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I can relate to this. I was in Japan for two weeks and the international data worked flawlessly for me. I was diligent about tracking my usage and didn't see an

I can relate to this. I was in Japan for two weeks and the international data worked flawlessly for me. I was diligent about tracking my usage and didn't see any charges out of line with my expectations. It made navigating the public transit a cakewalk. I'm in the same boat.

soperj 8y ago
Why not download the maps before hand? Whenever I go abroad, I just download the maps in advance, and have no issue at all with just being on airplane mode.
- kung_fu_jive 8y ago
  That is a great suggestion. I did rely on more than just transit information however. Using translate, looking up services and reviews for services, reserving a rental vehicle for two days, etc. Some of my needs couldn't be anticipated such as meeting a bartender in Osaka and being recommended a Japanese band to check out. Researching how to purchase tickets was something I didn't anticipate needing to do while planning the trip.
  - soperj 8y ago
    You can actually download an offline translation file as well for google translate.
- xster 8y ago
  Depends on the individual's travel style I guess. I'm a very spontaneous unplanned type traveler so I use a lot more than just navigation data during the day. Things like venues' reviews, event tickets, hotel bookings, train tickets, travel blogs, local payment apps, rideshare apps, answering VoIP calls/messages/voicemails from home number etc.
- propogandist 8y ago
  You cannot download offline maps for Japan, at least on Google Maps
  - soperj 8y ago
    Here maps you can.
- yebyen 8y ago
  Because the data doesn't cost anything different than when I'm at home. Do you always do that when you're at home too? That's very conscientious of you, I can tell you that my data bill is already under $5-10/mo most months, there is just WiFi everywhere so I don't always go to the trouble. The fact is that the calling rates are very reasonable by default while traveling abroad, and there are no extras charged for data or text. I rarely travel internationally, but not to be held back by my phone! There are no special travel packages to buy, it just works wherever you go.

soperj 8y ago

Why not download the maps before hand? Whenever I go abroad, I just download the maps in advance, and have no issue at all with just being on airplane mode.

kung_fu_jive 8y ago
That is a great suggestion. I did rely on more than just transit information however. Using translate, looking up services and reviews for services, reserving a rental vehicle for two days, etc. Some of my needs couldn't be anticipated such as meeting a bartender in Osaka and being recommended a Japanese band to check out. Researching how to purchase tickets was something I didn't anticipate needing to do while planning the trip.
- soperj 8y ago
  You can actually download an offline translation file as well for google translate.
xster 8y ago
Depends on the individual's travel style I guess. I'm a very spontaneous unplanned type traveler so I use a lot more than just navigation data during the day. Things like venues' reviews, event tickets, hotel bookings, train tickets, travel blogs, local payment apps, rideshare apps, answering VoIP calls/messages/voicemails from home number etc.
propogandist 8y ago
You cannot download offline maps for Japan, at least on Google Maps
- soperj 8y ago
  Here maps you can.
yebyen 8y ago
Because the data doesn't cost anything different than when I'm at home. Do you always do that when you're at home too? That's very conscientious of you, I can tell you that my data bill is already under $5-10/mo most months, there is just WiFi everywhere so I don't always go to the trouble. The fact is that the calling rates are very reasonable by default while traveling abroad, and there are no extras charged for data or text. I rarely travel internationally, but not to be held back by my phone! There are no special travel packages to buy, it just works wherever you go.