Global Advanced Communications

Had an amazing experience with renting a portable wifi (mifi) from Global Advanced Communications. It worked GREAT! And the price was very fair. I would never travel to Japan without it and would recommend it to ANYONE traveling to Japan!

We used this on our trip through Japan and found it invaluable! The delivery service/​pick up in the airport post office is a breeze. There are info booths around the airport to help you find the PO. It worked from the moment we turned it on. Walking through Japan where few signs are in English and streets can be confusing, this was the simplest (and cheapest) way to have Google maps. We were able to google train connections, walking paths, and all internet info needs. We used VOIP for phone calls and texting and could be reached at all times b/​c we had wifi at all times! Before this trip, I didn’t know this service existed, but from now on, I plan to use it for any foreign travel.

On my trips to Japan, I like staying in touch with family and friends. Whether it be through email or social media, when traveling through a foreign land it helps to take away the anxiety of the everyday life left behind. Staying in touch also lets you document and share your travels with friends and family who like following along. It’s fun chronicling everyday activities and sharing the food and culture of Japan. Japan is one of my favorite places, it’s safe, people are genuinely nice and appreciative of your business and how it helps their economy. In Japan, customer service is taken very seriously. Unlike some other places, the Japanese pride themselves on doing their best to please a customer. Many go above and beyond just to make you happy. I experienced this throughout the country and also from the service I received from Global. Renting a portable wifi from them is easy and can be done online prior to your trip. After indicating which device you are interested in and the duration of the rental, they contact you with a confirmation and the payment info. Payment is made with a credit card and its charged in Yen. Simple. Next, simply give them the address of your hotel that you’ll be staying at when you arrive and it will be waiting for you upon arrival. After your trip ends, you just put the wifi in the supplied return envelope and drop it in a mailbox. I’ve had great service throughout my travels in Japan from Osaka to Aomori to Sapporo to Takayama in the mountains, the signal was pretty much strong all the way. Except for a few times that I had to reset it, it worked just fine. So remember, if you ever need wifi or phone rentals while in Japan, give them a try, you won’t be disappointed!
Solid Five Stars * * * * * for great customer service!

Major thanks to Jenn K. for this amazing tip of renting pocket WiFi through Global Advanced Comm! Seriously, aside from Japan itself, the excellence of pocket WiFi was the second hardest thing to leave behind.
Ordered directly to our first hotel, I picked up the parcel at the same time as I picked up the hotel room key. Connecting to the cellphone-​sized device was as simple as connecting to any WiFi device at home — just kept my phone on airplane mode while I turned on the WiFi, picked the device (the device name is on a sticker on the device itself), then plugged in their supplied password. Ta-​da!
I had picked the Premium WiFi package to ensure access through Hokkaido, and except for 2 – 3 times where we didn’t have access next to a mountain/​inside a tunnel through a mountain, connection was very reliable. And so fast — I swear it’s faster than whatever data we have in Toronto.
The only thing I sort of regret renting was the portable battery. If you have your own portable/​pocket battery, just plug it into that. It doesn’t require any special battery for the pocket device, it just takes a regular mini USB plug to recharge. That being said, the battery pack was only an extra 150 yen per day anyway, so no biggie at all. Plus, you can use the same battery for your regular cellphone/​device/​whatever you might have that also uses a micro USB.
Although you may not need a recharge anyway though, considering our WiFi lasted at least 16 – 18 hours per single charge.
Returning it was just as simple. Drop the device into the prepaid, pre-​labelled envelope in a mailbox at the airport when you’re done, and that’s it. Just as quickly left from my life as quickly as it had entered my heart. ~*sigh*~
TIP: If you’re flying from out from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, drop off your envelope at Blue Sky Premium shop — there’s no post office, but there’s a white plastic bin by the counter that takes mail.

My second time to rent a pocket wifi from GAC. Unlike the first time where everything worked perfectly, There are now issues with internet connectivity several times a day, sometimes in critical moments when you need it most. The device display always shows that there is a strong LTE signal but google maps and other apps that need to connect to the Internet keep on getting stuck. They work one moment but will not a few minutes later.

