Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
International Calls
›
Phone cards are available from many convenience stores and newsstands and
are the most convenient way to call either locally or internationally. Look for the
Brastel cards (
www.brastel.com/pages/eng/home/#location
)
, which have explana-
tions in English.
Mobile Phones
›
Overseas mobile phones are not compatible with local SIM cards.
›
Pick up a rental from one of the counters operating out of Narita Airport
(
www.narita-airport.jp/en/guide/service/list/svc_19.html
). Some even offer smart
phones, which are invaluable for navigating Tokyo's confusing address system.
›
There are a few rental shops at Haneda Airport, too (
www.haneda-airport.jp/
Pay Phones
›
Payphones (usually bright green) are still fairly common around train stations;
domestic calls cost ¥10 per minute.
Toilets
Top Tip
Public toilets stocked with toilet paper are easy to come by and are
almost always clean. All train stations have them, as do convenience stores
(though technically you should buy something).
›
Traditional squat toilets still exist in Tokyo, but it's rare to find accommodation,
restaurants or public facilities that don't have at least one Western-style toilet.
›
You'll see people drying their hands on handkerchiefs or small washcloths as
most public toilets lack paper towels or hand-dryers; pick one up at a ¥100 shop.
›
If you encounter one of Japan's state-of-the-art 'washlets' (toilets with bidets),
check the control panel for your flush options - means 'big' and means 'small'.
