Plans: For longer stays or heavier usage, Verizon might offer specific international monthly plans. These often provide a larger allotment of high-speed data, calls, and texts for a fixed monthly fee (e.g., a "$100 International Monthly Plan" that might include 20 GB of high-speed data and 250 minutes). Check Verizon's official international plan page for the most up-to-date options.
Pay As You Go: If you opt out of TravelPass or a monthly plan, you'll be charged per minute, per text, and per MB of data. This option is generally the most expensive and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
Action: Log into My Verizon or call customer service (*611 from your Verizon phone in the US, or +1-908-559-4899 from a landline while abroad) to discuss your options and choose the plan that best suits your needs for Japan.
Step 2: Activating Your International Roaming Feature
Don't skip this crucial step! Even if you have an international plan, roaming needs to be enabled on your device and account.
Sub-heading: Enabling Roaming on Your Verizon Account
For most recent Verizon plans, especially Unlimited Plus and Unlimited Welcome, TravelPass is automatically added to your line. However, it's always a good idea to confirm.
Action:
Via My Verizon: Go to your "International" page in My Verizon and select "Add new plan" or confirm existing services.
Via Text: You can often add TravelPass by texting the word TRAVEL to 4004.
Via Customer Service: Call Verizon customer service to ensure international roaming is provisioned on your line.
Sub-heading: Turning on Data Roaming on Your Device
This is a common oversight that can lead to no service!
Action (for most smartphones):
For iPhones: Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming and toggle it ON.
For Android phones: Go to Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network > Roaming and toggle it ON. (Path may vary slightly depending on your Android version and phone manufacturer).
Remember: A TravelPass session begins automatically when you make a call, send a text, or use data while roaming, even if it's just background app activity. So, only turn on data roaming when you're ready to use it and incur the daily charge.
Step 3: Arriving in Japan and Connecting to Local Networks
Sub-heading: Automatic Network Selection
Upon arrival in Japan, your Verizon World Device should automatically connect to a local partner network. Verizon partners with major Japanese carriers like SoftBank, au, and NTT Docomo, ensuring good coverage across the country.
Your phone is usually set to "Global/International Mode" by default, allowing it to choose the strongest available network.
Sub-heading: Manual Network Selection (If Needed)
In rare cases, your phone might not connect automatically, or you might experience poor service. In such situations, you can manually select a network.
Action (for most smartphones):
For iPhones: Go to Settings > Cellular > Network Selection and turn off "Automatic." Your phone will then search for available networks, and you can choose one (e.g., SoftBank, au, or NTT Docomo).
For Android phones: Go to Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network > Advanced > Automatically select network and toggle it off. Then, manually select a network from the list.
Tip: Try different networks if one isn't performing well, as coverage can vary.
Step 4: Making Calls, Sending Texts, and Using Data
Once connected, using your Verizon phone in Japan is remarkably similar to using it at home, with a few key differences for dialing.
Sub-heading: Making Calls
To a US Number: Dial
+1followed by the 10-digit US number. (e.g.,+1-XXX-XXX-XXXX). The+symbol is usually accessed by holding down0on your keypad.To a Japanese Number: Dial
+81(Japan's country code) followed by the local Japanese number (dropping the leading 0 if there is one). (e.g.,+81-XX-XXXX-XXXX).To Another International Number (while in Japan): Dial
+followed by the country code, then the local number.Important: If you're calling a country other than the US or the one you're visiting (Japan), you'll be charged as if you were in the US and called that country. Consider adding an International Calling plan if you plan to make many such calls.
Sub-heading: Sending Text Messages
Texting usually works seamlessly with your existing contacts. For international numbers, ensure they are saved with the
+and country code.Good News: With TravelPass, sending and receiving texts are unlimited.
Sub-heading: Using Data
Your data usage will count towards your TravelPass allowance. Remember that after your high-speed allotment is used within a 24-hour session, speeds will slow.
Tips for Data Management:
Utilize Wi-Fi: Japan has abundant free Wi-Fi in hotels, cafes, train stations, and public areas. Make use of it whenever possible to conserve your TravelPass data!
Download Offline Maps: Before you go, download Google Maps or other navigation app maps for Japan. This allows you to navigate without constant data usage.
Limit Background App Refresh: Turn off background app refresh for non-essential apps in your phone settings to prevent unexpected data consumption.
Monitor Data Usage: Keep an eye on your data usage through your phone's settings or the My Verizon app.
Step 5: Managing Your Service While Abroad
Sub-heading: Monitoring Your Usage and Billing
You'll receive text message notifications from Verizon when your TravelPass session starts and when it's nearing its end.
You can always check your usage and billing details through the My Verizon app or by logging into your account online.
Sub-heading: Getting Customer Support
Verizon offers 24/7 customer support for international travelers.
From your Verizon phone (while on a GSM or LTE network in Japan): Dial
+1-908-559-4899.From a landline in Japan: Dial the toll-free number for Verizon support in Japan:
006633812934. If this number doesn't work, try001 800-50050099. If a toll-free number isn't available, dial+1-908-559-4899(toll charges will apply).It's a good idea to save these numbers in your phone before you leave.
Step 6: Returning Home
Sub-heading: TravelPass Stays on Your Line
You don't need to remove TravelPass when you return home. It simply remains on your line and you won't be charged again until the next time you use your mobile device outside of the US in a TravelPass country.
Sub-heading: Reviewing Your Bill
Upon returning, review your Verizon bill carefully to ensure all international charges are as expected. If you have any discrepancies, contact Verizon customer service.
10 Related FAQ Questions (How to...)
Here are some frequently asked questions about using Verizon in Japan, with quick answers:
How to activate Verizon TravelPass for Japan? You can activate TravelPass by texting "TRAVEL" to 4004, adding it via your My Verizon account online, or by calling Verizon customer service.
How to check if my Verizon phone will work in Japan?
Use Verizon's "International Ready Check" tool on their website (
How to turn on data roaming for Verizon in Japan? On iPhones, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming. On Androids, go to Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network > Roaming. Toggle it ON.
How to call the US from Japan using Verizon?
Dial +1 followed by the 10-digit US phone number.
How to call a Japanese number from Japan using Verizon?
Dial +81 (Japan's country code) followed by the local Japanese number (dropping any leading zero).
How to get technical support from Verizon while in Japan?
Dial +1-908-559-4899 from your Verizon phone, or 006633812934 (or 001 800-50050099) from a Japanese landline.
How to avoid high data charges with Verizon in Japan? Utilize free Wi-Fi whenever possible, download offline maps, limit background app refresh, and monitor your data usage closely.
How to know when my TravelPass session ends? Verizon will send you a text message approximately two hours after your 24-hour TravelPass session begins, informing you of its end time.
How to get unlimited high-speed data with Verizon in Japan? TravelPass provides unlimited data, but only a certain amount is high-speed (e.g., 0.5 GB to 5GB). After that, speeds are reduced. For more high-speed data, you might need to purchase additional data or consider an International Monthly Plan if available and suitable for your trip duration.
How to choose a different local network in Japan if I have poor service? Go to your phone's settings (Cellular/Mobile Network) and turn off "Automatic Network Selection." Then, manually choose from the available Japanese carriers like SoftBank, au, or NTT Docomo.