My brother often goes to Japan, and he told me about GAC. I’m super glad that I rented one of their pocket WiFi. It’s hard to get free WiFi in Japan, and although they are trying to change this, I didn’t want the hassle of trying to find a location to connect each time we needed the internet.
It was super handy, even though we had map apps that didn’t require any internet and relied on GPS, trying to figure out how to commute somewhere (which trains to take, cost, time) and emailing friends or using Skype to call was extremely beneficial.
We ordered the 75 Mbps Standard which allows for unlimited data and allows you to connect up to 10 devices! This is great if you’re traveling with a group of people and can divide the cost. For 17 days, it was roughly less than $ 90 CAD. Trust me, it’s worth it!
We carried it around in our backpack or purse, but since it was compact and light enough, it wasn’t much of a ‘baggage’. The battery never ran out on our daily trips, and was left with more than plenty left over at the end of the day. It goes in hibernation mode when it’s not being used, so it lasted a long time. Mind you, we weren’t watching hours of YouTube and playing online games or anything…
I highly recommend them. They are prompt in replying to my email concerns and although their payment process on their website seems a bit crude (old style), all went very smoothly. Signals were always good, even in the subway trains.
You can have it ready for pick up at the airport. But keep in mind that these are only available during business hours. My brother once ran into a problem when his flight was delayed by 2 hours and the office was closed when he arrived. But he called them up and it was quickly delivered to where he was staying.
Since I knew that there was free WiFi at Haneda Airport, I figured I could survive without WiFi from the airport to my residence. You can track the package to see if it has arrived at your destination before you arrive, be it a residential home or hotel. I think mine arrived 2 days prior to my arrival. At the end, you can package it in the prepaid envelope that was included and drop it off at any mailboxes/​post offices, or at the airports before the security gates.

Very disappointed in the pocket WIFI. It is very inconsistent. It constantly gives me battery overtemp errors randomly. I could be sitting in my hotel with AC on at 20 degrees C, and the error will occur. Furthermore, the battery sometimes does not charge. I hope I am in the minority and got a defective product, otherwise this is a waste of money and I do not recommend it.

Forget about renting out a phone while you travel. If you already own a smart device, then a Pocket Wifi is the perfect addition to your travel fanny pack (YEASSSS) to ensure you get the best experience in Japan. Why?
1. Pocket Wifi means you have 4G internet everywhere in the country that has a good service network. Using your smart device, you can now access Google Maps, Translate, Unilocal (hey hey), and more with your own device. Plus, it allows you to connect multiple devices to get internet.
2. Communicate through apps like LINE with your friends. Share memories on social media and check-​in to all your spots so you can remember them.
Even if you are fortunate to use T-​Mobile in the US, you’ll get stuck with 2G internet, which can be painful. GAC is convenient and easy to use, and makes the trip a whole lot easier! You simply select where you want it shipped (whether it be airport or local address), pick it up, and then mail it back pre-​paid once you are finished.
Be sure to charge the pocket wifi and turn it off when not in use. The battery is great, but it will die unless you keep it plugged in. The device also gets very warm upon use, so keep it in a cool spot to avoid it burning out.
GAC’s rates are very competitive and is worth the price for convenience (especially with today’s exchange rates). Enjoy your trip, and again, remember to carry your Pocket Wifi for convenience!

I would highly recommend getting a pocket wifi to anyone traveling in Japan. I would also highly recommend using this company. First off let me say, I was a little hesitant looking at the website and leaving my credit card info. Once I received a confirmation and continuously checking my bank statements I was at ease that it was not a scam. I elected to have the device delivered to Narita so I could set up and use on the train to the hotel. The speed was fine for my five devices. I logged onto my hotel’s wifi with three devices and the drop in speed was ridiculous. The only thing I might say is there were moments that my connection did drop, but it took minutes to reconnect. Also the battery life on this thing was strong and lasted about 8 hours before needing to be charged. This was a better option then having to try to log into free wifi spots!

Advice to anyone traveling to Japan — GET A POCKET WIFI.
Man, this thing changed my life. Well, maybe not my life — but it sure as heck made my vacation a lot easier. We never got lost because we had GPS at all times, we found a ton of great places to eat because I had access to Unilocal,I was able to add photos to Unilocal (very important to me lol), got to check email and most importantly have access to the Google translate tool.
Sidebar — The Google translate tool is a pretty nifty tool and you should really D/​L it if you are going anywhere you aren’t fluent in the native tongue — you can speak into it and it spits out the translation, then allows the other person to speak into it and spit out the english translation — OR you can snap a photo and it will translate what’s in the photo. Awesome for finding out exactly what you are about to eat/​order and signs. But of course the app needs the internet to work.
Great coverage. I went to Nikko and had uninterrupted service the entire way there. Even underground in most metros I had uninterrupted service.
Small — fit in my pocket (or mainly my wife’s purse).
Battery life was excellent — especially considering how much I was using it. Remember to recharge that bad boy overnight. I forgot one day and was really feeling it the next day when it tapped out in the afternoon. I had to go to a coffee shop to recharge.
Amazingly efficient shipping method. You prepay — you must order/​check if they have it available 24 hours in advance (don’t wait last minute) and they can ship it to your hotel or to the post office at Narita. We picked it up at Narita and within minutes were set up and surfing the web.
$ 67 for unlimited internet for 7 days of HEAVY internet usage is more than worth it.
Do it. And you’re welcome.

