Japan - Travelsim, UM, other?

[DRNewcomb]

Cingular Tilt(HTC) Unlocked, I have verified that it will function with networks in Japan.

Not familiar with that phone. If it has UMTS-2100 it should. Otherwise, don't count on it.

I checked the CelTrek mentioned in your post and it looks okay, that their site has not been udpated in nearly a year, and all the typo's concerns me slightly. Do you recommend CelTrek for me?

All I can say is that it has worked for me. It only roams on SoftBank, not NTT. So you don't get the benefit of double coverage. Not such a big deal since SoftBank's (Vodafone, JPHONE) coverage has gotten much better over the last four years.

One negative has to do with making local calls. Since the call routes (I assume) from Japan to Israel to the US and back there can be a noticable delay in the conversation. I recommended CelTrek on one friend who used it for local calls but his wife refused to talk on the phone. The time delay bothered her that much. I would assume that the same would be true for all international prepaids that are using a callback to connect local calls.

This is one problem you will not have with a local rental.

I have also considered just getting a SIM in Tokyo when I arrive, but that negates having everything in place for me to receive calls(people knowing the number to dial).

Renting a SIM from the SoftBank kiosk is a good option for many visitors. If you have a forwarding system in place you can activate it over the Internet before you leave the airport.

[bones_boy]

I was at Narita airport two weeks ago and Celtrek worked nicely. I wholeheartedly recommend them, their CS is pretty responsive.

I use an unlocked AT&T Tilt as well.

There was a noticeable delay, but it was way worse in Russia (Vladivostok and Sakhalinsk).

[AndreA]

Originally Posted by DRNewcomb

This is one problem you will not have with a local rental.

Well, often it's true but sometimes you can find a local operator with the same troubles for international calls.