Does anyone know if the Audiovox SMT5600 work in Japan. I am pretty sure the answer will be no but Cingular is saying, and I quote, "maybe" . They want to set up an international roaming package without knowing whether it will work or not. You'd think they would have a better idea than that.

GSM phones do not work in Japan or South Korea. They use a completely different network over there.

http://www.vodafone.jp/english/

If you must have a mobile phone in Japan I would highly recommend Vodaphone. I was able to get a pre-paid phone for about 8000 yen. A 3000 yen phone card would give you about 50 minutes of talk time. Calls are 60-80 yen per minute to anywhere in the country. Most of the details are available at:

http://www.vodafone.jp/english/online_shop/index.html

The Vodaphone store employees are extremely courteous and helpful. Just remember to list your hotel room as place of residence.

I found having a mobile phone a necessity for meeting up with friends while in Japan. Leaving messages at hotels and finding a pay phone was just too hard. Good Luck!