We have used GAC’s services twice now going to Japan. Both times, excellent. Just awesome coverage, easy to use, easy to order, honest and quick. It doesn’t get better than that.
You just pick the days you want to rent your pocket wifi. You pick your speed. Then you pick your delivery location. We had it deliver once to KIX airport’s post office, and once to my aunt’s residence in Osaka. Both times they arrived no problem. Once you receive it, charge it for alittle bit, then log on! It’s that simple!
After your rental period is over, you just pop it in a post box in the return envelope and you’re done. Pricing is pretty fair. For about a week, we paid $ 55. Pretty cheap compared to some other pocket wifi companies.

I have rented from this company 4 times and this most recent rental has been very disappointing. I rented the Super premium pocket wifi 165 MBPS (which is the most expensive device) and within 3 days of having the device, the unit slowed down. I had to email Global to find out the problem and learned as the unit nears 7GB a «Limitation» button appears and there is a process you have to go thru to get the restriction release. This happens every 500MBm once it reached 7GB.
This continued thru the rest of my (two week) trip and the last week, it was so bad the «Limitation» button never went away and the speed was so slow, I had to sign on to my travel partners device.
Although, I would email Global to let them know my problem and they would respond, they never offered to replace the device. And even, when I returned the device the «Limitation» icon was still showing on the device and was so slow.
First of all they should be more transparent on their website — disclosing that getting a device during the middle of the month, you may experience «Limitation» as you are getting a device that may have had heavy usage from the previous users and there is a possibility you will have to go thru steps to remove the «Limitation». This was really annoying when you are out traveling, trying to look up information or responding to emails only to find out your device does not work.
Luckily, most of the time, I was able to sign into my travel partners device, but when we went our separate ways, I had to make sure of a back up plan in the even my device did not work.
I primarily used the device while on the road and when in the hotel connected to the hotels wifi. My usage is not only for work, responding to emails, and when not using the device for work, I was primarily looking up train schedules and places to eat — No heavy usage, such as downloading movies.
This company will be my last choice as I will be ordering from another company in the future as my partner had no problem with his device, and for the amount of money I spent on this 165MBPS, the service I received was disappointing and unacceptable.

I highly recommend Global Advanced Communications if you are travelling to Japan for any length of time for business or leisure.
I cannot imagine myself without internet access. I need to Whatsapp, TextPlus, Skype, FaceBook, Google Map and of course Unilocal while I travelling to different cities in Japan for my 10 days trip.
The ordering process was easy and I got a confirmation within 24 hours and I do need to pre pay for my rental and pick the Pocket MIFI I need (21Mpbs, 75Mbps, 165Mbps) and where I want to have it picked up. GAC will mail the MIFI to the Post Office at most Japanese International airports, hotels, residential addresses.
I ended up getting the 75Mbps with Unlimited Data (slowed down when over 10G) which give you the capacity of connecting up to 10 device at the same time. The battery life is good for 10 – 12 hours which is quite good. (Tips: make sure you have a external battery available in case you are partying and drinking at Izakaya till sunrise!)
When I arrived at Narita Terminal 1, my Pocket MIFI was there waiting for me at the Post Office! I was even able to get it up running and be connected using my own Smartphone in less than 5 minute!!! (I was so overjoyed with tears in my eyes!)
The signals were excellent and always connected no matter where I travel around in the Japan (Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, Otaru, Kyoto). But if you are visiting more remote area, you might consider getting their Premium MIFI which has a wider coverage.
Returning the Rental MIFI was just as easy. There is a prepaid parcel envelope which you can drop it off at any mailboxes or post offices anywhere in Japan. But if you are traveling home by air, make sure you drop it off before you go through security as most of the airports won’t have a mailbox in post security area.
I know one might think that you don’t need internet access while you traveling or you can get free wifi access area. But that may not be the case when you are traveling in a foreign country. My travel experience really enhanced with internet access as I was able to plan a lot of detour and have plan B available with a quick research. And of course, thanks for Google Map using GPS that would take me places without too much guessing!
And of course I can check in at Unilocal too! :)

I rented a MiFi from Global Advanced Communications (GAC) during my visit to Japan. It was fantastic and gave me internet access at a good speed for a very reasonable fee.
Here’s how it works. You book it on the website, then they ship it to the Post Office in the airport and you stop in to pick it up on arrival. I had a bit of a glitch there – finding the Post Office in the airport! Once that was done, it was smooth sailing (and surfing) for the rest of my trip.
I also rented a back-​up battery, which is highly recommended for those long days. In the end, I dropped it in the post box in the pre-​paid envelope and was good to go.
I didn’t realize how great GAC was until I tried to rent a MiFi in Europe from a different company a couple of years later. What a disaster – the unit never arrived, they never returned my calls, but I was saved by contesting the charge with the credit card company. Apparently most of these MiFi companies around the globe are a bit shaky. GAC and Japan, however, sets the standard for telecom rentals.