Get Your Smartphone Set Up in Japan Before Your Language Study Abroad!

Hello, this is Awork Academy.

Of all the things we use in daily life, the smartphone is probably the one we use most.

That's why, when going abroad for long-term study or a working holiday,

we often get asked,
"How should I use my phone once I'm there?"

There are ways to sign up for a plan after you arrive,

but recently, more services let you get a local number before you even leave Japan.

Setting things up in advance means you can start using your phone as soon as you arrive, which gives peace of mind.

This time, we'll introduce some representative services you can activate before departure.

<United States: HanaCell>

HanaCell is a communication service for people who want to use a smartphone in the US. You can apply for a SIM or eSIM while you're still in Japan and have everything ready before you travel. It's a plan you can sign up for and use in the US with Japanese-language support throughout.

📱 Preparation Steps

• Receive or obtain a SIM or eSIM in Japan beforehand
  A physical SIM can be shipped free of charge to an address in Japan or the US, and an eSIM can be received online.

• Activate it before departure (you can also specify a start date)
  Once you apply for activation with the SIM you received, it can be set up to work as soon as you arrive.

• Get a US phone number and use it
  You'll be given a local US phone number, and you can use calls, SMS, and data at local rates.
  
  

📶 Features

• There are multiple pricing plans, so you can choose one that fits your usage and length of stay (e.g., $9.99–$79 per month, etc.).

• There's no contract term, so you can cancel anytime for free.

• Works with both iPhone and Android, and also supports eSIM (online setup available for compatible devices).
  
  

📌 Key Point

If you prepare a US phone number and mobile line before you travel, you'll have a way to communicate locally right after you arrive, saving you the trouble of hunting for a SIM or handling paperwork—giving you real peace of mind.

< Canada: Phonebox >

PhoneBox is a mobile communication service you can use in Canada, and you can sign up and prepare for it while still in Japan. Whether you're studying abroad, on a working holiday, or staying short- or long-term, its biggest advantage is that you can use your phone from the very day you arrive.

📱 Key Points

• You can choose between prepaid and postpaid plans.

• There are flexible plans available even for short stays (for example, under one month), with no contract commitment.

• For long stays (one month or more), plans with larger data allowances or monthly contracts are easier to use.

• With eSIM (no physical SIM needed), you can install it directly on your smartphone and start using it (compatible devices only).

• With a physical SIM card, it will be shipped to an address in Japan, and you insert it into your phone to use.

• If you apply before departure, your number can be issued on your preferred date, so you can start using service right after arriving in Canada.
  
  

📌 Key Point

If you arrange a phone number and line before traveling, you can contact friends, your host, or your school right after arriving at the airport, which gives peace of mind. Especially during study abroad or a working holiday, this can save you the trouble of searching for a SIM or handling procedures locally.

Summary

For studying abroad or a working holiday, a smartphone is essential.

✔ Able to communicate right after arrival
✔ Peace of mind in emergencies
✔ A smoother start to daily life

For these reasons, we recommend activating your service before departure.

Of course, signing up locally is also an option, but if you're at all worried, preparing in advance will give you peace of mind.

On Awork Academy's official website, we provide easy-to-understand information about working holidays and language study abroad, organized by country.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us anytime.