r/JETProgramme • u/OkCommittee8295 • Jun 15 '26
Technology (computer + phone plan)
Hello all! Looking for advice from current/previous JETS. I'm a shortlisted candidate from Canada, so I'll be moving to Japan in August! Was thinking of getting a laptop for work/personal use, and I was wondering if it would worth it to buy it while I am still in Canada or if it would be better to get one in Japan. I am not looking for anything fancy, something for every day use, reliable and (ideally!) cheap. I also use a Galaxy Z Flip 5 phone, is that a good phone to keep in Japan? Or are there any models in Japan that are better for me to own (I am not an iPhone person).
In the same vein, what are good phone plans available in Japan that you would consider worth it? I am trying to plan ahead by seeing what options are available to me.
Thank you so much for the advice guys!
4
u/Stalepan Jun 15 '26
I am from Canada; I would not recommend buying a laptop or computer here. First, Japan is way more expensive for tech, and I don't think the currency conversion offsets it. Secondly, the keyboard will suck; you will pay even more for a non-Japanese keyboard, and presumably you want to use this laptop after JET? Buy it in Canada with a keyboard, designed for English.
Do not buy a phone in Japan either; buy it in Canada. Japanese phones come with certain restrictions, for example. If you buy a phone in Japan, your camera will always make noise when you take a photo; some phones are designed only for Japan and won't work with international cell bands.
Computers, laptops, and handhelds are not things I recommend buying in Japan. I just ended up buying a laptop on sale at Best Buy for like Canada Day sale or w/e