Cell Phones and Communication

[mdubtxmom(Ship 09 Div 069)]

I have a question for all you seasoned Japan Moms.  My son is coming to Japan soon and will be aboard a ship that has its' home port in Yokosuka.  I talked to our wireless provider (ATT) and it seems like they require both an arm and a leg for my son to talk, text or use internet from his cell phone while he is overseas.  There has got to be something out there that doesn't cost $2.00 a minute.  He has an iphone and of couse most of the cool apps require an internet connection.  We are not too keen on the idea of him having a $5,000 phone bill.  So my question is this--how do you handle communication with your Sailor?  What did you do about his cell phone here?

[NavyMomx2]

My daughter is there.  She doesn't have a cell but has friends that do.  I know your son should be able to get a cell over there .  There may even be a kiosk at the NEX on base.  My daughter does have internet connection in her barracks and of course, there is a phone center on base for which a calling card is necessary, I presume.  I was at the base last April but don't remember exactly where the phone center is...perhaps by the gym.  Truthfully, once your son gets to Yokosuka, he'll meet lots of sailors who will be able to assist with questions like this as well as other things to help him acclimate.  Phone communication from my daughter is always initiated by her....I can never call her.  But I have been able to chat with her from time to time via Facebook.  And she does send emails.  Just remember that sometimes they are so busy that it could be several weeks between phone calls (even longer when they are out at sea).  And even when they have free time, they have things to take care of (laundry, banking) and of course, fun stuff (Japanese cuisine, shopping). 

Hope this helps. 

[mdubtxmom(Ship 09 Div 069)]

Thanks for your help.  He did mention that he might have to get a phone for over there.  I think we will pick up a few international calling cards.  I wish the Navy would make some kind of agreement with the cell phone companies to get our Sailors a break.  Being able to communicate with home has to be a great morale booster. 

 

[susan]

If your son and you have a computer there is skype. using it is free. my son is ih seaspo japan .thats how we do it. even if he gets a japanese phone its still alot of money.

[Geri Kaye]

My son also has an iphone & he purchased a skype online phone number that has our local area code#.  Calls are charged as a local call.  I would check that out.

[Sandy D]

That works for my son and his family as well.

[mdubtxmom(Ship 09 Div 069)]

but Geri, Doesn't it charge him for data for using Skype? My understaning from ATT is that anything he does with the phone in Japan (phone; text or data) will be suject to a roaming fee. The roaming fees are unbelievably expensive. He has a laptop with Skype and I figure he can use it for skpe while they are in port but if he is in town on liberty it would be nice to be able to use his phone. Mom4Sons I have the same question about Magic Jack. I think you have to have a data connection to make it work--I guess he could connect to the internet via WIFI instead of the 3G connection.

[Proud Mom of Melissa]

Hello, My daughter Melissa is stationed in Japan and we had the same problem. She found a carrier in Japan and she only pays $30.00 per month for unlimited calls to the US as long as she make those calls from Japan. I am also able to call her when she's off the ship, which helps! When there underway and travel to other areas the cost can be high. In that case she will buy prepaid phone cards.

[mdubtxmom(Ship 09 Div 069)]

Proud Mom would you ask Melissa the name of her carrier the next time you talk to her and find out if she got the phone at the nex or somewhere off base.  Thanks

[T-Lynn]

My son purchased a phone in at the NEX and uses Skype through his computer.  And teh AMerican phones  DO NOT Work in Japan.  Do not use ATT. Just put a spot use on his phone.  then regrettfully you have ot wait until he calls you whenhe arrives. But thenhe can get a phone over there :) 

[mdubtxmom(Ship 09 Div 069)]

T-Lynn  What do you mean "just put a spot use on his phone"  Is that like a military hold?

[tesla was right]

My son is there also and bought a japan phone with # for use in Japan. We put his ATT phone on hold for free as long as he is deployed. Then when he is back on orders or leave we reactivate for $5 until he goes back.

**We live on google with chat and video and skype. As long as there is a computer we can communicate, its quite amazing really!! He maybe checks in more than his siblings who are closer. There are many ways to stay in touch. Use them all.

 

[BearsNavyMom~ship04~div851]

  My son is in Sasebo, and when he got their he got a cell phone from the NEX, and got on a US plan, sometimes they had specials on certain days and he got a great deal. i have spring and i have international calling on my cell, and it doesn't cost to much. When he gets there he will learn all the ins and outs, Yokuska is a few hundred miles from Sasebo, so i am not sure if they will have the same thing.

  Good luck and God bless to you and your sailor. and THANKS A BUNCH!!