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(About GSM)
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What is the GSM network standard? |
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GSM is an abbreviation for Global System for Mobile Communications.
GSM is one of the wireless communications standards used by digital mobile phones. It is widely used throughout the world, including Europe, the Americas, Asia, Oceania, and Africa. It is not compatible with the CDMA and PDC systems used in Japan.
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In what regions is GSM primarily provided? |
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GSM is widely used throughout the world, including Europe, the Americas, Asia, Oceania, and Africa.
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What is the difference between the GSM and CDMA standards? |
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GSM is a second-generation communications standard primarily used in Europe. It is now the most widely used system in the world. CDMA is the primary communications standard in North America, South Korea, and other countries.
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(Countries covered by the service)
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Is this service available in all GSM network countries? |
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No. There are roughly 200 countries and regions using GSM, GLOBAL PASSPORT GSM is available in approximately 180 of these countries and regions. Please check the Service Area Map page for the countries and regions in which the service is available.
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(Services available)
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Will I have to use a different phone number when using the service abroad? |
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You can use the same au phone number that you use in Japan.
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Can I connect my phone to a personal computer and use a data communications service? |
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No, this service is not available.
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(Date of start of service)
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I have purchased an au IC-Card-compatible handset, and I would like to go abroad and begin using GLOBAL PASSPORT GSM immediately. Will I be able to do so? |
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For new customers, the service can be used abroad 2 days after you use it for the first time in Japan. It becomes available by inserting the au IC-Card into a GSM mobile phone.
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I have switched my phone to an au IC-Card-compatible model, and I would like to go abroad and begin using GLOBAL PASSPORT GSM immediately. Will I be able to do so? |
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In this case, you can use the phone abroad even if you take the au IC-Card-compatible model to your destination without previously using it within Japan.
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(Links with domestic plans)
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If I have an au IC-Card-compatible handset, can I use GLOBAL PASSPORT GSM with any of the domestic charge plans? |
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This is possible. However, voice communications charges will not be applied in accordance with your current pricing plan, but will vary according to the country or region in which you use the phone. Please check the Service Area Map/Charges page for calling charges in each country.
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I would like to use both GLOBAL PASSPORT CDMA and GLOBAL PASSPORT GSM services with a single contract. Is this possible? |
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There are currently no models that allow usage of both GLOBAL PASSPORT CDMA and GLOBAL PASSPORT GSM with one contract and one handset.
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(Handsets recommended by au)
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How can I get a GSM phone that is necessary for using GLOBAL PASSPORT GSM? |
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You may purchase or rent a GSM phone according to your needs and travel frequency.
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Is it possible to use GSM phones sold in Japan and abroad other than the GSM phone models recommended by au? |
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You can most likely use these models. However, au offers no support for availability of this service, or for any malfunctioning, damage, or other problems with au IC-Cards.
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I used a GSM phone other than those recommended by au, and my au IC-Card seems to have been damaged or its data seems to be lost. What should I do? |
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We do not offer support for such circumstances.
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(Service charges for usage)
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What are the daily and monthly charges for the use of GLOBAL PASSPORT GSM? |
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Daily and monthly usage charges are not applied.
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(Differences with GLOBAL PASSPORT CDMA)
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What are the distinctive features and merits of GLOBAL PASSPORT GSM in relation to GLOBAL PASSPORT CDMA? |
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GLOBAL PASSPORT GSM allows roaming on the GSM network which is not available with GLOBAL PASSPORT CDMA. This allows roaming in places such as Singapore and countries in Europe that do not have a CDMA network.
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Are there any countries covered by GLOBAL PASSPORT CDMA in which GLOBAL PASSPORT GSM cannot be used? |
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Yes: South Korea. Like Japan, South Korea does not provide mobile phone service on the GSM standard (except for the W-CDMA standard), so GLOBAL PASSPORT GSM is not available.
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(Charge Limit Service)
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Can the GLOBAL PASSPORT GSM usage portion be applied to usage limit services? |
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The "Charge Limit Service" cannot be used during overseas roaming.
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I am enrolled in the "Charge Limit Service". If I have reached my calling limit domestically, what will happen if I go abroad? |
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Calling limits do not apply during overseas roaming, so you will be able to use your phone at your destination, but calling limits will be reapplied for calls within Japan upon your return.
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(Before You Depart (confirmation of service availability in the destination))
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I would like to confirm that service is being provided in my destination. Can I do this? |
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Please check the Service Area Map for the latest service area information. However, please note that countries, regions and cities in which service is provided may change due to circumstances of the local carriers. In addition, information about service interruptions in each country is listed on the "Before You Depart" page, so please check this before you depart for your destination. We try to provide as much information as possible on the au website about service interruptions from our overseas carriers, but because information is always changing, in some cases we do not receive the appropriate information from our overseas carriers. Therefore, please be aware that this information may not be complete.
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